Mission
Nebraska Cowboy Dressage is a grass-roots organization dedicated to improve performance of the western horse and rider and inspire riders to achieve “soft feel” consistent with the vision of Eitan Beth-Halachmy and Debbie Beth-Halachmy, creators of Cowboy Dressage. All Nebraska Cowboy Dressage events, programs and services encourage fun, friendly, family-oriented competition at all levels where members can participate in many fun activities and learning experiences and share a passion for the true equine athlete. To encourage the development of informational material such as clinics, shows etc. Nebraska Cowboy Dressage competitions are open to all horse enthusiasts who want to become better horsemen and have fun with their horses while enjoying horsemanship and western culture
What is Cowboy Dressage?
Soft Feel is the mission and guiding principle of Cowboy Dressage®. It is a wordless, intimate and for some a spiritual communication within the partnership between horse and rider. Soft feel is not only sending messages but having the sensitivity and awareness to feel and receive messages sent by the horse. The timing and use of the release, relaxation, preparation and execution are the fundamentals of Soft Feel.
The competitive discipline of Cowboy Dressage® uses a uniquely designed court, on which the horse and rider execute “tests” prescribed through advancing levels of difficulty. Judges score these tests based on the horse and rider’s quality of performance as they advance through these defined levels. Judges also score the horse and rider on lightness, harmony, finesse and the partnership expected as well as balance, cadence, carriage, control, and performance.
