Opinions on rules for Western Dressage

[ilmjumper]

My association is adding western dressage and we’re in the process of writing the rules for our associations rulebook. In the WDAA (whom we are affiliated with) the rules allow for curb bits at any level that can be ridden with one or two hands. What are your opinions on that rule?

Our options as of right now are 1. Snaffles only until 3rd level 2. snaffle and curbs but curbs can only be ridden with one hand. 3. Leave the WDAA’s rules in place unchanged.

What would would you rather see?

Play nice please, I’m really not interested in hearing about how western dressage isn’t real dressage.

[NoSuchPerson]

Scroll down a little bit and read the thread titled “English Rider Thinking of Doing a Western Dressage Test…” for all the opinions on “should” and “shouldn’t.”

In response to your question, I would go with option 2, curbs are OK at any level but must be ridden with one hand. It’s mechanically correct and inclusive of those who may have only ever ridden with a curb bit - because there are many people who ride western who don’t use or even own snaffle bits. You don’t want to put people in the position of having to go purchase and practice in a new bit just to give this new event a try.

[Flash44]

OMG not again. The problem with writing your own rules is with the judges and competitors having to remember yet another set of instructions. I will personally defer to the WDAA on this matter, as much thought and discussion has already taken place on the matter by very experienced and qualified people. I’m sure the usual posters who are convinced that they have the one and only correct opinion will chime in here, and if you have a different opinion, you will get lambasted!

[S1969]

If you are already affiliated with WDAA, why would you change their rules (in fact, it almost makes me wonder if they would insist you use their rules in order to remain affiliated?)

As we read before, there are clearly people that disagree with the WDAA rules…but if you are affiliated with the organization, it seems like the best solution would be to adhere to the rules already established?

[PeanutButterPony]

We offer WDAA tests at our club shows and we do not edit the rule book.

If you are using ‘L’ grads or even just good/knowledgeable dressage people judging your schooling shows, they are going to judge those two handed on a Billy Allen accordingly. Just let it be what it is.

Or use the NAWD tests. Those don’t allow what you object to, as best I recall.

[Flash44]

[QUOTE=PeanutButterPony;7967172]
We offer WDAA tests at our club shows and we do not edit the rule book.

If you are using ‘L’ grads or even just good/knowledgeable dressage people judging your schooling shows, they are going to judge those two handed on a Billy Allen accordingly. Just let it be what it is.

Or use the NAWD tests. Those don’t allow what you object to, as best I recall.[/QUOTE]

I’ll school two handed in a short shanked Billy Allen-ish myler bit, which has independant shanks and no nutcracker effect.

[PeanutButterPony]

[QUOTE=Flash44;7967316]
I’ll school two handed in a short shanked Billy Allen-ish myler bit, which has independant shanks and no nutcracker effect.[/QUOTE]

good for you It’s completely legal to show in that bit two handed in WDAA, so feel free to enter at A any time you’re ready

(I like Billy Allen’s, too).

[Wellspotted]

Well, of course western dressage is real dressage. :yes: :encouragement: Kudos to you and your association for including it, and for going with one of the western dressage associations.

My opinion on the bits? I like snaffle up to a certain level, but I think that if your chapter/association is affiliated with a particular western dressage association you should follow their rules.

The one I used to ride with I think followed the gaited western dressage association’s* practices, but it’s been years since I rode with them so I don’t know what they’re doing now.

*I didn’t capitalize that because I don’t remember the actual association’s official name; the one that’s affiliated with the TWH breed association that is not TWBEA, I think. Someone else here should know.

[BEARCAT]

3

[Flash44]

'good for you It’s completely legal to show in that bit two handed in WDAA, so feel free to enter at A any time you’re ready

(I like Billy Allen’s, too)."

LOL it’s ski season!