WDAA Committees 

Requirements: Current WDAA membership, Chairs must have a Current Conflict of Interest statement on file and familiarity with all documents located on this page - WDAA Policy Documents (westerndressageassociation.org)

 

WDAA Board of Directors

Mission

The Board of Directors oversees the direction, governance, and long-term sustainability of WDAA while supporting the growth and integrity of Western Dressage.

Composition

President: Cindy Butler
Vice President: Holly Clanahan
Secretary: Amanda Delgado
Treasurer: Sharron Sarchet
Member: Joanne Coy, Kim Mackey, Tami Steinbrecher, Cliff Swanson, and Vivien VanBuren

Emeritus: Mike Corcoran, Thalia Blight

 

Nominating Committee

Mission

The Nominating Committee identifies and recommends qualified candidates for leadership roles within WDAA, supporting strong governance and organizational continuity.

Composition

Members: Cliff Swanson, Joanne Coy, and Kim Mackey

 

USEF Western Dressage Committee (Rules Committee)

Mission

The committee collaborates with USEF to maintain and develop Western Dressage rules that promote fair competition, horse welfare, and the continued growth of the discipline.

Composition

Members: Cindy Butler, Ann Judge, Patty Jean Lebon, Frances Newson, Ida Norris, Jim Porcher, Scot Macgregor, Joyce Swanson, Glynis Walford, and Kristen Whittaker.

World Show Executive Committee

Mission

This committee coordinates high-level planning and decision-making to ensure the successful management and continued growth of the WDAA World Championship Show.

Composition

World Show Coordinator: Vivien VanBuren
WDAA Executive Director: Dini Swanson
World Show Manager: Jim Porcher
World Show Secretary: Susan Peacock

 

World Show Committee

Mission

The World Show Committee supports the planning, organization, and execution of the WDAA World Show.

Composition

Show Manager: Jim Porcher
Show Secretary: Susan Peacock
WDAA Executive Dir: Dini Swanson
WS Chair/Coordinator: Vivien Van Buren
Barn Manager: Mike Corcoran
Award Sponsorship: Kim Mackey
Corporate Sponsorship: Candy Hill
Officials Hospitality: Deborah Hausman
Press Room: Holly Clanahan
Head Score Runner and Volunteer Coordinator: Joann Sarni
Youth Activities: Sandy Welch
Paddock Manager: Katheryn Conley
Grounds Manager: Tracy Alkin
Breed High Score Program: Anna Pappas
Exhibitor Hospitality: Kristen McDonald
Vendors: Cindy Byrne

 

Complaint Resolution Committee

Mission

This committee supports fair and consistent handling of complaints within WDAA to maintain integrity, professionalism, and trust within the organization.

Composition

Members: Holly Clanahan, Sharron Sarchet, and Thalia Blight

 

Finance Committee

Mission

The Finance Committee supports responsible financial stewardship by reviewing budgets, financial reports, and policies that support the long-term stability of WDAA.

Composition

Chair: Sharron Sarchet
Staff Liaison: Dini Swanson
Members: Vivien VanBuren and Cindy Butler

 

Gaited Committee

Mission

This committee provides expertise and guidance to ensure gaited horses are appropriately represented and supported within Western Dressage programs and competition.

Composition

Chair: Tami Steinbrecher
Members: Barbara Wood, Barbara Felton, Becci Loomer, Lauren Merchant, Leslie Emery, Sharon Diato, Stacey Hayden, and Patti Thompson

 

Honors and Awards Committee

Mission

The Honors and Awards Committee oversees the selection of certain award recipients and ensures the integrity of WDAA honors, awards, and scholarships.

Composition

Chair: Tami Steinbrecher
Staff Liaison: Jenny McBurnett
Members: Holly Clanahan, Joann Williams, and Sandy Welch

 

International Committee

Mission

The International Committee supports the development and promotion of Western Dressage internationally and fosters relationships with international partners and organizations.

Composition

Chair and Staff Liaison: Dini Swanson
Members: Angela Paltram and Ida Norris

 

Judges Education Committee

Mission

This committee promotes high standards in Western Dressage judging through educational resources, training opportunities, and ongoing professional development.

Composition

Chair: Joanne Coy
Staff Liaison: Gail Matheus
Members: Cindy Butler, Joyce Swanson, Jodi Ely, and Heather Stalker

 

Marketing / Social Media Committee

Mission

The Marketing and Social Media Committee supports the promotion and visibility of WDAA through marketing initiatives and digital outreach.

Composition

Chair: Amanda Delgado
Staff Liaison: Dini Swanson
Members: Candy Hill, Holly Clanahan, and Haley Whittaker

Member Education Committee

Mission

This committee supports learning opportunities that advance knowledge, training, and participation in Western Dressage.

Composition

Chair: Kim Mackey
Staff Liaison: Dini Swanson, Maddie Jacoby
Members: Candy Hill, Holly Clanahan, and Haley Whittaker

Risk Management Committee

Mission

This committee helps ensure WDAA operates in a safe, responsible, and sustainable manner by evaluating potential risks and recommending best practices.

Composition

Chair: Vivien VanBuren
Members: Kim Mackey
Retained Attorney (Not On Committee): Margrit Lent Parker

State Affiliates Round Table Committee

Mission

This group provides a forum for state affiliates to share information, discuss challenges, and strengthen the broader Western Dressage community.

Composition

WDAA Board of Directors Representative: Tami Steinbrecher
Staff Liaison: Kathy Newcomb

Judges Review Task Force

Purpose

The Judges Review Task Force operates as the WDAA version of the USEF Licensed Officials Committee in that they review reported issues with judges that do not fall under the jurisdiction of USEF.

Composition

Members: Brian MacMahon, Charlotte Trentelman, and Heather Stalker

 

Competition Task Force

Purpose

This task force evaluates competition-related initiatives and provides recommendations to enhance participation and competitive opportunities.

Composition

Members are appointed by the Board of Directors or Executive Director when needed and may include volunteers, subject matter experts, and a Board liaison.

Youth Task Force

Purpose

This task force explores programs and opportunities that encourage youth engagement and education within WDAA.

Composition

Members are appointed by the Board of Directors or Executive Director when needed and may include volunteers, subject matter experts, and a Board liaison.

Bylaws and SOPs Task Force

Purpose

This task force reviews WDAA bylaws and standard operating procedures to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with organizational goals.

Composition

Members are appointed by the Board of Directors or Executive Director when needed and may include volunteers, subject matter experts, and a Board liaison.

Website Task Force

Purpose

This task force assesses website functionality, usability, and content to improve the online experience for WDAA members.

Composition

Members are appointed by the Board of Directors or Executive Director when needed and may include volunteers, subject matter experts, and a Board liaison. 

 

Test Writing Task Force

Purpose

The Test Writing Task Force supports the development and review of Western Dressage tests used in WDAA programs and competitions.

Composition

When needed, the Board of Directors or Executive Director appoints the Test Writing Director. The Director  appoints Task Force members that are volunteer subject matter experts.

Exceptional Rider Task Force

Purpose

The Exceptional Rider Task Force explores initiatives that support riders with disabilities within Western Dressage.

Composition

Members are appointed by the Board of Directors or Executive Director when needed and may include volunteers, subject matter experts, and a Board liaison.

 

Professionals Task Force

Purpose

The Professionals Task Force evaluates opportunities to support trainers and professionals within the Western Dressage community.

Composition

Members are appointed by the Board of Directors or Executive Director when needed and may include volunteers, subject matter experts, and a Board liaison.