WDAA Youth
WDAA Youth Scholarship winners
August: Riley Whittaker, Norwell, MA Hello, I am Riley Whittaker, a Western Dressage youth competitor. I earned the rst WDAA Youth Educational Scholarship, made available by a grant from US Equestrian. I used this scholarship to be a participant in the Sean Patrick Horsemanship Clinic at Mountain Lane Farm on October 4th-6th. I brought my 6-year-old Oakley to Temple NH for a long weekend experience. In this clinic we worked on groundwork, softness, haunches in, turn on the forehand, lateral work, leg yields and many other important things to help further my horsemanship. I improved on slowing down and correctly teaching the basics, along with helping my horse further with new teaching aids. By receiving the chance to participate in this clinic, I was able to create a stronger partnership with my horse and create better teaching aids. This is important as a Western Dressage competitor as I was able to harmonize with my horse better and learn new techniques to further myself and my horses’ advancement through the levels. I want to say thank you to the WDAA Educational Scholarship for this amazing opportunity! Riley Whittaker - Whit Acres Farm
December: Harper Cadotte of Dunkirk, MD
Programs
The Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA) provides various opportunities and programs to support and engage youth members who are interested in the discipline of Western Dressage. Here's what WDAA offers for youth members:
- Scholarships: WDAA recognizes the efforts of youth members through a scholarship program. These initiatives encourage continued growth in Western Dressage and provide financial support for educational pursuits related to Western Dressage. WDAA is proud to present these scholarship opportunities funded with a youth grant from the US Equestrian Federation.
Learn More About WDAA Scholarships
- Educational Programs: WDAA has created a Guide to Western Dressage booklet for junior riders. This booklet can be downloaded for free.
Learn More About the Educational Programs
- Ride A Test: Youth members can participate in Online Ride-A-Tests for free to help develop their riding and strengthen their foundation in Western Dressage.
Learn More About the Free Ride-A-Tests
- Competition and Community Building Opportunities: Youth members can participate in scavenger hunts as well as special awards at the World Show.
Learn More About these Opportunities LINK COMING
- US Equestrian National Youth Sportsman's Award: The goal of this award is to identify future leaders within the equine industry from across all breeds and disciplines and distinguish outstanding youth for their achievements. The WDAA nominates one junior member each year for this award.
Learn More About the USEF Youth Sportsmanship Award
- Safety: As an affiliate of USEF we align with their mission to create a safe environment for our youth and all members of our association.
Learn More About SafeSport
These efforts help nurture the next generation of Western Dressage riders while promoting the values of sportsmanship, discipline, and personal growth.
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