western Dressage
Western Dressage is, in short, is a form of dressage done in western gear. There are slightly different tests where the horse is still moving forward, with development of impulsion coming from the haunch, however the gaits are not as dramatic as they are in Classical, Veteran, or Modern Dressage. For more information, please register for one or more classical dressage degrees.
Western Dressage is divided into 5 levels that is offered. In each, there are two tests and one kur, which is a Musical Freestyle test ridden to music. Riders choose music and choreograph movements to match the horse’s natural gaits and musical rhythm. There are specific elements and it is judged on music to movements, artistic expression, risk or difficulty and technical accuracy. Movements with coefficients are in bold font.
Western Dressage is divided into 5 levels that is offered. In each, there are two tests and one kur, which is a Musical Freestyle test ridden to music. Riders choose music and choreograph movements to match the horse’s natural gaits and musical rhythm. There are specific elements and it is judged on music to movements, artistic expression, risk or difficulty and technical accuracy. Movements with coefficients are in bold font.
Phase 1: Basic campaign western horse (Bronze Medal classes)
Discipline Class Name: Western Dressage 0
Description: This is an excellent beginning class, very simple in design, and easy for those who want to start.
Gaits: Working Walk, Free Walk and Working Jog.
Movements: The horses get used to 20 meter circles.
Credits: 2.0 credits upon scoring 55% or higher
Certification: For horse and rider combination for scoring 60+% twice or once and a kur.
Test:
1. A – Enter Working Walk, Near X – Halt, salute & proceed to develop Working Jog.
2. C – Track right, proceed around to A
3. A – Circle right
4. A – Working Walk
5. KXM – Free walk (loose rein)
6. M – Working Walk
7. C – Develop working Jog and circle left
8. C –Working Jog
9. HXF- Change rein
10. A - Turn down centerline, Near X – Halt through walk and Salute
Kur (Musical Freestyle) Elements: Time 3-4 minutes. Entrance & halts, Working Jog 20 meters, Working Walk 20 meters, Working Jog one loop, Working Walk 10-15m circle, Working Jog 15-20m circle, Free Walk on loose rein (20m continuous)
Description: This is an excellent beginning class, very simple in design, and easy for those who want to start.
Gaits: Working Walk, Free Walk and Working Jog.
Movements: The horses get used to 20 meter circles.
Credits: 2.0 credits upon scoring 55% or higher
Certification: For horse and rider combination for scoring 60+% twice or once and a kur.
Test:
1. A – Enter Working Walk, Near X – Halt, salute & proceed to develop Working Jog.
2. C – Track right, proceed around to A
3. A – Circle right
4. A – Working Walk
5. KXM – Free walk (loose rein)
6. M – Working Walk
7. C – Develop working Jog and circle left
8. C –Working Jog
9. HXF- Change rein
10. A - Turn down centerline, Near X – Halt through walk and Salute
Kur (Musical Freestyle) Elements: Time 3-4 minutes. Entrance & halts, Working Jog 20 meters, Working Walk 20 meters, Working Jog one loop, Working Walk 10-15m circle, Working Jog 15-20m circle, Free Walk on loose rein (20m continuous)
Discipline Class Name: Western Dressage 3 Gaits (Pre-Level)
Description: This is a basic class, great for beginners of all sorts of riders of all ages.
Gaits: Working Walk, Free Walk, Working Jog and Working Lope.
Movements: The horse is asked to stretch down and forward in a circle.
Credits: 2.0 credits upon scoring 55+%
Certification: For horse and rider combination for scoring 60+% twice OR once and a kur.
Test:
1. A – Enter Working Jog, Near X – Halt through walk, Salute, Proceed to develop working Jog
2. C – Track Right, MXF – One loop
3. Between A & K – Working Lope Right Lead
4. E – Circle right, E – Working Lope
5. Between H & C – Working Jog
6. M – Working Walk
7. Before B – Free Walk on long rein to K, K – Working Walk
8. A - Develop Working Jog, FXM – One loop
9. Between C & H – Working Lope left lead
10. E – Circle Right, E – Working Lope
11. Between K & A – Working Jog
12. FXH – Change Rein working Jog
13. Circle right rising Jog allowing horse to stretch forward and downward on long rein, Before C – Shorten Reins
14. C – Working Jog, Near B – Turn right, Near X – Turn on centerline, Before C – Halt through walk and salute
Kur (Musical Freestyle) Elements: Time 3.5 - 4.5 minutes. Entrance & halts, Working Walk 15 meters, Free Walk on long rein 20 m, Working Lope 20m circle, Working Jog 20 meters, Working Jog 15-20m circle, Stretch forward & downward 20m circle Jog
Description: This is a basic class, great for beginners of all sorts of riders of all ages.
