Discover Dressage And Western Dressage For Stock Horse Breeds

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124 – July/August, 2026

By Marie-Frances Davis

“Dressage” is derived from the French word that means “training.” It is a foundational way to teach a horse according to his natural instincts, biomechanics, behaviors and temperament. Dressage utilizes successful methods that have been practiced for centuries.

The beauty of Dressage is that any horse of any breed–English or Western–can be successful. Training is the same regardless of the horse or saddle. The systematic approach is followed to develop the horse’s correct balance. Dressage also teaches the rider to advance the horse with patience and time. It’s a practical, common-sense approach that builds confidence in both horse and rider.

Lynn Palm, AQHA All-Around and Specialized Western Dressage Judge, was fortunate to learn dressage training as a young rider. What she learned in the dressage saddle, she practiced with ponies, her first horse, and every horse thereafter. Palm says, she “applied Dressage to all aspects of training and all horses that I worked with, from the ground to the saddle. Even if a different saddle was used–whether western, hunt seat, saddle seat, or dressage–there was no reason to ride any differently”.

Palm always loved western riding, too, and ultimately specialized with the American Quarter Horse because she was fascinated with a horse that could do multiple disciplines. Using Dressage for training will enhance any horse’s performance. For riders, a Dressage test relates to riding patterns like hunt seat equitation, horsemanship, and ranch riding. For horses, it creates responsive transitions and increased rideability for events like hunter hack, equitation over fences, western riding, and ranch trail.

Click here to read the complete article
124 – July/August, 2026