From its inception, Winning Ways with Western Dressage was bound to make a mark on the Western Dressage world. The unique competitive-educational event is like no other and combines an AQHA Special Event and WDAA Recognized Show with clinic days intended to Grow Scores and Skills. From there, showing and growing was born. AQHA and USEF R Western Dressage Judge, multiple World Champion Competitor and Coach, Lynn Palm, and Palm Equestrian Academy’s executive director, Marie-Frances Davis as show manger and clinic coordinator, makes a recipe for success.
After testing the waters with 2 events in 2022, the pair hosted 6 Winning Weekends in 2023 in VA, PA, Italy, WI, OH and TX. The support from host facilities, horses, riders, volunteers and sponsors was overwhelming. In the 6 show days a total of 224 tests were ridden from Introductory Level-Level 5. More than 22 breeds were represented hailing from 14 states and multiple regions in Italy. Horses and riders earned 208.5 AQHA points and as many WDAA Lifetime points in Open, Amateur and Youth divisions with an average score of 67.90%. In the 3 events where the Grow Your Skills Clinic was offered, 36 riders improved by working with Palm one and one and another 62 riders participated in the Grow Your Skills group sessions.
Each participant took home a custom cap and notebook from Palm Equestrian Academy while individual class winners won a sampling of Funky Unicorn Treats and medals from Hodges Badge Company for first-sixth place. The highest scoring Open, Amateur and Youth Horse and Rider Pair received coupons for Purina Premium Horse Feed, a $50 gift certificate to Smartpak and a Funky Unicorn Treat trio. In Texas, High Score also received a gift card for therapeutic body work by Chelse from Equine Unbound.
Palm and Davis are proud to spread the message of Western Dressage and look forward to adding Ranch Horse events to the lineup. With a rotation of locations for 2024, there is room for expansion to new regions. Contact Marie-Frances if interested in hosting this boutique competitive-educational event in your area.
As Western Dressage competitions and clinics continue to rise, look for Winning Ways weekends by visiting the calendar at www.lynnpalm.com/calendar.htm or www.facebook.com/winningwayswithwesterndressage.
For additional details contact Marie-Frances Davis at 352 362-7847 or mariefrances@lynnpalm.com.
Lynn Palm
Palm’s career highlights include 2007 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Horsewoman of the Year, a record four AQHA Superhorse wins, AQHA Female Equestrian of the Year by the Women’s Athletic Association, named one of the top United States clinicians by Horse & Rider magazine, over 34 AQHA World and Reserve World Champions, 14 WDAA World and Reserve World Championships and over 50 bridleless dressage exhibitions at events including the National Horse Show, 1989 World Cup and the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, and World Cup. Palm is an AQHA All Around and Versatility Ranch Judge as well as USEF R Western Dressage Judge. She is currently judging and teaching at her Winning Ways with Western Dressage events and clinics throughout the country and abroad. Palm is the author of The Rider’s Guide to Real Collection and Your Complete Guide to Western Dressage and her latest release Finding Your Superhorse.
Contact:
Palm Equestrian Academy
352.362.7847
generalinfo@lynnpalm.com