Gaits: Working Walk, Free Walk, Working Jog and Working Lope.
Movements: The horse is asked to stretch down and forward in a circle.
Credits: 2.0 credits upon scoring 55+%
Certification: For horse and rider combination for scoring 60+% twice OR once and a kur.
Test:
1. A – Enter Working Jog, Near X – Halt through walk, Salute, Proceed to develop working Jog
2. C – Track Right, MXF – One loop
3. Between A & K – Working Lope Right Lead
4. E – Circle right, E – Working Lope
5. Between H & C – Working Jog
6. M – Working Walk
7. Before B – Free Walk on long rein to K, K – Working Walk
8. A - Develop Working Jog, FXM – One loop
9. Between C & H – Working Lope left lead
10. E – Circle Right, E – Working Lope
11. Between K & A – Working Jog
12. FXH – Change Rein working Jog
13. Circle right rising Jog allowing horse to stretch forward and downward on long rein, Before C – Shorten Reins
14. C – Working Jog, Near B – Turn right, Near X – Turn on centerline, Before C – Halt through walk and salute
Kur (Musical Freestyle) Elements: Time 3.5 - 4.5 minutes. Entrance & halts, Working Walk 15 meters, Free Walk on long rein 20 m, Working Lope 20m circle, Working Jog 20 meters, Working Jog 15-20m circle, Stretch forward & downward 20m circle Jog
Discipline Class Name: Western Dressage Pre-Lateral (Level I)
Description: The horse must be working with a level to uphill top-line and has good working gaits.
Gaits: Lengthened stride in jog and lope. The Working walk is replaced by the Ordinary walk.
Movements: Horses lope the 15 meter circle, jog serpentine, lope to quarter-lines and the leg yield is tested only at the walk.
Credits: 2.0 credits upon scoring 55% or higher
Certification: For horse and rider combination for scoring 60% twice or once and a kur.
Test W6:
1. A - Enter working Jog, X - Halt, Salute, Proceed working Jog
2. C - Track right, MXK - Lengthen stride in Jog, rising or sitting, K - Working Jog
3. A - Down centerline, X - Circle left
4. X– Walk and Leg yield right several strides, then walk to M, M – Working Jog
5. HXF - Lengthen stride in Jog, rising or sitting, F - Working Jog
6. A - Down centerline, X - Circle right
7. X– Walk and Leg yield left several strides, then walk to H, H – Working Jog
8. C - Circle right rising Jog, allowing horse to stretch forward & downward on long rein Before C - Shorten reins, C - Working Jog sitting
9. M - Ordinary Walk, R-V - Lengthened stride in walk, V - Ordinary Walk
10. K – Working Jog
11. A - Working Lope left lead & circle left 15 m
12. F - Lengthen stride in Lope, Before M - Working Lope
13. HXF– Change rein, Near X- Change lead through Jog
14. F – Working Lope right lead, K-H - One loop to quarter line, maintaining right lead
15. H- Working Lope, C - Circle right 15m
16. M - Lengthen stride in Lope, Before F - Working Lope
17. F- Working Jog, A - Down centerline, X - Halt, Salute
Kur (Musical Freestyle) Elements: Time 3.5 - 4.5 minutes. Entrance & halts, Ordinary Walk 10 meters, Lengthened Walk 15 meters, Working Lope 15m circle, Working Jog 10m volte, Leg Yield at Walk, Lengthened Jog, Change of leg through Jog
Description: The horse must be working with a level to uphill top-line and has good working gaits.
Gaits: Lengthened stride in jog and lope. The Working walk is replaced by the Ordinary walk.
Movements: Horses lope the 15 meter circle, jog serpentine, lope to quarter-lines and the leg yield is tested only at the walk.
