Palm Equestrian Academy’s Winning Ways with Western Dressage Hosts First Winning Weekend in Italy
Winning Ways with Western Dressage made history by hosting the first live Western Dressage Show in Europe. The show was approved by both the Western Dressage Association of America and the American Quarter Horse Association. Held the last weekend of June at Alba Quarter Horses 3.0 in Siena, Italy, the show was judged by AQHA and USEF R Western Dressage Judge, Lynn Palm, and managed by Palm Equestrian Academy’s executive director, Marie-Frances Davis.
The combined show and educational weekend were a resounding success. With 19 horse and rider combinations in 3 Divisions and 3 Levels, Amateur, Youth and Open riders in Introductory and Basic Levels, along with Level 1, earned a total of 80 AQHA Western Dressage points. One horse in particular, AQHA stallion, Skeets Flamin, bred by Stanley and Susan Scott of Ocala, FL, owned by Seahorse SRL of Firenze, Italy, trained and shown by Paola Donarini, earned the Register of Merit in Western Dressage his first time showing. Italian horses and riders are listed on the 2023 AQHA Show Leaders List in Western Dressage for the first time ever.
In addition to the Western Dressage Show, the Italians showcased their versatility in a second day of competition with Ranch Trail and Ranch Riding in an AQHA Special Event. They earned additional AQHA points for their horses’ permanent records in these events as well. To see the horses excel in the maneuvers called for in these events knowing that their Western Dressage training contributed to that was incredible. The smooth transitions and turns done with ease and lightness were remarkable. It certainly displayed the similarities between Western Dressage and Ranch Horse Events.
Just as the competition was impressive, Lynn’s educational presentations were second to none. In working with 24 riders over 2 days, she was able to encourage riders to study and practice Western Dressage. Some had little to no exposure to the new event and were able to complete Introductory Level tests at the walk and jog. Others were able to improve upon components of tests that they have already been working on. It was a diverse group who were very open to receiving the message of Western Dressage.
As Western Dressage competitions and clinics continue to rise, look for Winning Ways in your area. Visit 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.
