Western Dressage Association of Southern Alberta
President - Lisa Wieben 403-335-5993 lisa@somaticrider.com
Vice President - Kim Scott 780-667-1094 magnolialane83@hotmail.ca
Secretary - Diane Luxen 403- 556-2175 dluxen@telusplanet.net
Treasurer - Elise Petitjean 403-418-7000 elise_petitjean@hotmail.com
Director - Leanne Snellen 780-908-5759 lsnellen@xplornet.com
Director - Laureen James 403-818-6849 writelj@telus.net
President - Lisa Wieben 403-335-5993 lisa@somaticrider.com
Vice President - Kim Scott 780-667-1094 magnolialane83@hotmail.ca
Secretary - Diane Luxen 403- 556-2175 dluxen@telusplanet.net
Treasurer - Elise Petitjean 403-418-7000 elise_petitjean@hotmail.com
Director - Leanne Snellen 780-908-5759 lsnellen@xplornet.com
Director - Laureen James 403-818-6849 writelj@telus.net
Kim Scott
I have been showing Western Dressage for the past 4-5 years. What drew me to Western Dressage is that my horse and I could progess at our own pace, but not be required to show the big movements expected in English Dressage. Western Dressage has suited my Standardbred "Palomine" and we have loved the journey so far, highlight being competing in the 2020 WDAA World Show, which was held online due to Covid. Coming away with 2 Top 25 finishes (between 50-70 riders per class) in Basic Level, as well as Breed High Score for Standardbreds.
Diane Luxen
I grew up in a rural farming community riding western but was always in awe of the beauty and strength of the dressage horses I watched on the Olympics news clips. Many years later (as in very many, lol) it was exciting to find western riders using the same principles with their horses. Now that western dressage has come to this area, it has been a fun and positive experience to throw my western saddle on Silver to enjoy the sport and especially the people involved. Since I am now retired, attending the events and volunteering with WDASA is a way to show my support and help promote western dressage as a viable option for other riders.
Elise Petitjean
I grew up riding horses in my Ontario backyard. It was love at first sight... I started dressage lessons when I was 6 have embraced this knowledge throughout my riding endeavors. I have shown in both dressage and hunter rings, a highlight having placed third at a US National Intercollegiate Dressage competition in 2008. Since moving to Alberta in 2012, I began distance riding with Trail Riding Alberta Conference and Endurance Riders of Alberta. With my new endurance saddle, I was delighted to discover Western Dressage which allowed me to use my new tack in a familiar ring. Since my first Western Dressage competition in 2015, I've been graced with support and friendly faces. With a young family and backyard horses of my own, I casually compete and seriously ride for enjoyment. I am eager to support WDASA as treasurer and look forward to our events in 2021.
I grew up riding horses in my Ontario backyard. It was love at first sight... I started dressage lessons when I was 6 have embraced this knowledge throughout my riding endeavors. I have shown in both dressage and hunter rings, a highlight having placed third at a US National Intercollegiate Dressage competition in 2008. Since moving to Alberta in 2012, I began distance riding with Trail Riding Alberta Conference and Endurance Riders of Alberta. With my new endurance saddle, I was delighted to discover Western Dressage which allowed me to use my new tack in a familiar ring. Since my first Western Dressage competition in 2015, I've been graced with support and friendly faces. With a young family and backyard horses of my own, I casually compete and seriously ride for enjoyment. I am eager to support WDASA as treasurer and look forward to our events in 2021.
Laureen James
I am a certified Equestrian Canada Coach. I have had horses for over forty years. I showed in many breed and open shows and look forward to showing Aurora this year. I actually rode my dressage horses in my western saddle often even in the nineties because I found it very comfortable. I was so glad that the sport of Western Dressage was created. I watched a video online and went immediately to the barn and made a trade for a two year old warmblood with a little quarter horse in her (Ellie). My husband laughed at how I got the idea in my head watching a video and an hour later traded horses to buy my first Western Dressage prospect. I believe in this sport! Laureen also included a blast from the past when her and I both competed at the Carrots and Cocktails Show in Calgary. Laureen was Overall Champion and I was Reserve. Laureen is in the Calgary area and would be happy to help anyone get started or help out at practice days.
Leanne Snellen
I am an RN, and and Artist. I ride in Western Dressage because I enjoy refining my riding skills in a fun and progressive way, and I love the changes I experience with my horses when they are ridden and handled with skill and sensitivity. I love the longevity that this sport inspires, and the healthy relationship it encourages with my horses. It is good for our spirits!!!
Lisa Weiben
I have been here from the start. Before shows started offering Western Dressage I was asked to do demos at shows and then I started offering clinics. In 2012 I competed in the WDAA World Show and finished in the Top 5 in Level 2 and 3. In 2016 I coached one of my students to multiple WDAA World Championships. I love the inclusivity of Western Dressage. Every breed from mules to stock breeds to warmbloods are represented and every level and age of rider as well. I love the progression of training, moving step by step through the levels. I have seen the training improve suppleness, responsiveness, strength, and connection. As a Centered Riding Instructor, Equine Canada Coach, and Somatics Practitioner I enjoy developing the connection between horse and rider.