Group photo of all placegetters, including the champions and reserves — Kelly Woolstencroft, Priscilla Johnson, Rebecca Nixon, Jacinta Rennie, judge Sharron Rank, Suzanne Hayes Hibbard, Michelle Millar and Sarah Kealey.
Photo by
Contributed
An equestrian group is introducing Western dressage to Shepparton, following the success of its recent debut competition.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
At 9am on Sunday, March 23, the Shepparton Western Horse Club held its first official Western dressage competition at the Caniambo Recreation Reserve.
The competition featured 22 tests performed on a standard-sized 20m x 60m arena, allowing riders to demonstrate their Western dressage skills under the expert eye of judge Sharron Rank.
New riders and horses competing in their first ever dressage test had the chance to hone their skills alongside previously successful combinations in other disciplines that wanted to further their competition success.
Though numbers were modest, the event was considered a success.
“The day was super — beautiful day, sun was shining and all the riders kicked some goals, achieving great results,” Shepparton Western Horse Club president Leanne McGrath said.
“Huge congratulations to everyone who competed, it was fantastic.”
Western Dressage Association Victoria sashes and ribbons, alongside complimentary gifts.
Photo by
Contributed
SWHC began in 2018 as a way of providing local training and competing opportunities in Western disciplines to like-minded riders.
But it all changed in 2024, when a few local riders interested in Western dressage approached the SWHC to see if it was willing to become an affiliated club with the Western Dressage Association of Australia.
Eager to bring the sport to Victoria, SWHC immediately jumped on board.
“We were very interested, and (we’ve) spent since last year introducing and presenting information days, training days and now our very first competition in the area,” Ms McGrath said.
“Western dressage is one of the fastest growing Western disciplines in the USA, and brings together the fundamental training of both the Western disciplines and classical dressage.
“Our club’s goal is to develop as much interest as possible and to introduce as many people as we can to the sport, as well as competition opportunities.”
While Western dressage appears similar to other forms, it combines the principles of dressage riding with the use of Western tack.
Riders typically wear Western attire, such as button-up shirts, cowboy boots and jeans.
Kelly Woolstencroft riding with Kerrinna Fancy Lila Kat.
Photo by
Contributed
Ms McGrath started her journey down the path of Western dressage after having been an English discipline rider for most of her life.
“I started to research Western dressage and decided it was an avenue I really wanted to pursue ... I liked their training philosophies and thought it was a good fit for me,” she said.
“Unfortunately, Western dressage isn’t very prominent in Victoria, so I gathered a group of friends to help me get things going.
“As part of this journey, I was coerced into becoming president of our small but very keen group.
“The club is a great community — our goals are to support riders in any of their training goals. We also have training days for other Western disciplines as members like to try and get together and have a fun day out.”
Western dressage welcomes all breeds, ages and horses ridden in the usual Western gear and attire.
“Western dressage is a great way to develop new skills for those who currently ride dressage, who might be looking for a change, or Western riders looking to add to their options of competition,” Ms McGrath said.
SWHC’s next event will be held on Sunday, May 25.
Club days are on the second and fourth Sundays of each month.
19°C