NORTH AMERICAN WESTERN DRESSAGE
liberty, and a few of us participate in formal showmanship classes. But many of us don’t have any goals beyond that, so we easily become bored.
North American Western Dressage has taken groundwork to a new level. They have developed a progressive system of “tests” that include tasks that many of us are already doing – leading, halting, backing, walking in a circle, turn on the forehand, turn on the haunches, and more. Each test is judged according to the willingness, harmony, and balance that your horse shows. As a “handler”, you can also earn points how well you apply your aids.
You will not need any special equipment, a simple halter and lead rope at least 10” long will work fine.
All breeds of equines are welcome – including miniatures and donkeys! All ages of horse and human are also welcome! We’ve had participants from foals to pasture retirees and from children to senior citizens.
Perhaps the best part of NAWD’s Six Feet on the Ground program is the opportunity to show from home. With NAWD’s virtual shows you can video a test, upload it to you-tube, and receive a detailed scoresheet with the chance to win ribbons and year end awards.
NAWD offers virtual shows each month from March-October, learn more and sign up at www.nawdhorse.org.
2019 VIRTUAL SHOW SCHEDULE
MAY 17-26
JUNE 14-23
JULY 12-21
AUG 16-25
SEPT 13-22
OCT 1-31
OCT 1-31
MAY 17-26 Spring Fever Dressage: MS Benefit
JUNE 14-23 Summertime Ranch & Trail Show
JULY 12-21 Midsummer Celebration
AUG 16-25 Fall Festival Ranch & Trail
SEPT 13-22 Harvest Classic Dressage / Freestyle
OCT 1-31 Halloween / Costumes all classes
OCT 1-31 Dressage Show for Gaited Breeds
2019 VIRTUAL SHOW SCHEDULE
Franke Photo Design
Does Your Groundwork
Have Goals?
The benefits of groundwork are
becoming more and more apparent as
horse owners—professionals and
amateurs alike—discover that
developing this partnership on the
ground helps their horse become
safer and more attentive. Many of us
have developed a “quick-check”
routine that we run through before we
mount which allows us to quickly
evaluate our horse’s temperament
that day.
Some of us enjoy natural
horsemanship techniques and
“playing” with our horses on-line or at