Western Dressage
“Western Dressage is a new approach to western riding. It uses the methods of master horsemen to combine the suppleness and harmony of classical dressage with the spirit of the western horse. No matter what breed you ride, you want a better partnership with your horse. That’s Western Dressage.” Western Dressage Association of America
Cathy Huddleston grew up in Western Kansas surrounded by wheat, cattle and horses. Not just any horses, these horses moved cattle, went on trail rides, packed kids around, were roped off of and went to horse shows. They did everything, were level headed and FUN to ride. Throughout the years I’ve dipped my toe into just about every riding discipline out there; halter, western pleasure, reining, break away roping, team sorting, hunter/jumpers, dressage and trail riding, even barrels and pole bending. So when people ask me what my foundation is, that’s it. My horses were my best friends, amazing athletes and a whole lot of fun!
Today, I find I still seek the same basic things in a horse and now have a simpler way to describe it, Western Dressage. It all boils down to a solid foundation for the horse, a clear like language between horse and rider and a connection to the goals for the horse/human partnership. The foundation comes from classical dressage which creates a balanced, supple, athletic and easily responsive horse. It doesn’t matter whether the “partners” are headed down the trail or into the show ring-it’s all there.
I have a passion: to support the development of horse/ human partnerships with fun and safety in mind. So if you’re a first time horse owner, seasoned rider or anywhere in between, my gate is open! With a BA in Equine Studies, a lifetime with horses, more than 3 decades in the show ring and countless hours with clients and horses I’m here to empower you in partnership with your horse. I don’t believe in a lifetime of “lessons”, just a lifetime of learning and that comes from experience and a solid like language.
So, if you’d like to enhance, grow or begin anew with horses, contact me at cathy@challenge-u.com or 951-595-9312 to schedule an interview. Find out if I’m the right fit for you and your horse and we’ll go from there!
Happy riding!
