I was so mesmerised with Gabby’s beautiful rhythm throughout her routines and the lilting background guitar music that I nodded off😴😂. I made myself a cup of coffee and watched again.☕️ I couldn’t help but feel total admiration for your dedication and hard work that is all coming together now with Gabby and Willow.🌹🦘
LOL! I'm glad I gave you an excuse for coffee. I almost switched to more upbeat music but then decided to stay. I think sometimes the desire to make things 'exciting' takes away from the harmony that we strive for. So I left the sleepy music...#coffeeexcuses
Thank you for sharing this; I recently made western friends at the barn and I am discovering that classical and western dressage have more similarities than it seemed. What a beautiful, soothing, peaceful video, that is also very instructive! I'm totally saving it to incorporate these to my riding routine.
I love this. My friend won level 1 reserve champion at APHA world in western dressage year before last. I love seeing the patterns so beautifully demonstrated. I feel like I have a better idea of what she had to achieve.
Omg I want to try this so bad, i come from a dressage backround but lately i started doing some reining, and seeing how dressage and western riding can combine so beautifully really makes my heart burst :D i just wish that in my country this existed, is it popular in America?
Absolutely wonderful ride. I must say, it is a pet peeve that people salute with their left hand. But I am a real stickler for a good, crisp salute. Must be from my military background.
I'm not understanding the need for constant spurring/poking at her side? I have always ridden English and am considering transitioning to Western and was thinking of focusing on Western Dresssage. However, I've not had a need (or desire) to ride with spurs or poke at my horses side continually. He goes with leg pressure. Are spurs and the poking a "thing" in WD? If yes, might not be my path to take. I like the more forward nature of WD . Totally turned off by Western Pleasure. Genuinely trying to learn and understand. . Thanks.
While my legs are constantly moving, they are not constantly spuring or poking. It is my calf that is 'waving'. It is more pronounced or visible on my younger horses because they don't read quite as subtle. You will notice it less on Willow because she is more advanced. If you watch many advanced disciplines and watch the riders legs you will notice them 'carrying a rhythm' with their legs. Watch the riders legs in this video; ruclips.net/video/DcDLLxgWa_Y/видео.html (spell check keeps helping me out and changing my words, lol)
I use a company called Epidemic Sound. For a fee I can use any of the music they have. It can be a bit overwhelming as they have thousands of songs. I'm currently looking for one that fits my cat documentary... The arena is 70 x 200 unless we take the fence down in front of the stalls. Then we can run 250 feet to practice the sliding stops.
In WDAA you are allowed to post the trot through all current tests (level 4). In traditional dressage they make you sit much sooner. Kinda funny because in all other western disciplines I know of you are required to sit the jog/trot all the time in the pen.
Thank you for the wonderful upload - I am just beginning the journey from just trail riding to Western Dressage - The uploads have been a great help. Do you know where I can find a layout of the patterns? Test one level one
Great ride... But a lengthen trot is not fast your horse should be reaching up into his front foot print or beyond it. The trot should lift you up like you are on a wave it should not feel like hard bouncing.😉
No, not at all. I actually work to keep her this weight. She is young and growing and her ribs are just covered. She is at an ideal weight for her breed, size and build. Even the vet said so when we recently got our health papers. What breed are you accustomed to seeing?
@@StacyLWestfall no she's fine, it's my own preference to favor a smaller barrel I suppose. Hey, she looks like my horse from way back in the1970's. Her name was My Jeep Girl, by King Santa fe, who was by King P-234. Does your horse share that bloodline?
I am just learning about western dressage. Somethings I do not understand. To me the horse is behind the vertical and does not look comfortable in the mouth. Why use 2 hands on a bit that is meant to be used with subtle neck rein cues? That bit was never meant to be direct rein at least that is my understanding of a western curb bit. To me there is too much tension in the reins. I had always thought the beauty of western riding was communication between horse and rider that was so very subtle that just a touch on the neck of a shift of weight would do. This is a huge improvement over what I see in reining, but to me there is still too much human ego and not enough true partnershop. Beautiful horse.
