Let's Ride Western Dressage Basic Level Test 1!

#western #dressage #equestrian

Are you showing Western Dressage this season? Wondering what the test might be like or what the judges will be expecting?

In this video, Jacques and I will be riding through Western Dressage Basic Level Test 1. Western Dressage tests are really similar to regular dressage tests as far as movements and directives but there are some key differences which you will learn when you watch the video. They are judged fairly similarly as well. The only difference is these tests are a little more relaxed and inclusive of different breeds, which is great, because dressage is for all types of horses!

Though I usually ride in a dressage saddle, today I will be riding in western tack as I ride this test for you. Believe it or not, I used to ride western a lot! And I still like to ride western when I’m working with young horses.

I will be going through each movement of Basic Level Test 1 and commenting on each movement as I ride. There is also some drone footage of the movements so you can see them from above as well as from the camera face-on.

I hope this video helps you with your Western Dressage test this year! My mantra is “Dressage for All”! I believe that dressage can help any horse and rider and I love seeing you and your horse progress along your journey. Good riding is good riding, and it doesn’t matter what style of tack you ride in.

Happy Riding!
Amelia

0:00 Intro
0:28 Differences between Classical and Western Dressage
1:46 Riding the Western Dressage Test
6:28 Western Dressage is very similar to Classical Dressage/End of video

[lynnahern]

Thank you for including western dressage videos Amelia. This sport is growing and gaining acceptance! It truly is so much fun. Keep them coming!

[yavizana]

I have an Ottb ex-broodmare I think is perfect for this 🎉 can't wait!

[oonadarling]

I LOVE your inclusion of western dressage! Thank you! I am riding western dressage with my wonderful PRE, and am so enjoying it. I live in France, where western dressage is really not as well known as reining, so your western dressage videos really help me, as I am doing it on my own.

[tomasadikeman]

Yay, love the western dressage video! I'm entering my very first show this Saturday!!! 😊

[AislieArts]

Thank you! My instructor told me to watch people do the patterns I'm doing and this I think is really going to help! Thank you for making this!

[kristylevings]

Love that you added this!! More please!!

[MelanieCase-sehd]

I’m super excited you have included Western Dressage! ❤

[sherylsmerker]

Good job Amelia, liked the w e stern dressage video😊

[sarahhauptman]

Love this. 👍 Good riding is good riding.

[dawnstoker]

With inclusion in mind, I would love a video in which Amelia talked about how to apply dressage principles to the hunter/jumper style of riding....

[kiwicountrygirl]

I've always admired western horsemanship. I've just dabbled. I had a Thoroughbred built like a Quarter horse & it was his natural style. Is the jog meant to be a bit slower too?

[WendysWorldInAGED-bwdh]

Amelia, just getting into this division. What type of saddle do u recommend….and what attire do u show in?

[brucepeek]

No Amelia -- all dressage is the same - the term dressage means straightness -- pure and simple - it was adopted to describe a military commander aligning and commanding his troops so they could mass their musket fire toward their targets.
It all comes from that.
best
Bruce Peek

[chewar]

I ride western, but could never do this because you are up in the horses mouth so much. We drape reins, no contact with the mouth necessary. I ride a reiner, he would not like me pulling on his mouth.

[meganpahl]

Amelia: When doing a working walk and even jog, I need to score points on the horses hind end energy as well. Where do I place my seat to engage the rear end?

[pawsdedeux]

Do you feel more secure in a Western Saddle? It seems like there is an awful lot of leather between the rider and the horse. My horse shies and bolts
many people have suggested I try a Western Saddle. Western riding is more popular in my area.

[raspberrymoon]

Are the contact requirements the same or is it a more loose rein? This looks fun!

[MelanieCase-sehd]

In the western dressage test they say to change the rein. Can you demonstrate this one day?

[susanwright]

Is using two hands normal in WD? Most western disciplines use one hand reining. Also, is posting normal/accepted in WD? Or is sitting the jog preferred?

[andrewpereira]

Do you begin the test from inside the arena, as opposed to enter at A?