Credits: 2.0 credits upon scoring 55% or higher
Certification: For horse and rider combination for scoring 60% twice or once and a kur.
Test W6:
1. A - Enter working Jog, X - Halt, Salute, Proceed working Jog
2. C - Track right, MXK - Lengthen stride in Jog, rising or sitting, K - Working Jog
3. A - Down centerline, X - Circle left
4. X– Walk and Leg yield right several strides, then walk to M, M – Working Jog
5. HXF - Lengthen stride in Jog, rising or sitting, F - Working Jog
6. A - Down centerline, X - Circle right
7. X– Walk and Leg yield left several strides, then walk to H, H – Working Jog
8. C - Circle right rising Jog, allowing horse to stretch forward & downward on long rein Before C - Shorten reins, C - Working Jog sitting
9. M - Ordinary Walk, R-V - Lengthened stride in walk, V - Ordinary Walk
10. K – Working Jog
11. A - Working Lope left lead & circle left 15 m
12. F - Lengthen stride in Lope, Before M - Working Lope
13. HXF– Change rein, Near X- Change lead through Jog
14. F – Working Lope right lead, K-H - One loop to quarter line, maintaining right lead
15. H- Working Lope, C - Circle right 15m
16. M - Lengthen stride in Lope, Before F - Working Lope
17. F- Working Jog, A - Down centerline, X - Halt, Salute
Kur (Musical Freestyle) Elements: Time 3.5 - 4.5 minutes. Entrance & halts, Ordinary Walk 10 meters, Lengthened Walk 15 meters, Working Lope 15m circle, Working Jog 10m volte, Leg Yield at Walk, Lengthened Jog, Change of leg through Jog
Bronze MedaL
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The Western Bronze medal is awarded once per horse and rider combination for receiving certification in the corresponding degrees. |
phase 2: medium campaign western horse
Discipline Class Name: Western Dressage Lateral (Level II)
Description: The degree is just the start of lateral work.
Gaits: Gaits are collected and lengthened jog and lope, but the walk is ordinary or lengthened.
Movements: Horses jog and lopes voltes, lope serpentine with no changes of leg, lope with simple change. The horse will be asked to jog a shoulder-fore, as well as haunches-out for several strides. And last, the turn on the haunch is asked for but completed with a halt and pause before and after the turn.
Credits: 2.0 credits upon scoring 55%
Certification: For horse and rider combination for scoring 60% or higher twice or once and a kur.
Test:
1. A - Enter collected Jog, X - Halt, Salute Proceed collected Jog
2. C - Track left, HXF - Lengthened Jog, F - Collected Jog
3. K –Shoulder-fore right
4. E – Half Circle right 6m & Haunches-out several strides
5. Before K – Collected Jog, F – Shoulder-fore left
6. B – Half Circle left 6m & Haunches-out several strides
7. Before F- Collected Jog, KXM – Lengthened Jog, M – Collected Jog
8. H – Halt 3-4 seconds
9. 90° turn on haunches left. Halt, pause, then proceed Ordinary walk
10. Before M – Halt 3 seconds, pause, 90° turn on haunches right, halt, pause.
11. Proceed Ordinary walk. Near R - Extended walk to V, V – Ordinary walk
12. Near K - Shorten stride in walk and collected Lope left lead
13. A - Down centerline, Near L - Circle left
14. Near X -Simple change of lead
15. Near I - Circle right, C - Track right
16. M - Lengthened Lope, Near P - Collected Lope
17. F - Collected Jog, A - Turn down centerline, X - Halt, salute
Kur (Musical Freestyle) Elements: Time 3.5 - 4.5 minutes. Entrance & halts, Ordinary Walk 10 meters, Lengthened Walk 15 meters, Simple Change of leg, Collected Jog Shoulder-fore, Collected Haunches-Out, Lengthened Jog, Collected Lope 10m volte
Description: The degree is just the start of lateral work.
Gaits: Gaits are collected and lengthened jog and lope, but the walk is ordinary or lengthened.
Movements: Horses jog and lopes voltes, lope serpentine with no changes of leg, lope with simple change. The horse will be asked to jog a shoulder-fore, as well as haunches-out for several strides. And last, the turn on the haunch is asked for but completed with a halt and pause before and after the turn.
