Western Dressage

So western dressage...seems to be the new up and coming thing, yes? I've always loved dressage, but never could ever afford to even think of doing it. Well, until now. I'm going to look into western dressage. What are your opinions or if any of you know much about this please point me to some info. I'm trying to hone my horsey interests and while I always loved (and will love traditional dressage) it just isn't plausible for me to do or get started in at this moment in time.

What do you guys know about it? I have been following a bit of a blog on western dressage for the gaited horse but I feel like there is still a lot more that I am missing. Info please

Western Dressage

8 months old, but quite a few comments.

Thank you bsms, it was nice reading that discussion. A lot of good and interesting points made. Changed some of my opinions and gave me a different perspective.

I'm actually running some WD shows, due to demand and the fact that I like money haha.

What I've heard from judges is that the tests are judged exactly like dressage, but in western tack. It's only a matter of time until that sport is "un-winnable" without a big fancy warmblood like how regular dressage is now. And you're allowed to use a curb two handed.
The whole thing is really poorly thought out, IMO and needs some serious rule revisions to attract and reward stock breeds and western riders and not alienate them when BNDT on her big fancy warmblood two handed on a curb comes in and wins everything. It needs far more separation from normal dressage. Right now it's just a chance for those on horses who win in normal dressage to go win fancy prizes in a western saddle.

I would be interested if the rules stated "bridled", meaning in a curb & one handed, neckreining.
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If they really want WESTERN dressage, then maybe it should take some inspiration from eventing. Make it a combined event. First, barrel race. 50% of the score. Then traditional dressage movement, done with western saddle & neck reining. Second 50% of the score.

Ban knee rolls. If you need a roll to keep your knee in place, practice more.

Wares - the rules explicitly state that you may use a curb one or two handed, or a snaffle at any age. You just can't switch part way through the test.

Bsms - I like the combo event idea!
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Hmmmm yeah.....me and my 15.1hh bouncy QH against a great big WB in a curb.....sigh, I might just keep practicing my lope departures (they're like a firecracker went off behind my horse!!)
I would love to try the WD, but it would be nice if they kept it to the 'western' horse breeds....just like the reining does....makes it a more even playing field....oh well, let's see how it all develops....

WD is never going to get to the point of needing a big Warmblood to win. It's catered more to the horses who move as a western horse should. With more collection and relaxed gaits. They are looking for some extension in regards to the "normal" western pleasure movements - but not as far as a warmblood or even an arab could make.

I personally would hate if they combined something like barrel racing with WD. They are the complete opposite of each other and not every western horse is designed for speed events either ;)

I look at it as dressage in western tack. That is how I want to treat it as well. I can't afford dressage tack and want my horse to learn how to handle herself like dressage teaches so she can gait more effectively. And I don't use a curb now :) not plannin on it either. She works well in the bit she has now so theres no need to change!

I agree with the knee rolls thing. If you can't hold yourself in right maybe you should work out a little bit so you can.