Registration is now open for the Judges’ Seminar on February 1-2 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Judges’ Seminar is part of the International Equine Judging Seminar (IEJS) at the Hyatt Regency in Tulsa. Clinicians include Joyce Swanson, Debbie Riehl-Rodriguez, and Cliff Swanson. Samantha Klein, USEF Director of Licensed Officials also will be in attendance. This seminar is an integral part of the Judges’ Education program offered by the WDAA and is considered the first step in the process to attain USEF Western Dressage judge’s licensing.
During the Judges’ Seminar, participants will learn about a judge’s perception of gaits, impulsion, submission, rider position and seat in western tack, the rider’s correct and effective use of aids, and harmony between rider and horses of different styles. Focus will be on the evaluation of horse and rider combinations, scoring tests, and providing comments. The program is a full two days and will include a Rules Exam. Judge candidates should complete this seminar prior to working on the Online Evaluations (Step Two), during which each candidate is asked to review, score, and comment on videoed Western Dressage rides with professional feedback. Step Three requires each candidate to complete the learner judge opportunity, sanctioned by the USEF guidelines found at https://www.usef.org/_IFrames/LicensedOfficials/Default.aspx.
The WDAA offers an Advanced Training Program (ATP) designed for those with history in judging for Dressage, Western and/or Breed events.
Registration for the Judges’ Seminar is $375 until January 25. After that, registration is $400. Auditors are welcome. All participants must have a current WDAA membership. For more information on the Judges’ Education programs offered through the WDAA, please visit http://www.westerndressageassociation.org/western-dressage-judges-education-program/. To register now for the Judges’ Seminar, please visit http://www.westerndressageassociation.org/western-dressage-judges-profile-registration/.
The Western Dressage Association of America is a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit organization focused on providing a model of horsemanship which optimizes the partnership of horse and rider for their mutual benefit. The mission of the Western Dressage Association is “to honor the horse, to value the partnership between horse and rider and to celebrate the legacy of the American West” which it focuses on through its offerings of educational opportunities and events to the equestrian community. Please visit our website at http://westerndressageassociation.org for more information.