Credits: 2.0 credits upon scoring 55%
Certification: For horse and rider combination for scoring 60% or higher twice or once and a kur.
Test:
1. A - Enter collected Jog, X - Halt, Salute Proceed collected Jog
2. C - Track left, HXF - Lengthened Jog, F - Collected Jog
3. K –Shoulder-fore right
4. E – Half Circle right 6m & Haunches-out several strides
5. Before K – Collected Jog, F – Shoulder-fore left
6. B – Half Circle left 6m & Haunches-out several strides
7. Before F- Collected Jog, KXM – Lengthened Jog, M – Collected Jog
8. H – Halt 3-4 seconds
9. 90° turn on haunches left. Halt, pause, then proceed Ordinary walk
10. Before M – Halt 3 seconds, pause, 90° turn on haunches right, halt, pause.
11. Proceed Ordinary walk. Near R - Extended walk to V, V – Ordinary walk
12. Near K - Shorten stride in walk and collected Lope left lead
13. A - Down centerline, Near L - Circle left
14. Near X -Simple change of lead
15. Near I - Circle right, C - Track right
16. M - Lengthened Lope, Near P - Collected Lope
17. F - Collected Jog, A - Turn down centerline, X - Halt, salute
Kur (Musical Freestyle) Elements: Time 3.5 - 4.5 minutes. Entrance & halts, Ordinary Walk 10 meters, Lengthened Walk 15 meters, Simple Change of leg, Collected Jog Shoulder-fore, Collected Haunches-Out, Lengthened Jog, Collected Lope 10m volte
Discipline Class Name: Western Dressage Lateral II (Level III)
Description: This is the highest level in Western Dressage.
Gaits: Gaits are collected and lengthened jog, but the lope is collected, lengthened, and even more collection is asked for at the lope. There is some counter lope. The walk is ordinary or extended.
Movements: Horses jog half circles to half pass, lope voltes, flying change of leg are introduced. Quarter and half turns on the haunches are asked for.
Credits: 2.0 credits upon scoring 55% or higher
Certification: For horse and rider combination for scoring 60% or higher twice or once and a kur.
Test:
1. A - Enter collected Jog, X - Halt, Salute, Proceed collected Jog
2. C - Track left, HXF - Lengthened Jog, F - Collected Jog
3. K - Shoulder-fore right
4. E - Half pass right, C - Track right
5. MXK - Lengthened Jog, K- Collected Jog
6. A - Halt, rein back 4 steps, proceed collected Jog
7. F - Shoulder-fore left
8. B - Half pass left, C - Turn left
9. Before H - Ordinary walk, H - Turn left
10. Before M - Halt 3 seconds, 180° turn on haunches left, proceed Ordinary walk
11. Before H - Halt 3 seconds, 180° turn on haunches right, proceed Ordinary walk, M - Turn right
12. R-V - Extended walk, V - Ordinary walk
13. K - Collected Lope left lead
14. A - Down centerline & Half pass left, Near E - Counter Lope
15. Near H - Flying change of lead
16. M – Develop more collection in Lope, Before F - Collected Lope
17. A - Down centerline & Half pass right, B - Counter Lope
18. Near M- Flying change of lead
19. H-V - Develop more collection in Lope, Before K - Collected Lope
20. A - Down centerline, X – Collected Jog, G - Halt, Salute
Kur (Musical Freestyle) Elements: Time 3.5 - 4.5 minutes. Entrance & halts, Medium Walk 10 meters, Extended Walk 15 meters, Single Flying Change of leg, Collected Trot Plié, Collected Trot Half Pass, Extended Trot, Collected Canter Half Pass
Description: This is the highest level in Western Dressage.
Gaits: Gaits are collected and lengthened jog, but the lope is collected, lengthened, and even more collection is asked for at the lope. There is some counter lope. The walk is ordinary or extended.
Movements: Horses jog half circles to half pass, lope voltes, flying change of leg are introduced. Quarter and half turns on the haunches are asked for.
Credits: 2.0 credits upon scoring 55% or higher
Certification: For horse and rider combination for scoring 60% or higher twice or once and a kur.