Patience, have you ever followed and/or trained, from beginning of training to end, a finished horse who responds strongly to the light aids you speak of?
The western horses are trained to understand the subtle neck rein cues by being ridden two handed. I also teach horses to ride bridleless and I believe I understand the feedback that I am getting from each individual horse....and I'm comfortable with my techniques. I believe the horses body language says they are also.
Those spurs are cruel and unnecessary. It pains me to see you constantly digging your spurs into this beautiful horse. A true connection between rider and horse doesn’t require that. As a classical dressage rider, my proudest moments were when I would ride my mare bareback and in a halter without contact. True partnership and willingness are developed through a relationship that starts way before the saddle goes on.
spurs don't actually hurt the horse unless used too hard, with my horse i dont need to use them, but other horses at my barn do. i took the spur to my arm and it didnt hurt at all just a bit of a push but as soon as i used too much pressure only then did it hurt
I was so mesmerised with Gabby’s beautiful rhythm throughout her routines and the lilting background guitar music that I nodded off😴😂. I made myself a cup of coffee and watched again.☕️ I couldn’t help but feel total admiration for your dedication and hard work that is all coming together now with Gabby and Willow.🌹🦘
LOL! I'm glad I gave you an excuse for coffee. I almost switched to more upbeat music but then decided to stay. I think sometimes the desire to make things 'exciting' takes away from the harmony that we strive for. So I left the sleepy music...#coffeeexcuses
Thank you for sharing this; I recently made western friends at the barn and I am discovering that classical and western dressage have more similarities than it seemed. What a beautiful, soothing, peaceful video, that is also very instructive! I'm totally saving it to incorporate these to my riding routine.
I love this. My friend won level 1 reserve champion at APHA world in western dressage year before last. I love seeing the patterns so beautifully demonstrated. I feel like I have a better idea of what she had to achieve.
I just did my first run thru of the very first test tonight and I didn't suck! This video is great.
You make the most beautiful circles
That was so cool! I think this is where my mare and I belong.
Omg I want to try this so bad, i come from a dressage backround but lately i started doing some reining, and seeing how dressage and western riding can combine so beautifully really makes my heart burst :D i just wish that in my country this existed, is it popular in America?
Absolutely wonderful ride. I must say, it is a pet peeve that people salute with their left hand. But I am a real stickler for a good, crisp salute. Must be from my military background.
Love the barn!
Excelent Video. THANKS.
I'm not understanding the need for constant spurring/poking at her side? I have always ridden English and am considering transitioning to Western and was thinking of focusing on Western Dresssage. However, I've not had a need (or desire) to ride with spurs or poke at my horses side continually. He goes with leg pressure. Are spurs and the poking a "thing" in WD? If yes, might not be my path to take. I like the more forward nature of WD . Totally turned off by Western Pleasure. Genuinely trying to learn and understand. . Thanks.
While my legs are constantly moving, they are not constantly spuring or poking. It is my calf that is 'waving'. It is more pronounced or visible on my younger horses because they don't read quite as subtle. You will notice it less on Willow because she is more advanced.
If you watch many advanced disciplines and watch the riders legs you will notice them 'carrying a rhythm' with their legs.
Watch the riders legs in this video; ruclips.net/video/DcDLLxgWa_Y/видео.html
(spell check keeps helping me out and changing my words, lol)
Lovely
Any rules for plaiting? Like can you do the normal dressage plaits?
You ride the most beautiful horse ever....!!!
This is great thankyou
Beeeee-autiful! The music could not have been more perfect. What song and artist?????
Beautiful. Thank you. Loping those gorgeous circles is the best part. I would do everything at a lope if I could. 😀
Do you bridge your reins? I am really new to WD, love these videos! Thank you!
Perfection 🦋
Great instructional video I like the music. Who is it. So relaxing! How big is your arena...it seems to go on forever 🤠
I use a company called Epidemic Sound. For a fee I can use any of the music they have. It can be a bit overwhelming as they have thousands of songs. I'm currently looking for one that fits my cat documentary...
The arena is 70 x 200 unless we take the fence down in front of the stalls. Then we can run 250 feet to practice the sliding stops.
