Year of the Western Dressage Horse

Written By Amanda Delgado

Dear NCWDA Members and Friends,

Everywhere you look right now, you’ll hear people calling 2026 the Year of the Horse.

Whether you follow the Chinese Zodiac or not, I think the message behind it is one that we equestrians feel and understand deeply, movement, momentum, courage, and forward motion. And, of course, it is always fun to see our lifestyle show up in mainstream ways.

Personally, I know very little of the Chinese zodiac so decided to dig into it further. In Eastern tradition, the horse represents action, freedom, and breakthrough. It’s about being in motion rather than standing still. Less overthinking, more doing. Less waiting for the perfect moment, more trusting the one you’re in.

And while 2026 may be the Year of the Horse… I truly believe it is the

Year of the Western Dressage Horse.

If the past year taught us anything, it’s that western dressage is no longer quietly growing, it’s showing up and doing so in big ways.

Cindy Butler accepting the 2025 Pegasus Medal of Honor Award

At the USEF Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet, western dressage had a presence that could not be ignored. From our president, Cindy Butler, being honored with the USEF Pegasus Medal of Honor, to Athenian Lady being named the 2025 USEF Horse of the Year, western dressage stood on the biggest stage in our sport and belonged there.

And if you were in the room that night, you felt it. We had one of the largest groups in attendance. Loud. Supportive. Cheering not just for our own, but for everyone. That’s just who we are.

Amanda Delgado accepting the 2025 USEF Horse of the Year Award at the USEF Awards Banquet

For the first time, the top of USEF leadership made it a point to attend our WDAA Annual Meeting. Presidents from other associations gushed about how western dressage is their new favorite thing. Top brass from USEF bragged about how western dressage is doing everything right. It was this incredible moment to realize we have officially arrived.

Western dressage is built on partnership, correctness, longevity, and respect for the horse, and those values are resonating louder than ever in our industry. Riders are seeking disciplines that prioritize the horse and its wellbeing. Horses are being celebrated for who they are, not forced into who they’re not.

That is why this moment matters.

A Horse Year isn’t about sprinting blindly forward. It’s about consistent movement, about progress that lasts. It is about finding your rhythm and honoring recovery just as much as ambition. That philosophy mirrors western dressage in the most perfect way.

Here at NCWDA, we are committed to harnessing this momentum and turning it into real opportunities for our members. More education. More recognition. More ways to participate, whether you’re brand new to showing or a seasoned competitor. We are aiming for growth that feels supportive, not overwhelming.

This is our year to:

  • Show up

  • Get involved

  • Invite others in

  • And continue shaping a discipline that honors both horse and rider

I am incredibly excited for what lies ahead, not just nationally, but right here in North Carolina. The board and I are energized, motivated, and ready to help our members move forward with intention and confidence.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for believing in western dressage. And thank you for being part of a community that shows up, loudly, proudly, and with heart.

If you are already a member, I encourage you to renew your NCWDA membership and continue being part of this exciting momentum. If you’ve been considering joining, there has never been a better time. Your membership directly supports education, awards, shows, and opportunities that help western dressage grow right here in North Carolina.

Let’s move forward together and make 2026 a year of connection, growth, and possibility.

Here’s to 2026.
The Year of the Western Dressage Horse.

With gratitude and excitement,

Amanda Delgado