Written by Teresa

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Are you planning on heading to a Western Dressage competition?

How exciting!

Are you and your equine dance partner ready to present yourselves appropriately for the level of show you are entering?

If you need some tips and inspiration for yourself as the competitor, then check out this Western Dressage Competitor’s Guide - What To Wear at a Western Dressage Competition.

Now, if you are looking for some direction for how to present a horse for a Western Dressage competition then I have some ideas and inspiration to share with you in this blog post.

Local Level Competition vs National Level Competition

All levels of competition are an opportunity for you to present yourself and your horse in the best way possible. Read that again.

However, the level of competition may warrant some slight differences that you should consider.

At the very least your horse should be healthy, CLEAN, groomed and appropriately conditioned for riding. Your tack needs to be clean and in good working order and fit your horse well and of course, meet the requirements of the association rules and regulations you will be showing under.

To see the Rules and Regulations for the Western Dressage Association of Australia or the Western Dressage Association of America click the links.

Let’s take a look at the options available.

 

Horse’s Overall Grooming Presentation

A horse’s overall coat appearance is influenced first and foremost by his health and his diet. Beauty comes from within, remember.

The weather elements also play a part in his coat appearance. The sun will bleach, and the cooler months will trigger hair growth – neither of which are desirable in a show coat.

Shiny and glossy short coats are warranted.

To learn more about what goes on behind the scene with Beth (owner of NTR & Hi Shine Products) as she prepares her horse for competition, keep a look out for a future blog post coming soon.

Yes, you can still ride your hairy, sun-bleached pony at the horse show. No one will refuse your entry and a good judge will be judging you and your horse on your ability to perform the maneuvers required in a western dressage test. There is no specific box on a test score sheet for presentation.

At low level introductory type club shows, schooling shows and training events you will commonly see this, some of the reasons may include; brand new to showing competitors that are still learning the ropes, horses that have been out in the paddock for a spell and are just coming back in to work, competitors who have decided halfway through a season (winter) that they want to start showing. This is all fine.

Whilst the aim and the ideal are shiny glossy show coats, there are times when it just can’t be - go show your horse anyway. We all must start somewhere.

If you are stepping up to State, National or World show level you will no doubt have had a plan in place for some time and be training toward that level of competition. This is definitely the time to step up your horse presentation preparation.

The unwritten rules of horse show etiquette and expectation is the higher the level of showing you intend to do then the higher level of preparation and presentation of horse and rider is expected.

You can easily improve your horse’s coat with a well fitted rug (appropriate for the weather conditions), worn regularly, to keep the elements at bay. You can also find well-made full body slinky style rugs which are great to use once you have bathed and cleaned your horse ready for the event, they ‘polish’ the coat to add a bit of extra last-minute shine.

You can also enhance a horse’s coat through thorough and effective grooming methods and there are a multitude of shampoos, conditioners and products available worldwide to help you achieve a beautiful shiny show worthy coat.

To Plait, or Not To Plait?

In America the choice is yours.

In Australia however, No PLAITING , BRAIDING or BANDING of the mane or tail is acceptable in Western Dressage Competitions.

YAY! Got to love the au natural look.

A neat, tidy mane and tail is still a must. Trim where needed to make the most of what your horse has. Hogged manes are acceptable. A trimmed bridle path is completely optional. You may even use false mane and/or tail extensions if your horse is lacking in these areas.

No ribbons, flowers or adornments in the mane or tail are acceptable, except in the Costume Freestyle classes in America.

Painted Hooves

This is optional. Some use black hoof paint, some use clear oil and most go naked. You choose.

Muzzle Hairs

There is no specific WDA-AUS or WDAA ruling on muzzle hairs being trimmed. The way the world is evolving and recognising some outdated practices I would advise to leave those precious important hairs intact on your horse’s muzzle.

Make Up? Or Not to Make Up

This is optional. There is a multitude of cosmetic products available that you can apply to your horse’s face and/or coat to highlight aspects to help present a ‘show worthy’ appearance.

Sneaky tip: Vaseline applied around the muzzle and eyes is a simple and cost-effective way to add some highlights to your horse’s already gorgeous face.

Tack

Well-fitted, clean and safe tack is of the utmost importance. All tack must conform with the rules and regulations of the association you are showing under.

