Much like dressage, western dressage isn't much different aside from tack change and terminology. Much of the same elements are desired such as good gaits, impulsion, submission, geometry, and rider skill. The neat thing about western dressage however is the rustic feel of including a more baroque style of riding that stems back generations. People think that western dressage is a new sport but it has actually been around longer than most think. It was how cowmen used rodier methods to work cattle without fences, how bull fighting horses survived the fights, and goes back even further to the amazing athlete known as the war horse. It was dressage but with a purpose that wasn't just to perform for royalty. This is what leads into very cool competitions such as working equitation; where your dressage and horsemanship skills are tested and your ease of handling are challenged and measured. It is a diverse way to improve your dressage skills or even to cross train your dressage horse with something fun.