Etian Beth-Halachmy at Horse Expo 2012, Pomona, CA Event
Yes. I know. The purists are probably freaking out. Me? I don't really care one way or the other. Given where I come from, the endurance world, I can't really turn my nose up at anyone. Endurance riders are kind of viewed as the step-children of the equine world. We/they don't really fit into any clear cut category. It's not English, it's not western, it's ... see? So if western riders want to give dressage a try, I say go for it!
The USDF Connection had an informative article in last month's issue. In fact, Etian Beth-Halachmy (who I think is one of the founders of the western dressage movement), was on the cover. I suspect western dressage will continue to grow, and I think the USDF feels so as well. They've welcomed, or so it seems, the western dressage riders and are quickly making room for them. Good for USDF. I am finding that Dressage is not an overwhelmingly popular sport amongst the masses. Being more inclusive might help change that. It's funny that I seem to choose disciplines that are less than mainstream.
With that said, the Tehachapi Mountain Chapter of CDS is offering a range of Western Dressage classes at all four of their 2012 CDS-rated summer shows. The first show is June 24, 2012. Here are PDFs of the show premium and the western dressage entry form for that show. You can also find them here.
The USDF Connection had an informative article in last month's issue. In fact, Etian Beth-Halachmy (who I think is one of the founders of the western dressage movement), was on the cover. I suspect western dressage will continue to grow, and I think the USDF feels so as well. They've welcomed, or so it seems, the western dressage riders and are quickly making room for them. Good for USDF. I am finding that Dressage is not an overwhelmingly popular sport amongst the masses. Being more inclusive might help change that. It's funny that I seem to choose disciplines that are less than mainstream.
With that said, the Tehachapi Mountain Chapter of CDS is offering a range of Western Dressage classes at all four of their 2012 CDS-rated summer shows. The first show is June 24, 2012. Here are PDFs of the show premium and the western dressage entry form for that show. You can also find them here.
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Did you know that there is already a Western Dressage Association? There's even a California Affiliate. I know. These people are serious and want to participate in dressage. Even if you're not jumping onto their train, take a minute and check out their site(s). It's pretty interesting stuff, especially the "What is Western Dressage?"
Just a quick P.S. I saw Etian Beth-Halachmy at the Pomona Horse Expo this winter and was quite impressed with his riding. He's obviously very accomplished at what he does, and using dressage to improve a western horse seems to really work. If you missed that blog post, you can catch it here.
Just a quick P.S. I saw Etian Beth-Halachmy at the Pomona Horse Expo this winter and was quite impressed with his riding. He's obviously very accomplished at what he does, and using dressage to improve a western horse seems to really work. If you missed that blog post, you can catch it here.