Test:
1. A - Enter collected Jog, X - Halt, Salute, Proceed collected Jog
2. C - Track left, HXF - Lengthened Jog, F - Collected Jog
3. K - Shoulder-fore right
4. E - Half pass right, C - Track right
5. MXK - Lengthened Jog, K- Collected Jog
6. A - Halt, rein back 4 steps, proceed collected Jog
7. F - Shoulder-fore left
8. B - Half pass left, C - Turn left
9. Before H - Ordinary walk, H - Turn left
10. Before M - Halt 3 seconds, 180° turn on haunches left, proceed Ordinary walk
11. Before H - Halt 3 seconds, 180° turn on haunches right, proceed Ordinary walk, M - Turn right
12. R-V - Extended walk, V - Ordinary walk
13. K - Collected Lope left lead
14. A - Down centerline & Half pass left, Near E - Counter Lope
15. Near H - Flying change of lead
16. M – Develop more collection in Lope, Before F - Collected Lope
17. A - Down centerline & Half pass right, B - Counter Lope
18. Near M- Flying change of lead
19. H-V - Develop more collection in Lope, Before K - Collected Lope
20. A - Down centerline, X – Collected Jog, G - Halt, Salute
Kur (Musical Freestyle) Elements: Time 3.5 - 4.5 minutes. Entrance & halts, Medium Walk 10 meters, Extended Walk 15 meters, Single Flying Change of leg, Collected Trot Plié, Collected Trot Half Pass, Extended Trot, Collected Canter Half Pass
riding incentive
Certification in granted to horse and riders receiving scores of 60+% twice or once and a kur of a type degree (level).
For title in a level and type to appear on the horse's Certificate of Achievement, the horse needs certification of that level and type of dressage.
Your scores will go towards your class credit, which is needed for the International Rider Levels completion, also the Equine Science diploma and credentials for Coaching and Training.
As an added bonus, the credentials are also needed for the Stock Performance awards.
But one of the best parts, is that every time your ride in an evaluation, you collect ribbons for participation based on scores. Challenge yourself!
Notes:
You must be a current member.
Your horse must be registered with the academy.
Video your test or pattern and upload it to the internet.
Email the office a link.
Wait for results and keep on riding!
For title in a level and type to appear on the horse's Certificate of Achievement, the horse needs certification of that level and type of dressage.
Your scores will go towards your class credit, which is needed for the International Rider Levels completion, also the Equine Science diploma and credentials for Coaching and Training.
As an added bonus, the credentials are also needed for the Stock Performance awards.
But one of the best parts, is that every time your ride in an evaluation, you collect ribbons for participation based on scores. Challenge yourself!
Notes:
You must be a current member.
Your horse must be registered with the academy.
Video your test or pattern and upload it to the internet.
Email the office a link.
Wait for results and keep on riding!
All tack must fit properly! Stay with one style and do not mix and match between colors or styles such as Formal to Academic tack and attire.
Saddles:
Saddles can be leather or synthetic material, but must be black or brown, matching the bridle. Treeless saddles are allowed. The only style of saddle allowed as the Western saddle, whether it is Equitation, Reining, Roping, or likewise, it can be used. Any other saddle type is not allowed. Saddle pads should be of conservative colors and design, however it is not mandatory.
Saddles:
Saddles can be leather or synthetic material, but must be black or brown, matching the bridle. Treeless saddles are allowed. The only style of saddle allowed as the Western saddle, whether it is Equitation, Reining, Roping, or likewise, it can be used. Any other saddle type is not allowed. Saddle pads should be of conservative colors and design, however it is not mandatory.
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Bridles:
Only Western bridles are allowed, with non weighted, split reins. Reins made from rope or braiding nylon are allowed. Reins may be split or one continuous rein, but longer than a roping rein. Romal and roping reins are not allowed. Reins must not have loops or inserts except for para equestrians. Cavessons are not allowed with the Western headstall. |
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Veteran horses, 15 years and older, may use a side pull, or Micklem cavesson set as such without a bit. The cross under types are prohibited. For more information on bridles and their functions, refer to the International Rider I course, called Tack.
