Sections of this article derived from: Western Dressage: "East Meets West" Press Release by Alma Mellor July 20/11:
For veteran Dressage trainer Elaine Ward of St.George Ontario (just north of Brantford), the new discipline of Western Dressage is nothing new. At an early age, Elaine learned to ride in a Western saddle, then moved on to become a top notch competitor, trainer and clinician in the dressage world for 35 years.
Elaine has taught Wessage™, more officially known now as Western Dressage for the past 30 years.
The 48 year old trainer says “Western riders knew the value of bringing in a dressage trainer back then to improve the performance areas such as Cutting, Pleasure, Reining and improving their young stock”. “I have had some really good success with the riders and horses that I have helped.” “Dressage is the fancy word for training. Look on the French side of a box of Milk-bones. There is the word…Dressage!”
”. She adds to this statement “The participants in this new discipline will be someone who wants to understand their horse, their position, and how to better themselves without the use of force”.
Competing in a Western Dressage show may not be for everyone, but the tests give riders an incentive to continue their quest for higher learning and progression. The Western horse is considered “well broke” if it can walk, jog and lope. Western dressage is so much more than that. Elaine also explains that the majority of riders ride for the pleasure and enjoyment of it, and what a great way to learn more about how to ride your horse properly and understand what you are doing.
Western dressage is open to any breed and any level of rider. It's all about learning the art of Classical dressage and applying it to your Western Style of riding.
Real Western Dressage trainers do not resort or advocate the use of artificial appliances, such as training forks, martingales, draw reins or any other mechanical means of controlling the horse.
A correct instructor/trainer will teach you the necessary skills to eliminate placing your horse into a false frame. If you can't use them in the show ring, you better not train with them. The beauty of learning Classical dressage is that you will learn to understand your horse and yourself so there is no need for artificial appliances.
If you find someone is trying to tell you that they are a Western Dressage Trainer, and they pull out the head setting equipment, or suggest you use it on your horse, you know they are NOT real Western Dressage trainers.
Elaine is presently booking clinics in Western Dressage. Options for the clinics include 1 on 1 lessons, group formats, personal demonstrations and seminars.
NEW Demonstration Dates; Sept 12th London Ontario. Western Fair 1;30 and 7pm
Sept 18th. 5 Star Ranch, Campbellville, Ontario 11am.
Each clinic can be custom formatted to your group/stable needs. Contact Elaine for further information.
