Janine Little, a British Columbia native and FEI dressage rider, transitioned from traditional dressage to Western dressage with her longtime partner, Billionaire (Bono), seeking renewed goals and enjoyment in their training. She found Western dressage appealing due to its inclusivity of all horse breeds, emphasis on clean, obedient tests without tension, and distinctive movements like pivots and turns on the forehand. After competing successfully at Level 5 near her Florida home, Little qualified for and won the World Western dressage Championships in Oklahoma, appreciating the sport’s welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere and diverse community.

Encouraged by her experience, Little now incorporates Western dressage into her other horses’ training and urges traditional dressage riders to try the discipline with an open mind. She emphasizes that despite differences in tack and style, the core goal remains the same: to enjoy the journey, deepen the partnership with one’s horse, and pursue dressage with harmony and fun.