This is a major problem I have with western dressage - these people riding around two handed, on contact, in CURB bits! These bits were never designed to be ridden on contact! Garcia and Morales must be rolling over in their grave.

Hi I'm a new subscriber and very interested in the Contour saddles. Could you pls clarify whether that is a Deep Seat Light saddle or a Western Dressage Light saddle? They are two different saddles. I'm guessing that's the WDL because the seat doesn't look like it has as pronounced a pocket (or dish) as the DSL, and it looks like the pommel is not as wide as the DSL. OR maybe they are combining the two saddles into one? (I see your post is very recent.) Thank you!

Hi. How far apart are these poles set?

Sounds like a HOA. No thanks.

The horse should be turned sideways so the viewer can really see what she is doing- Not face on to the camera . best Bruce Peek

I recently had the opportunity to do a one-week test ride of this model -- the Deep Seat Light -- which for the general public is $150 for the week, incl shipping. Very reasonable bc of course that doesn't even cover the shipping!! You talk about how stable it is on the horse, no slippage, which was a big deal for me as well. I had it rigged the traditional way (two cinches) and, with the Versafit pad, it stayed put without cutting my horse in two. I also really loved how it felt sitting in the saddle -- secure, and close to my horse.

Great video.... Please explain how to do the neck down half halt.ty

Thank you for covering Free Style. I am in Intro and want to develop a program over the winter. I’m currently trying to educate myself on Free style

Is that a specific brand? Where do I get one?

At what point are riders required or rewarded for speed? For those of us coming from a background in AQHA Trail and Ranch Trail, we have worked so hard to teach our horses to NOT rush through obstacles, to be careful, thoughtful, wait, and not anticipate. I'm reluctant to now teach those same horses that we need to hustle through an obstacle course, especially since I intend to continue showing in those events. However, if we're going to give Working Eq. an honest try, we won't do it any way other than wholeheartedly "all in". We'd want to do it right, follow the progression, and be as competitive at each level as we can be. Does everyone do both the Ease of Handling, Dressage, and the Speed round? Do riders typically choose one to focus on, or do most train and compete in all? Just wondering if this sport is as specialized as the different AQHA events...where the pleasure horse and the speed horse are two completely different animals. We are not interested in causing our horses to feel confused or pressured.

Thank you very much! I would add one item to your sign! The DATE that you are riding. Becomes important as you are submitting to shows with deadlines. Also, good to have this in your KZbin video so you remember what day it was ridden.

This was really great, thanks so much! I will be working on progressing to level 2 this coming year and really appreciate the in depth discussion.

your comments are always so helpful

So how do you keep the spur up higher on the back of a western boot? I have longer legs that hang below the barrel, I find that I have a bad habit of lifting my heal to use the spur when needed.

Cute! My mare tries to stand on the mounting block 😂

Thank you for the video Ida. I’m seriously considering ordering a WDL saddle. Is the center fire rigging as stable/secure as the traditional front/back cinches hobbled together?

She’s lovely, thanks for the introduction.

😂 ❤

I used the snaps on the reins to the bit. They will be coming off today

Please do not knot your split reins

Excellent!

Good advice for people taking care of any animal. Take notice of "how they are today". Pay attention to the difference in them and their energy from day to day. Thanks.❤❤

You have a gorgeous horse

Thanks

Always great info.

Always great when info

As a ring steward, I can't tell you how many riders think their ride time is just a suggestion 😂

love the super short block.

love it Ida, thank you.

I do not understand bonnets with a western outfit. I love bonnets English but I don’t think it makes sense in western dressage at all.

Thank you! It has inspired me to move forward by clarifying many things I didn’t understand.

Love this rigging!

I love the look of the saddle pad on the Grey horse. Horse and rider look sharp.

Thank you, this was so informative and educational!

I love your videos. Thank you

Good to know information. Thank you!

Hi Ida, is your horse in this video a TB? Or an Appendix?

This was a very helpful video. Thank you. One comment; when you comment on the pictures of the two men, the one on the left on the bay horse is Eitan Beth-Halachmy, founder of Cowboy Dressage, riding Santa Fe Renegade, his Morgan stallion.. The emphasis is a bit different than in WD. This is not a WD competition photo. It is Eitan making a presentation about CD and he wears a lot of more tradition cowboy or Spanish attire.

Thank you for this extremely helpful presentation! I would love to know how Ida feels about black western tack. I am about to dip a toe in the western world and am saddle shopping and would like to know how a black saddle is perceived. Thank you!

Please show the turn on the haunches vs pivot. Thank you for your video instruction ❤

Very helpful! Thank you! I’m doing my first virtual show in July for para dressage. 🐎

Great video! Thank you.

Thank you. I plan to order the whip you mentioned!

Thank you so much for this. Very helpful. What about the whip? I noticed you didn’t carry one. I struggle using one and trying to manage the lines as well, but my trainer insists that I get used to carrying one, and I get it!

WHAT TYPE OF SADDLE ARE YOU USING? I HAVE A SMALL 13.2 HAND HALFLINGER CROSS WITH A VERY SHORT BACK. THE SKIRT ON MY REGULAR SADDLE SKIRT IS 26 INCHS. I'LL LISTEN AGAIN I THINK YOU SAID IT AT THE END OF YOUR VIDEO.

Thank you-very clear example!

Thank you!

We are very blessed to have excellent judges to teach us in Va

Robyn is wonderful!!❤

Is the rider's inside leg supposed to be back?