Sad to see the spurs continually raking this horse. Everything else is beautiful.
You don’t realize how strong horses are huh
It's interesting you see it as raking. I can't imagine a horse being raked with the spurs and being beautiful at the same time.
THAT PONY IS LOOKING GREAT DOING WHAT IS ASKED OF HIM
This is extremely helpful!! Is it appropriate to post the working jog in western dressage?
Yes, at the lower levels
Kendall Vaitkus posting is an English aid. All western riding at a jog or variation of such, on a western saddle should be sitting.
In WDAA you are allowed to post the trot through all current tests (level 4). In traditional dressage they make you sit much sooner. Kinda funny because in all other western disciplines I know of you are required to sit the jog/trot all the time in the pen.
Why don’t you use one hand one the reins you are not plowing the horse!
Such a treat to watch. Gabby is looking stunning. 🐴🤠😍 ps how big is she now?
She's about 15 hands right now. I'm so excited to continue her training. When she is fully developed things will be really fun!
@@StacyLWestfall yes indeed! I love watching her progress and hope my filly can grow and learn like Gabby has!
Very nice 👍
Hi Stacy! I love your videos!! I am wondering, what kind of noseband are you using?
Weaver leather makes it. It's a pretty simple leather one.
Is there a way to make a private comment? I appreciate being able to see the pattern ridden by a highly skilled horseman... Thanks
I don't know how to make private comments but most people just email me. westfallhorsemanship at gmail.
Thank you for the wonderful upload - I am just beginning the journey from just trail riding to Western Dressage - The uploads have been a great help. Do you know where I can find a layout of the patterns? Test one level one
The WDAA website will have all the tests.
curious what reins you have on here?
Great ride... But a lengthen trot is not fast your horse should be reaching up into his front foot print or beyond it. The trot should lift you up like you are on a wave it should not feel like hard bouncing.😉
I agree. Baby horse learning to lengthen does make the mistake of faster vs longer.
Very nice work. Do you think this horse would be more comfortable if it lost a little weight?
No, not at all. I actually work to keep her this weight. She is young and growing and her ribs are just covered. She is at an ideal weight for her breed, size and build. Even the vet said so when we recently got our health papers. What breed are you accustomed to seeing?
@@StacyLWestfall no she's fine, it's my own preference to favor a smaller barrel I suppose. Hey, she looks like my horse from way back in the1970's. Her name was My Jeep Girl, by King Santa fe, who was by King P-234. Does your horse share that bloodline?
I am just learning about western dressage. Somethings I do not understand. To me the horse is behind the vertical and does not look comfortable in the mouth. Why use 2 hands on a bit that is meant to be used with subtle neck rein cues? That bit was never meant to be direct rein at least that is my understanding of a western curb bit. To me there is too much tension in the reins. I had always thought the beauty of western riding was communication between horse and rider that was so very subtle that just a touch on the neck of a shift of weight would do.
This is a huge improvement over what I see in reining, but to me there is still too much human ego and not enough true partnershop. Beautiful horse.
Patience, have you ever followed and/or trained, from beginning of training to end, a finished horse who responds strongly to the light aids you speak of?
The western horses are trained to understand the subtle neck rein cues by being ridden two handed. I also teach horses to ride bridleless and I believe I understand the feedback that I am getting from each individual horse....and I'm comfortable with my techniques. I believe the horses body language says they are also.
Why do you have to keep poking him with spurs
Why so much spurring. I've never spurred like that. I've won championships showing english, western and equitation on my appaloosa mare.
Those spurs are cruel and unnecessary. It pains me to see you constantly digging your spurs into this beautiful horse. A true connection between rider and horse doesn’t require that. As a classical dressage rider, my proudest moments were when I would ride my mare bareback and in a halter without contact. True partnership and willingness are developed through a relationship that starts way before the saddle goes on.
spurs don't actually hurt the horse unless used too hard, with my horse i dont need to use them, but other horses at my barn do. i took the spur to my arm and it didnt hurt at all just a bit of a push but as soon as i used too much pressure only then did it hurt