MAY 2012 THE RIDER /43 Western Style Dressage Association of Canada
By Joan Caskie, Secretary and P.R. Coordinator, WSDAC
There is a new and growing riding discipline in Canada and the United States. It is being met with great interest and enthusiasm by many long time riders that are look- ing for something with “substance and direction” to do with their hors- es. This new discipline is open, available, and “do-able” by any rider at any level of training, and any horse at any level of training. Around North America there are several prominent riders, trainers, and coaches promoting the discipline and they are willingly making their expertise and talents available to fur- ther the cause. This new discipline is Western Style Dressage (WSD). Just what is Western Style
Dressage? The simplest definition - using dres- sage techniques, riding in western style saddle and tack. The traditions of the Western horse and rider are maintained, but the traditions of dressage develop a systematic training process for both horse and rider. More specifically, the objective of WSD is correctly developing the horse so that it becomes an athlete that is a pleasure to ride, works harmoniously with the rider, is calm, sup- ple, loose, balanced and flexible. The horse becomes confident and willing to perform the basics correctly with little apparent effort. Specif- ic exercises are trained and performed in a logical sequence over time so that physical, mental, and
to benchmark the progress of each partnership. The ride is scored and critiqued by dressage judges so the rider will understand strong and weak points and what to improve upon. This scor- ing also allows for healthy competition at shows, if desired.
our sport. We were a presence at the Can-Am All Breeds Show in London, Ontario mid- March. Margo Hepfner-Hart of British Columbia included WSD in her dressage clinic of March 30, 31 and April 1. WSDAC will be represented by our President, Elaine Ward, at the Mane Event in Red Deer, Alberta April 27-29, and a clin- ic in Edmonton May 4-6. Plans are underway to appear at as many fairs and events as possi- ble. After Elaine spoke at the Standardbred Showcase Riding Club of Ontario they decided to form a breed alliance with WSDAC and will feature WSD classes at the Standardbred Showcase shows. There is a photo of Elaine and her horse Almaz performing WSD in the
The Western Style Dressage Association of Canada (WSDAC), web site www.westenstyle-
dressage.ca, is the one, official national associa- tion supporting the growth of WSD in Canada. It is dedicated to educate, foster and promote West- ern Style Dressage in Canada. In the USA the Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA) is our affiliate and partner. The Board of Directors and Executive Officials of WSDAC have worked diligently to be ready to accept membership. Our association is registered with Industry Canada, rules written, and several pat- terns developed and ready for use in training facilities and shows country wide. Check our web site for the patterns and links to YouTube videos of actual patterns being ridden. We are welcom- ing members with open arms and open hearts, knowing that we are providing a truly attractive alternative to horseback riding enthusiasts that are looking for a discipline that is effective, pretty, and satisfying to ride.
spiritual development is nurtured in horse and rider. A true partnership is gained as both partners learn to exercise self control while remaining relaxed, efficient, and esthetically pleasing in their movements. Each partnership advances at its own pace. Testing is not mandatory but riding patterns requiring increasing skill and control is encouraged, ridden at organized horse shows, to bring the membership together in community and
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WSDAC is a Not-for-Profit corporation and we are relying on memberships and sponsors to fund the work of promotion and education of this sport. There is good reason to become a member of the Western Style Dressage Association of Canada. All members in good standing have a voice in this organization. Each member is enti- tled to one vote on each item presented for con- sideration at general membership meetings. Mem- bers are entitled to discounted rates on events, workshops and clinics arranged and presented by the Association. WSDAC encourages members to form regional “chapters” Canada-wide so that enthusiasts for this discipline can participate on a national level but also sponsor accessible events locally. As a bonus to members they have exclu- sive rights to an online evaluation by experienced and qualified dressage coaches of the progress that they and their horse are making in WSD. The rules and patterns developed by the Association are free - just ask. Details on how to join as a member, establish a “chapter”, how to get an online evaluation, or how to give us a “leg-up” as a sponsor, and the specifics of acceptable tack and equipment are available on our website. We at WSDAC are encouraged by the inter- est that has already been expressed by many for
is holding Western Style Dres- sage Workshops to promote our sport with the Delta Riding Club in Delta B.C who will be offering our patterns this year. Visit www.westenstyledres-
sage.ca for full information on our Association, our executive, and information on upcoming events.
April edition of “Horse Illus- trated”. Beginning this year Dressage Niagara will be hold- ing two WSD classes at each of their shows. Marion Weis- skopff is offering several WSD clinics in several cities in British Columbia during the month of April. Adiva Murphy
Also look for us on Face- Book at
www.facebook.come/western- styledressage . If you are involved in an equine organiza- tion and would like to exchange web site links with us please contact Joan Caskie at
info@westernstyledressage.ca or phone 519 622 6865.
We look forward to wel- coming you as members of WSDAC.
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