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ally, for whatever reason, cannot commit to excelling with theirriding and their horse. Western Dressage does take a passion todo well and learn it. It is a riding that you need to spend at leastthree to four days a week practicing. Five to six days is best. Butwhat sport can you do well without practice? If you can onlyride one to two times per week, you will be limited on how muchyou can progress. Western Dressage is all about riding with accuracy, whichmeans you must be correct so that your horse stays on the path offigures, transitions and what you are asking for in each gait. Starting with Intro Level, only Walk and Jog, Basic level, which is thebest way to start or improve your lope through Level 1-5, eachlevel has new requirements to learn and is a gradual progressionof advancing your riding skills for your horse! There is no reasonto feel it is too difficult. There is a level for every horse and rider.Another reason is some feel it is too expensive a discipline.Yes, the entry fees are often more than open show or breedclasses; however, you get your test back from the judge withscores and comments on the elements. What a lesson and homework that you get feedback from the judge! This is why I loveDressage, as it is the only discipline that gives riders so muchback from their performances. I personally feel that more awareness of the discipline needsto be brought to the public. Western Dressage is for all levels ofriders and breed of horses, and I feel that it is the foundation forALL western disciplines, as Traditional Dressage also is the samefor Jumping, Hunters, Eventing and Driving horses!I encourage riders to jump into Western Dressage because Iknow that not onlyWestern Dressage will teach riders to be betterriders, but it also creates better partnerships with their horses.It is also wonderful for cross training to improve pattern classeslike Horsemanship, Trail, Western Riding, Reining, Cow Horseand Ranch Horse disciplines. Western Dressage is very achievable, and I encourage all riders to try riding in a dressage ring and to take advantage of thelevels, starting at the beginning. It is the first time that there aretangible western dressage test books to give you the guidelinesto train at home with or without your trainer and instructor.Let’s get started!!! oCyril and Lynn offer clinics throughout the country and abroad aswell as online coaching. Join them on their teaching tours or throughthe Palm Partners Club. Contact Palm Equestrian Academy at 352-362-7847 or email them at generalinfo@lynnpalm.com 26 Arizona Horse Connection February, 2026Pasture Boarding IN Horse Heaven with The qualityCare given to all of our top show horses!• On Site Residents• Affordable RatesKaren Stallings • Skull Valley, AZ • (520) 548-6732Now offering Equine Rehabilitation using European technology. Call us for more information!Ideal For...• Retired Horses• Mares• Yearlings