western Dressage
Dressage done in western gear, with slightly different tests, horse moves 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. It is divided into 5 levels, with a test and a kur (Musical Freestyle test). 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.
RIDER INCENTIVE - Certified titles are on the horse's Certificate of Achievement. If the horse is sold to a new owner, the certification standings go with the horse. It is available once per horse.
Your scores will go towards your class credit, which is needed for International Rider Levels completion, and an Equine Science diploma. As an added bonus, credentials are 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!
For course credit, one score of 55% or higher is needed, and 2.0 credit units are awarded per level. To get a certified title in a degree, score 60% OR higher twice in the test(s) OR test and kur.
Your scores will go towards your class credit, which is needed for International Rider Levels completion, and an Equine Science diploma. As an added bonus, credentials are 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!
For course credit, one score of 55% or higher is needed, and 2.0 credit units are awarded per level. To get a certified title in a degree, score 60% OR higher twice in the test(s) OR test and kur.
Phase 1: Basic campaign western horse (Bronze Medal classes)
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Western Dressage 0
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. Kur Elements: Time 3-4 minutes. Halts, Working Jog 20m, Working Walk 20m, Working Jog one loop, Working Walk 10-15m circle, Working Jog 15-20m circle, Free Walk on loose rein (20m continuous) |
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Western Dressage 3 Gaits (Pre-Level)
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. Kur Elements: Time 3.5 - 4.5 minutes Halts, Working Walk 15m, Free Walk on long rein 20m, Working Lope 20m circle, Working Jog 20 meters, Working Jog 15-20m circle, Stretch forward & downward 20m circle Jog |
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Western Dressage Pre-Lateral (Level I)
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 15m circle, jog serpentine, lope to quarter-lines and the leg yield is only at walk. Kur Elements: Time 3.5 - 4.5 minutes Halt, Ordinary Walk 10m, Lengthened Walk 15m, Working Lope 15m circle Working Jog 10m volte, Leg Yield at Walk, Lengthened Jog, Change of leg through Jog |
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The Western Bronze medal is awarded once per horse and rider combination for receiving certification in the corresponding degrees: Walk Jog (Level 0) Three Gait (Pre-Level) Pre Lateral |
phase 2: medium campaign western horse
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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. Kur Elements: Time 3.5 - 4.5 minutes. Halt, Ordinary Walk 10 meters, Lengthened Walk 15m, Simple Change of leg, Collected Jog Shoulder-fore Collected Haunches-Out, Lengthened Jog, Collected Lope 10m volte |
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Western Dressage Lateral II (Level III)
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. Kur Elements: Time 3.5 - 4.5 minutes. Halt, Medium Walk 10 meters, Extended Walk 15m, Single Flying Change of leg, Collected Trot Plié, Collected Trot Half Pass, Extended Trot, Collected Canter Half Pass |
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Notes:
You must be a current member and horse registered with the academy. (free for members)
Video your test or pattern and upload it to the internet. Email the office a link.
Wait for results and keep on riding!
You must be a current member and horse registered with the academy. (free for members)
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. Loose manes must be brushed and clean.
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. Loose manes must be brushed and clean.
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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feel free to use these tests in schooling shows
For musical freestyle (Kurs) tests in Western Dressage go to the Classical page