2013 Color Breed Congress Hosts First Ever Western Dressage World Show

Press release

Parker, Colorado – The Western Dressage Association® of America (WDAA) spent a week honoring the horse and celebrating the partnership of horse and rider during its fourth Annual Meeting and first Western Dressage World Show.  Events were held in Tulsa, Oklahoma from October 31-November 3, 2013 and the enthusiasm and support for the discipline were awe-inspiring!

The Annual Meeting started the weekend with a discussion on the growth of the discipline.  The celebration of accomplishments and plans for the future transitioned nicely into the proposed rule changes to enhance the educational and competitive experience for riders and horse in 2014.  Throughout the two day event, there were excellent presentations on sharing Western Dressage with local equine communities, leadership development, affiliates, USEF partnership, educational program offerings like Train the Trainers™ and the development of special classes for Suitability, Hack and Equitation.

The weekend was captivating with two days of spectacular horses and riders demonstrating the partnerships that are developed in the discipline at the WDAA Western Dressage World Show.  Exhibitors traveled from twelve states and represented two countries riding fourteen different breeds of equines including a Shetland pony cross and two mules!  Classes were divided in to three separate divisions with a high point buckle being awarded in Youth, Amateur and Open. Mike Corcoran of Corcoran Saddlery donated a beautiful handmade custom saddle to the overall high point from the weekend.

The week of events was deeply focused in the WDAA’s mission.  Annual Meeting discussions centered on education and growth of horse and rider partnerships.  Each horse had their bit and equipment checked for rule compliance.  Exhibitors shared the wonderful stories of the horses in the arena endearing them to their fellow competitors and spectators alike.  Judge Debbie Riehl Rodriguez even took photos with competitors after to commemorate the event.  Appreciation and honor for the horse was bountiful and profoundly displayed.

The WDAA was proud to host the Annual Meeting and partner with the Pinto Horse Association for the inaugural Western Dressage World Show.  The opportunity to share this discipline with the world was educational and fun!  The WDAA is looking forward to celebrating again with members, riders, spectators and friends at future events!

To find out more about the educational and exciting WDAA events and shows, please visit: http://www.westerndressageassociation.org/

About the Western Dressage Association® of America: The Western Dressage Association® of America is a 501(c)3 educational non-profit organization focused on providing a model of horsemanship which optimizes the partnership of horse and rider for their mutual benefit.  The mission of the Western Dressage Association® is “to honor the horse, to value the partnership between horse and rider and to celebrate the legacy of the American West” which it focuses on through its offerings of educational opportunities and events to the equestrian community.   To discover more about the WDAA, please visit www.westerndressageassociation.org