Parket, Colo. – In 2013, it was little more than a dream. Then, the fledgling Western Dressage Association® of America hosted the first Western Dressage World Championship Show, which drew 42 horses and 167 entries.
Now in its fourth year, the Western Dressage World Show is nothing short of a celebration. Hosted for the first time by WDAA at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla., the show has attracted 213 horses and 830 entries, a 34 percent increase over 2015. Twenty-seven states, three Canadian provinces and 29 breeds of horses will be represented.
The show will be Sept. 29 – Oct. 2 and will be live-streamed at www.horseshowwebcasts.com for those who would like to watch from home.
The 2016 Western Dressage World Show offers a number of improvements, including expanded prizes, exhibitor parties, an additional day of competition and additional show classes and divisions, such as walk-jog rail and para-equestrian classes.
2016 has been a breakout year for WDAA, as the association also rolled out a points and awards program and a show recognition program, in addition to making continued improvements in its judges training program.
WDAA, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the United States Equestrian Federation’s recognized affiliate for western dressage and is proud to be the standard bearer for what is one of the industry’s fastest-growing disciplines.
The World Show will be preceded by the 7th annual WDAA Annual Meeting & Convention, which allows members to get an inside look at their association. The convention also includes the debut of the 2017 tests – which is an exclusive unveiling for meeting attendees only.
Another highlight is the honors luncheon, at which WDAA will recognize the first Horse Lifetime Achievement Awards, as well as the Top Hand Award, which recognizes an outstanding WDAA volunteer. A generous sponsorship from USEF supports both the annual meeting and the honors luncheon.
As the convention concludes, the action is nonstop – both in and out of the arenas. Rail classes begin on Sept. 29, and an evening welcome party will be the official kick-off to the show. Sept. 30 is freestyle day – one that spectators won’t want to miss! – made even more fun by a freestyle party sponsored by GGT Footing.
Oct. 1 is the gala dinner and silent auction, with tickets available for purchase. Many state affiliates will be donating state-themed baskets to the auction, and a number of sponsors have also kicked in great prizes. Corcoran Saddlery has donated a custom-built western dressage saddle to be raffled off. Tickets are available on site or online at http://westerndressageassociation.org/news-events/win-a-custom-saddle-at-the-wdaa-world-show/.
As the show concludes Oct. 2, a farewell party will be the venue for the presentation of breed high-point awards and custom-made divisional championship belt buckles.
Throughout the convention and show, the focus is not only on top competition but also on a shared celebration of this special discipline and the horses who make it possible. Come prepared to have a wonderful time with old friends and new.
WDAA is devoted to building an equine community that combines the western traditions of horse and rider with classical dressage. We honor the horse. We value the partnership between horse and rider. We celebrate the legacy of the American West. Won’t you come and celebrate with us?
Visit the WDAA World Show website at www.horseshowconsulting.com for details. More information about the annual meeting & convention, and about WDAA, is available at www.westerndressageassociation.org.
For additional information, please contact info@westerndressageassociation.org. Or you can contact Dini Swanson at dini@westerndressageassociation.org as well as Ellen DiBella, WDAA president, at edibella@aol.com.
