Click Here to take the FREE Handshake Membership!

Why a Handshake?

In many ways, the Old West was a simple time, led by an unwritten Code of Honor. This code was a moral compass for many, guided by a man’s word of morality and decency. It represents fairness, loyalty, living each day with courage, and respect for the land. Cowboy singer and poet (and hero to those of us who remember him) Gene Autry said of the Old West Code of Honor: “A cowboy is kind and gentle to small children, old folks and animals. Be honest in thought, word and deed. Be a good steward of land and its animals. Stay curious and open-minded.”

In those days, a person’s handshake was a symbol of a man’s integrity and the Old West Code of Honor. A handshake assured upholding of moral principles. Banks would loan money on a handshake. Business was completed with a handshake. A man was taught to never go back on a handshake; his handshake was an acknowledgement of honor. There were no 30-page documents with places for 15 signatures and a notary stamp. Men simply shook hands, which sealed the deal.

We invite you (not just men!) to take the Handshake of Cowboy Dressage for free, completing the deal with just a (virtual) handshake which allows you to receive our Cowboy Dressage World Newsletters and information.

Click Here to take the Free Handshake with CDW and receive our newsletters!

With our handshake and our word we promise to:

  • Continue to educate and teach as much as possible in all formats.
  • Keep Cowboy Dressage simple and uncomplicated.
  • Provide tests, rules and information to everyone who wishes to show.
  • Support and educate individuals outside the show ring who want to learn and improve as horsemen and -women.
  • Strive to maintain Cowboy Dressage as a grassroots, community-focused movement.
  • Ensure Cowboy Dressage is accessible to everyone regardless of their income or status within the horse world. Whether they show, trail ride, barrel race, cut, rein or just love horses, this will be a place they can hang their hats and be proud.
  • And most of all, to look for “the try” in you, the Cowboy Dressage World members.

With your handshake and your word, you pledge “to try” to:

  • Become the person others can trust with a handshake and your word.
  • Exemplify the Cowboy Dressage way of life and find the courage to chase your dreams.
  • Not allow defeat when faced with setbacks in your life and your horsemanship.
  • Treat all horses and people with integrity and kindness.
  • Look for “the try” in your horses and always reward them.
  • Look for “the try” in people as you travel down your horsemanship path.

With your handshake and word you became a member of Cowboy Dressage World.
We Ride Together With You.


Now that you took the Handshake, Click here to JOIN our Remuda Membership and “Join in the Competition

Whether you want to ride in our gatherings or watch from the rail, you’ve chosen to join a great community of people. We welcome all breeds of horses (and mules!) and people of all ages and all skill levels.

If you need assistance in any way, please contact Donna Muniz donna@cowboydressageworld.com