Horse Illustrated Magazine

The Western Dressage Association® of America introduced its revised 2013 Western Dressage rules for all breeds and 16 new WDAA authored Western Dressage tests on December 1st, 2012. The new rules and tests are available on the WDAA’s website.

The Rules were revised incorporating the WDAA mission, the training fundamentals of dressage, the rich western history, and the thoughts and feedback of our members, advisory board and representatives from major equine organizations.

Both the Rules and the Tests are designed to be utilized throughout the equine industry at competitions from schooling shows to World Championships for both USEF and non USEF affiliated breeds.

A committee of skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable horse people dedicated their time and talents to creating tests which would assess the horse and rider, provide opportunities for feedback and celebrate the communication found in moments of lightness and harmony.

The 2013 Western Dressage Test offering covers four progressive levels; Introductory, Basic, Level 1 and Level 2; through each level’s series of four increasingly challenging tests. The horse and rider progress from test to test and level to level as they mature in physical skill, mental ability and partnership. The WDAA is excited for the response to these offerings and additional levels of tests are under development for release in 2014.

The 2013 Western Dressage Rules and Tests begin their use with the start of the 2013 show season. WDAA corporate partner, HorseShow.com, will feature WDAA online shows as part of their offerings. All WDAA breed alliance partners, as well as hundreds of additional groups ranging from schooling show hosts to USEF and USDF GMOs plan to hold Western Dressage offerings featuring WDAA Rules and Tests.

For additional information regarding hosting Western Dressage events or Recognized Show, please contact the WDAA at info@westerndressageassociation.org.

Further Reading
Dressage Goes West