A Letter from your New WDAA President Cindy Butler

It is my honor and privilege to begin serving the members of the Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA) as President of the Executive Board of Directors. I thank Ellen DiBella for her amazing vision and leadership in creating WDAA from nothing and making it the fastest growing equine discipline the United States Equestrian Federation has ever seen. Thank you to my esteemed colleagues on the Executive Board for entrusting me with the responsibility for an organization so dear to all our hearts. I am grateful for your commitment to join me and our great staff in continuing with our mission to build an equine community that combines the Western traditions of horse and rider with Classical Dressage.

My promise to the membership is that I will serve you to the best of my ability with fairness and an open mind. As the chairman of the Rules Committee, I have been working diligently to ensure a clear and level playing field for all exhibitors and equines. I look forward to continuing that work along with;

• Planning the next World Show,
• Sharing exciting news about USEF’s new Competition Lite program,
• Starting a monthly opinion poll for members to weigh in on decision items,
• Rolling out Level 4 tests, and
• Working with breed organizations to promote more opportunities for you to show your horses in Western Dressage.

I ask you, my fellow members, to accompany me on this journey by:

• Training and showing your horses in Western Dressage,
• Asking show managers to include Western Dressage in shows,
• Participating in the WDAA Horse Lifetime Points and Awards Program,
• Joining and becoming active in your nearest WDAA State Affiliate,
• Clicking on our link every time you shop with Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/27-3143450
• Sponsoring classes or awards for Western Dressage at any level,
• Sharing your Western Dressage experiences with horsemen and women everywhere.

I know there is much to do and the trail ahead is challenging, but I feel like a racehorse in the starting gate, raring to go. I am excited to be on the best team, working for the best membership, with the best purpose – to honor the horse!

Off and running. Race with me!

Cindy Butler, Your WDAA President