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Bits must be:
Smooth all over with no rough spots or rust. Made of metal or rigid plastic, but not rubber. May contain copper inlay. Solid mouthpiece with up to 2 joints only. Must not be wrapped. Inside of the bit rings must measure 3.5 to 10.16 cm. Diameter of the mouth piece should be about 10 millimeters for ponies, 12 for horses, and it is suggested that all young horses six years and younger be ridden in a 14 millimeter bit. Mouthpiece may be curved to allow tongue relief, but no more 30mm wide and 30mm high. Bits, must have a loose ring, or independent ring. It is good for all high school movements. As Charles Harris states, "The simpler the bitting, the higher the ART!" Cheek pieces are better, as in the Fulmer, used with bit loops, because it keeps the bit in the proper place, with prime function and turns the whole head, and does not pull into the corners of the mouth, like the snaffle ring does, creating pain and may lead to evasions. The more advanced the training becomes, the more important this is. There is great detail about bits and bridles, their functions and why they should be used in the International Rider I course called Tack. You may choose the best mouth piece and cheek piece combination, that is best suited to your horse for the International Riding Academy Dressage Performance evaluations. |
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Horse Turn out:
Horses may have a braided mane. Use white, black or brown elastics, or wire.
Banded manes must have white or black tape.
The mane may be cropped.
The tail must not be braided, but it can and should be banged.
Hooves may be painted with black or clear polish.
Quarter marks are allowed.
White polo wraps are allowed.
Forbidden equipment is everything else, including breastplates, foregirths, bucking straps, bit guards, nose guards, cruppers and likewise.
Two way communication devices and other mechanical equipment are prohibited.
Why no whip?
Because as Charles Harris of the Spanish Riding School says, artificial aids in the hands of anyone but an expert are like a child with an open razor in each hand. They are never needed by a correctly applied training program and can create and build up stiffness and resistances. The only riders that have proven their riding abilities within the academy are those in or completed International Rider III or higher.
Horses may have a braided mane. Use white, black or brown elastics, or wire.
Banded manes must have white or black tape.
The mane may be cropped.
The tail must not be braided, but it can and should be banged.
Hooves may be painted with black or clear polish.
Quarter marks are allowed.
White polo wraps are allowed.
Forbidden equipment is everything else, including breastplates, foregirths, bucking straps, bit guards, nose guards, cruppers and likewise.
Two way communication devices and other mechanical equipment are prohibited.
Why no whip?
Because as Charles Harris of the Spanish Riding School says, artificial aids in the hands of anyone but an expert are like a child with an open razor in each hand. They are never needed by a correctly applied training program and can create and build up stiffness and resistances. The only riders that have proven their riding abilities within the academy are those in or completed International Rider III or higher.
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EVERYONE'S ATTIRE: Please, note, riding on a hot day may warrant a need to ride in a shirt with short sleeves. Please, note that is must be tucked in neatly. |
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Black or white colored gloves if in formal wear, any color for academic wear.
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A helmet is mandatory for riders under the age of 18. It is strongly suggested for adults as well, but not mandatory.
Adults may choose to wear a cowboy hat. 
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Western boots with a heel are a must.
There are many styles. One thing to note that if a rider chooses to wear English riding boots, the pant leg must be pull over the boot. |
Note: The use of spurs by anyone not in the International Rider Levels is under review.
Spurs are optional for ANY level. If used, must be made of metal and have blunt ends or small rowels that are free to rotate. Impulse spurs with a round knob are allowed. Western rider may wear English spurs. 
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FORMAL wear
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Riding pants are left up to the rider's choice. Please, note that the material should have stretch to it so that the rider can move appropriately in the saddle.
Chaps are allowed. Chaps may be schooling or straight, scalloped or have a fringe. 
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Shirts may be long or short sleeve if it is a hot day. All shirts must have a collar. Turtlenecks are allowed. A western tie or scarf should be worn. Jackets and vests are allowed.
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Pant legs must be worn to the outside of the boot. Pant colors allowed are blue jean, solid navy, black, or grey. Any combination of colors of pant and shirts are allowed as long as they are navy, black or grey. Stripes, plaid or any other pattern is not allowed.
Vests are permissible.
Please, note, Side saddle of any style, is not allowed.
Children under 18 years must wear a helmet.
Vests are permissible.
Please, note, Side saddle of any style, is not allowed.
Children under 18 years must wear a helmet.
feel free to use these tests in schooling shows
For musical freestyle (Kurs) tests in Western Dressage go to the Classical Dressage page