Do remember that this is a WESTERN discipline. Your tack should reflect this.

Saddles

In Australia the accepted saddles are a western or swinging fender or half-breed saddle, which must include at least 2 of the following options – saddle skirt, western fenders, horn.

In America the accepted saddles are a standard American Western stock saddle with swells, a seat, cantle, skirt, fenders, and Western stirrups. A working Western side saddle is also acceptable.

Saddles may have lots of silver enhancements or none at all…and everything in between.

Saddle Pads and Saddle Blankets

So, a saddle pad is the ‘padding’ you use to cushion your horses back and evenly distribute the pressure from the saddle and seated rider. They also absorb heat and moisture from your horse’s back. There are many options for saddle pads available, including therapeutic, memory foam, wool, neoprene etc. Choose what suits your horse best and fits appropriately under your saddle.

The plain ones are usually referred to as ‘work pads’.

Can you show in them? Yes. Does it look great? Umm…a bit boring and lacking effort.

On the plus side, there are many options for a combined pad with a fancy blanket attached that are also referred to as saddle pads or blanket topped saddle pads. These are handy and convenient to use and available in a vast array of colours and patterns from many leading brands such as Classic Equine, Professional’s Choice, Diamond Wool Company.

Saddle blankets are the pretty coloured and patterned (usually) wool, woven blankets that go over the top of your plain saddle pad.

They add pop and colour and interest to your show appearance.

There are so many colour and pattern options available, and there are companies who offer custom design so you can design your very own unique pad to specifically suit your outfit and personal style. Some show pad companies include, Prickly Pear Saddle Blankets, Show Stoppin, Western Show Pads Australia, Mayatex.

So much fun!

When choosing the style, colour and pattern of your saddle blanket keep in mind your own competition outfit and the colour tones of your horse so that you present an overall cohesive and attractive picture.

The Hobby Horse Colour Wheel is a great tool to help you choose colours that compliment your horse.

Bridles

In Australia the rules say you can use a western or stock style headstall made of leather or leather-like material to carry a bit or bosal.

In America the rules say you can use a western style headstall.

Hackamores and Bosals must be made of smooth rounded braided rawhide or leather with a flexible non-metallic core and attached to a suitable headstall.

Bitless Bridles may be used, in Australia the headstall for a bitless bridle may be made of rope, leather or leather-like material. In America it must be of western style and be made of flat leather or leather like material.

Western Two Rein Bridles can be used (in Australia only in Level Three and Four) as long as they meet the requirements of the association you are showing under.

Reins

Reins can be made of leather, rope, horsehair or synthetic.

When using a snaffle bit you can use split, loop, connected, buckled, mecate, or Romal reins (without a popper).

When using a curb bit you can use split, loop, connected, buckled or Romal reins (when using a curb/Romal setup you must use one hand on the reins).

Bits

The most popular bits to use are a snaffle bit or a correctional curb bit. There are many other variations of bits that are allowed and each association has many rules and measurement requirements you must follow when it comes to bits. Be thorough and check if your bit is legal.

Optional Equipment

Some horses may need a breastplate or a crupper to help keep a saddle in the correct position, both of these are acceptable.

A whip may also be carried, though it must meet the length and style requirements of the relevant association.

A cavesson noseband or bosalita may also be used. Strictly NO drop nosebands.

Can You Use Leg Protection.

Well, yes. But it depends which country you are showing in. In both America and Australia, you may use leg wraps (fleece polo wraps). However, whilst you CAN use tendon boots, splint boots and bandages in Australia, you CANNOT use them in America. No bell boots.

All leg protection must be in plain neutral colours such as white, off white, brown, black or beige ONLY. Leave the fancy-coloured boots for training at home.

Hoof boots instead of horseshoes may trot on both American and Aussie soil.

Good presentation can only enhance your overall look.

You will still need to practice and execute your tests to the best of you and your horse’s abilities.

Why not look fabulous doing it?

Proper preparation and presentation take away one potential stress point from your show day nerves. If you and your horse look good and feel good you are set up to ride with confidence and put your best hoof forward in the show arena.

Happy showing.

Let me know your favourite colour combo for you and your equine dance partner when you compete at a WD show in the comments below – I would love to know.