Western Dressage

The Western Dressage Program at Barnes Ranch offers opportunities for riders and horses of all ages, breeds, skill levels, and disciplines to cross-train themselves and their horses using dressage techniques and maneuvers. This cross-training will produce a softer horse – more willing and able to perform western events and classes.

Some riders enjoy the technical aspects of western dressage so much that this event becomes their primary event.

As the name indicates, this event is performed in western attire and with western tack. You’ll learn the principles of footfalls, energy and movement from the hindquarters, an ability to separate the parts of the horse – all of which results in the ability to place your horse where you’d like with a quality of movement. Whether you enjoy cattle work, arena work, or the joy of enhancing your partnership with your horse mentally and physically, Western Dressage is most helpful.

Gerrie Barnes has promoted her “8 Foundations Maneuvers” for years – specifically within the Versatility Ranch Horse (VRH) event. VRH requires one horse and rider to perform 5 western classes with skill sub-sets including arena pattern work, arena trail and obstacles, reining, and cattle work including cutting, boxing, and fencework. The foundation maneuvers control the separate parts of the horse making the horse more willing, supple, and able to make specific movements with mental and physical softness and responsiveness. Gerrie is a CHA-Certified Level 4 Western riding instructor.

The Western Dressage Association of Colorado (WDACO) – an affiliate of the Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA) – just completed its first year in 2011. After reviewing its principles and approach to western dressage, Gerrie sees an excellent fit for the Barnes Ranch philosophy of western riding that includes light contact, self-carriage, and supple preparation to ride within many different western classes and events.

Barnes Ranch developed a 2012 program to introduce you to Western Dressage:

• Introduction to Western Dressage
• Performance Riding with a 2-part emphasis: The Rider (Part 1) and The Horse (Part 2)
• Western Dressage Guided Practice Session #1
• Western Dressage Guided Practice Session #2

Check out the Western Dressage Calendar for dates and more info. Private lessons are also available for quicker progression or to assist with individual rider/horse skills or problem areas.