Special Feature
WESTERN A
Dressage SPECIAL
Dressage and western may seem poles apart, but the disciplines have much in common and are moving together on a global scale, writes Jane Carley
t the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Kentucky, dressage fans gasped in awe as their sport’s darling, Anky Van Grunsven, performed a freestyle reining routine in the main arena, clad in full western attire and aboard a Quarter Horse. The better informed among them would know that she had already acquitted herself very well in the reining competition as a member of the Dutch team. Olympic gold medal winning Anky is the most high profile of a growing band of dressage riders who have been captivated by western riding, although this should come as no surprise. Both are rooted in classical riding, with the skills of the educated horse trainer used to good effect in battle before being showcased by elite riders, such as those from the Spanish Riding School, on one continent and deployed to help build a nation by allowing herdsmen to control and direct livestock across a vast and wild terrain on another. The attraction works both ways, with western riders increasingly seeing the benefit of dressage training to get the most out of their competition or leisure horses. A few years ago, a Morgan horse show in northern California started offering dressage classes for riders who wished to compete using western tack and attire. As the discipline grew in popularity, riders approached the Morgan committee of USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) and asked for help getting these classes approved. The Morgan committee worked with USEF to develop rules and guidelines for judging these classes as well as tests
www.westernhorseuk.com
for western dressage classes based on those used in conventional dressage competition. The Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA) was formed after classical trainer and western breed producer Eitan Beth-Halachmy joined forces with reining trainer Jack Brainard. They met in 2007 having found common ground in their horsemanship philosophies. Their mutual goal - to use dressage principles and techniques to improve the athleticism of the stock-bred horse - was the inspiration for the foundation of the WDAA in 2010. Demonstrations at WEG Kentucky brought the discipline to a wider audience. The WDAA then emerged as the co-ordinating body for the sport, working alongside the USEF to promote and regulate it.
THE RULES In the USA western dressage classes are judged by USEF licensed judges, using a set of guidelines written to assist them when officiating that differ from conventional dressage judging. Differences mainly relate to tack and equipment. For example, when using a curb bit the rider can use one or two hands, and of course any standard western stock saddle is acceptable. Correct dress may also appeal to those who have been put off the classical sport by breeches and boots, being based on Morgan Western Pleasure appointments and attire. However, the required way of going is also clarified, with the
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