WDAA Welcomes the Sunshine State as newest State Affiliate!
When you’re an artist… you’re hard wired to seek out beauty. I couldn’t help but fall in love with dressage as an… ahem, middle-aged rider. I love the precision; and the systematic training through sequential skill development. But I also love my western saddle! Two years ago I caught wind of Western Dressage and the Western Dressage Association® of America and it instantly resonated with everything I thought was right about riding. I immediately contacted the WDAA and asked about what was happening in Florida. “Well” said Neide Cooley, “how about if I send you a state affiliate packet, and see what you can do!” That was a bit unnerving but, hey, why not! (I had NO clue!!!)
My USDF Group Member Organization (GMO) in Sarasota, the Alpha Dressage Association, graciously allowed me to make a presentation about this brand new discipline before last year’s show season. They agreed to offer Western Dressage classes and even though last year there were only a few of us riding in Western saddles… we were accepted and encouraged.
I contacted other Florida WDAA members and organized a meeting last July in Ocala. The amazing Lynn Palm and her husband Cyril Pittion-Rossillon hosted our kick off organizers event at Palm Partnership Training at Fox Grove Farm and Marie-Frances Davis, the Palm Partnership Clinic Manager was extremely helpful throughout our meeting and subsequent fund-raiser event at Lynn Palm’s clinic this summer.
A core group of dedicated Western Dressage enthusiasts agreed to help out, both with moral and financial support. These ladies represent every region of our large and diverse state. We have folks from the Panhandle, Central, East and West coasts of Florida working together! A few weeks ago our WDAFL By-Laws were finished, paperwork was sent in to the state (thank you Daryl!) and elections were held. (oh Glory!) Thank you Erin Miller, Kim Stimmel and Daryl Leonard for your commitment and love for Western Dressage.
Why am I so excited about the growth of Western Dressage in Florida?
A few facts to shine some light on our state:
- There are 500,000 horses in Florida!
- 70% of the horses are used for showing and recreation
- 244,000 Floridians are involved in the industry as owners, service providers and employees
- 6.5 billion dollar impact on the economy (figures from the Fla. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services)
The WDAFL mission is to mirror that of the WDAA… and to provide educational and social opportunities for all riders who embrace western dressage.
After all, “It’s About the Journey…”
Welcome to the WDAFL… Here’s hoping for a beautiful ride together! Visit our Florida Facebook Page and connect with us!
Deborah Herbert
President WDAFL
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Glover Stables, near Brooksville, FL, hosted a wonderful schooling show today, 4/7/13, with Western Dressage classes on the show bill! Also included were NWHA Intro A & B classes, as well as USDF Intro and Training Level classes. Go to their website for information on their upcoming shows.
Please send me info of WD in the Florida area.
We moved from Crystal River to Chico, CA four years ago (with 5 horses, 8 dogs and 7 cats. I went to a WD clinic here and enjoyed it. We didn’t like CA, so next week we are moving back to Lecanto.
Looking forward to attending Lynn’s “lesson programs”.
PS, we have a son of Rugged Lark, On A Lark, he’s 14 and is great shape. He’s coming “home” with us.
thanx, and Happy Trails….
The easiest way to get information about the group is to visit their Facebook page; a website is coming soon as it is in the works! Or you could email the President of the club at debbiedb@afo.net (Deb Herbert)
Welcome back to the Sunshine State Roger and family… and give “On a Lark” a carrot from WDAFL! https://www.facebook.com/#!/WesternDressageAssociationFlorida
Check out our Facebook page…and soon our Website as well! WD classes are popping up at shows all over our big state, so you will have lots of opportunities to put into practice what you learn at Lynn Palm’s!
Best regards (and welcome home),
Deb Herbert
WDAFL President
I am SUPER excited about this!! I have been waiting for the day…when I read my email that the WDAA is in FL I became so happy that I want to go out to the barn now to ride and get more practice in…lol I am going on the FB page now so I can be sure to get all the info and happenings with WD in FL. Yee Haw!!!!
Wow… that really is Excitement! We are thrilled as well to have the Florida Ladies running a State Affiliate. Once you meet or speak with them, you will understand what I mean. They are a terrific group and have big, exciting plans for Florida and Western Dressage! Enjoy the Ride!
Yay for you Meagan!!!
Send that membership in and join our growing group! Look for our website soon! Where do you live ? And who is your WD “dance partner”…LOL?
So glad you are fired up…enjoy the journey with us!
Deb Herbert
WDAFL President
Congratulations Florida! You have done a fantastic job putting this wonderful group together! Let me know how I can help and assist! You are awesome!
Please keep me posted on any shows, and all clinics, lessons available. I have been interested in WD for 3 years now, and am wanting to stay connected to others that have a like interest. I live near Brooksville, Florida. Keep in touch, please. Good job.
Rainee Mc Geehan
To be kept informed about the happenings in Florida, you would be better suited for following their Facebook page or join their Facebook group. Which are listed in the Article. They will have a website soon!
Welcome to the fold, Florida!! I love your enthusiasm, and it’s great to hear about the cooperation you’re getting from your GMO. We have that in Oklahoma, too, and it’s great synergy! Best of luck to you!!