wsdac chapters

It is important for members to understand that every organization has expenses that need to be met in order to function and grow. Some, but not all, of the expenses involved in the operation of WSDAC are liability insurance (people are progressively becoming more litigious), advertising including internet fees for the website, typical stationery costs for items such as paper, envelopes, printer ink, postage stamps and many other expenses. If we are to become a true presence in the world of equine disciplines, we will need funding in place to put on clinics, shows, demonstrations, etc. as well as funds to cover such things as travel expenses, rental of facilities and so forth. This addresses the “parent” or “umbrella” association that is the Western Style Dressage Association of Canada. Regional Chapters have similar expenses. Everyone working for the WSDAC now is a volunteer and is contributing products and services that cost them personally in time and money – and each is expected to pay annual membership dues like everyone else, both to the National organization and to their Regional Chapter, if they choose to join one.

WSDAC, as the umbrella organization is responsible for setting national standards in all aspects of Western Style Dressage. Without a parent organization establishing a universal protocol Canada wide, there would be confusion and a general lack of unity in training, testing, showing and competing in this discipline. WSDAC is absolutely necessary to its members and to every Regional Chapter that forms.

The purpose of regional chapters is to make it possible for WSD riders to have a group of likeminded, nearby individuals to participate in local shows clinics, demonstrations etc. Canada is a huge country and there is no way that WSDAC can arrange for these types of activities countrywide. Further, we view WSDAC as the steering organization, providing a foundation for Regional Chapters to build on. We must be very selective and careful in planning events that will contribute to the growth of WSDAC at a national level. Each Regional Chapter establishes its own membership fee according to what they feel is appropriate. WSDAC would not object to a Chapter forming that did not require dues from its members. Please bear in mind that we strongly recommend that each Chapter arrange for liability insurance, and each must pay for its own Articles of Incorporation with either the Provincial or Federal government.

There is no circumstance where WSDAC would demand or require any group of members to form a Regional Chapter.

Membership in WSDAC gives each member a voice and a vote regarding Association business and development countrywide. Membership allows for discounted rates at WSDAC sponsored clinics, shows and other events. Information regarding WSDAC that is confidential or not for general public consumption, will be sent to members via email or another method of private communication. We genuinely believe that people that are passionate about the promotion of WSD as a real and distinct equine discipline will not object to the low annual fee for membership in the founding organization, WSDAC.