Western dressage

Western dressage just wowed the elite of the English-riding crowd, but how might it benefit your horse? Get the scoop and see Lynn Palm’s terrific rides.

Two of our writers have been competing in western dressage — and they’re hooked! Read how Ashley Francese rediscovered her love of dressage through western dressage and learn how to get involved.

If you like setting a goal and tackling each step to achieve it, chances are good you’ll find a western dressage show quite satisfying.

The Western Pleasure class is often the largest performance class at any horse show, be it real or model. This is a basic rail class with the horses competing in a group, at three different gaits and in both directions of the arena. The ideal pleasure horse should exhibit smooth, relaxed gaits and perfect manners. In other words, he should be a pleasure to ride! All of today's photos were taken at the Rocky Mountain Quarter Horse Association's Youth and Amateur Show held last month at the…

It’s rare for a new discipline to emerge on the equestrian scene, but for the past few years the sport of Western Dressage has grown in popularity.

You should have the right saddle to connect and find balance with your horse, especially during dressage. Dressage requires a high level of skill and technique. A dressage saddle should allow the horse to move freely without any restrictions while training. Dressage saddles should also fit the rider and horse like a glove while giving sufficient support and stability. #pad #brown #black #western #saddle #aesthetic #helpfulhorsehints

"Stacy, How can I teach my horse to reach his neck down and out for the free walk?"Free walk, stretchy walk, long and low...no matter what riders call it the idea is the same. The horse should lower and stretch the neck downward and outward.

Get a taste for this buzzworthy sport by trying out a Western dressage test right here.