After twenty years of being a mom devoted to my equestrian-loving daughter, I decided to attempt riding again myself, but quickly became overwhelmed. The equestrian world has transformed into a specialized arena of multiple disciplines. There seems to be movement toward a new style of riding—with a deeper understanding of training methods that appreciate gentle-handed horsemanship and a oneness with the horse as a team. The theory is that being a partner with your horse is what every rider should strive for. But where do I belong?
In my quest to find a discipline that would satisfy my skill level and do justice to my horse and rider team, I brushed over anything with the scary D-word—Dressage. As an amateur rider returning to the sport after so long a break, dressage represents an intimidating style of perfection and precision. It is an art form and exquisite to watch. But for my comfort at age fifty-five, the safety of the Western saddle is a must, so I was positive this discipline was not on my list. I almost bypassed “Western Dressage” but the word Western begged me to give it another pass.
I reached out to Peg Helder, owner and trainer at Evergreen Farms, and discovered I was misinformed. Peg’s accomplishments in the equestrian world are numerous. Her stats with Evergreen Farm’s stud, Paint Me Hobby, alone would fill a book. As many in the industry were saddened by this remarkable stud’s passing at the incredible old age of 31, he has left a legacy of champions in every discipline.
Peg’s recent accomplishment and dedication to fulfilling riders’ dreams (especially older riders) stood out to me. She has been a presence in the world of Western Dressage and in 2013 led the American Paint Horse Association PAC (Paint Alternative Competition) list in both Traditional and Western Dressage. Peg with her partner Ima Rock Solid Hobby (“Chase” for short)—sired by Paint Me Hobby and the infamous dam Ms Rockin Hobby—lead the lifetime points in Western Dressage. Not too shabby for a prodigy born out of the all-time leading sire of barrel racing stars of the APHA industry.
Like his father, Chase was versed and pointed in every aspect of riding. But in 2013, Peg wanted to do something very demanding with him. She looked into Western Dressage and realized the discipline would be just the challenge she was looking for. But that challenge is exactly what some older and newer riders are frightened of.
I sat down at her farm and talked to her about a short class in understanding the discipline and its popularity… and how it saddles up to the latest craze of Ranch Horse Riding.
First, Western Dressage is not Cowboy Dressage. It’s a whole other discipline. Western Dressage is a marriage of traditional Dressage—the classic skills that equestrian leaders from Europe have perfected over hundreds of years—and Western horsemanship’s riding traditions mastered by cowboys and influenced by many, even the Spanish vaqueros.
This Western-meets-English model evolved as gentler horsemanship became desirable. The traditions are woven together, encouraging balance, precision, and horsemanship—a true partnership between horse and rider.
To novices of Western Dressage, here is a brief rundown.
In the U.S, the Western Dressage Association of America is the largest group affiliated with the United States Equestrian Federation. There are several levels: Intro, Basic, Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, and even a freestyle division. A test is performed by horse and rider, beginning with only walk and jog patterns, progressing to advancement and more challenging lateral moves and lead changes.
Unlike Ranch Horse Riding where the rider begins with a score of 70, this scoring is done as a percentage. Teams earn 0 to 10 on each maneuver, so for example a 6 would be in the middle. A test can consist of 15 maneuvers.
The horse should stretch his top line forward into the rider’s hands while maintaining a steady rhythm. No exaggeration of the rein is awarded, just light contact which should become progressively lighter as the rider advances to the next level. A bending impulsion from the hind end is crucial as are positions of the body like legs and hands.
Peg said event terms are important to Western Dressage, such as “test” rather than pattern, and “jog” rather than trot which is used in Ranch Horse Riding.
There are four tests in a level but they change every four years. The attire is western—one can adorn with chaps but it is not necessary, and riders can wear helmets. Accepted bits are curb or snaffle. Another exciting point is that all breeds can participate.
As Peg points out, Western Dressage “may appear micro-managed since every single movement is scored, but the judges are pleasant and always willing to help.” Judges leave positive remarks on score cards which is also a plus—the rider is actually able to read critical feedback leading to improved skills.
For a more relaxed atmosphere, Peg suggests Western Dressage schooling shows. The rider is permitted a caller at every level, and rather than judging by how many are in the class, riders are scored individually—just you and the horse. These schooling shows are also accepted by the APHA, and are affordably priced at $30 per test.
But the proof is in one of Peg’s students—Mary H. Glazier, Professor of Sociology and Chair of the Sociology/Anthropology Department at Millersville University in Lancaster County, PA. I reached out to Mary to see if Western Dressage was attainable by a novice rider.
Her horse is Chippa Hobby and he is 20 years old, a prodigy of Paint Me Hobby. In 2017 he championed the Paint Alternative Competition for Dressage, and amazingly earned more points in a single year than any other horse. He has won many year-end and day championships. Mary says, Chippa is a versatile horse who has showed successfully in many disciplines, including Reining, Hunter Under Saddle, and Trail as well as Dressage.
Mary started Western Dressage with Peg at Evergreen Farms about four years ago, and although she had ridden traditional Dressage on and off since the 1980s, she was ready for the challenge and did not find Western Dressage to be intimidating. “I like WD because it allows a stock type horse who moves well to be judged for what he is, not compared with warmbloods. I think WD helps people realize that stock horses can move well and that they are not meant to be peanut pushers.” Mary also said, she loves the western clothes and tack. It’s fun and not limited to traditional dressage attire.
Mary’s advice is much like Peg’s. “Find a good coach who can help you learn what the gaits are supposed to feel like, how to get your horse to bend, and how to ride a test accurately.”
Contact a professional, especially if you are just starting out. Dressage Schooling Shows are held at The Friendly Horsemen’s Club in Stevens, PA; Second Nature Farm in Oxford, PA; and Blue Goose Stable in Cochranville, PA; just to name a few.