Western Dressage Association® of Illinois officers and board members.
President and Board Member: Crystal Welsh
Crystal Welsh has been dynamically involved in the equine industry for over twenty years. Being passionate about horses from a young age led her to pursue this love, receiving her Bachelor of Science specializing in Equine Science in 2005. Following the completion of her Bachelor’s Degree in 2009, Crystal completed a Master of Science Degree in Equine Reproductive Physiology. Crystal has a wealth of experience and knowledge in Dressage, Hunter/Jumper on the flat - as well as over fences, Saddle Seat, Equitation, Showmanship/Halter and Western Pleasure. With over 10 year of teaching experience, Crystal has familiarity teaching an array of students aging from 2 to 70+. She was a supporter of Western Dressage and has included many classes in Horse Shows organized by her company, CW Equestrian Center, Inc.
Crystal’s first priority is the safety of her students and horses. Communication is a fundamental key to her methods - understanding the natural tendencies & language of the horse, and pairing it with the thinking of its human partner. She considers the biomechanics and the biodynamics of the horse/rider partnership. The philosophy of Crystal’s instruction is to train in a way that the horse and rider can successfully preform with ease to the extent of their capabilities. She is passionate about using positive reinforcement methods with her students and horses through training with the classical principals of Dressage & Natural Horsemanship. With a history of producing successful, award winning students, decorated at all levels, from local fun shows to State, Regional and Nationally rated shows, Crystal is honored to produce not only award-winning horses and students, but educated equestrians – horsemen and women that do not just know how to ride but how to effectively understand, communicate and succeed with their mounts.
The benefit of working with horses can produce confidence, patience, and a sense of accomplishment. Handlers learn how to efficiently analyze and respond to situations for not only themselves, but also for another being. Therefore, riding lessons are treated as a formal subject rather than just a “hobby.” Lessons are structured with realistic goals and supplemented with an abundance of educational information outside of the arena.
Crystal has dedicated herself to provide an “Exceptional Equine Education” to all her students & fellow Equine enthusiast.
Crystal Welsh has been dynamically involved in the equine industry for over twenty years. Being passionate about horses from a young age led her to pursue this love, receiving her Bachelor of Science specializing in Equine Science in 2005. Following the completion of her Bachelor’s Degree in 2009, Crystal completed a Master of Science Degree in Equine Reproductive Physiology. Crystal has a wealth of experience and knowledge in Dressage, Hunter/Jumper on the flat - as well as over fences, Saddle Seat, Equitation, Showmanship/Halter and Western Pleasure. With over 10 year of teaching experience, Crystal has familiarity teaching an array of students aging from 2 to 70+. She was a supporter of Western Dressage and has included many classes in Horse Shows organized by her company, CW Equestrian Center, Inc.
Crystal’s first priority is the safety of her students and horses. Communication is a fundamental key to her methods - understanding the natural tendencies & language of the horse, and pairing it with the thinking of its human partner. She considers the biomechanics and the biodynamics of the horse/rider partnership. The philosophy of Crystal’s instruction is to train in a way that the horse and rider can successfully preform with ease to the extent of their capabilities. She is passionate about using positive reinforcement methods with her students and horses through training with the classical principals of Dressage & Natural Horsemanship. With a history of producing successful, award winning students, decorated at all levels, from local fun shows to State, Regional and Nationally rated shows, Crystal is honored to produce not only award-winning horses and students, but educated equestrians – horsemen and women that do not just know how to ride but how to effectively understand, communicate and succeed with their mounts.
The benefit of working with horses can produce confidence, patience, and a sense of accomplishment. Handlers learn how to efficiently analyze and respond to situations for not only themselves, but also for another being. Therefore, riding lessons are treated as a formal subject rather than just a “hobby.” Lessons are structured with realistic goals and supplemented with an abundance of educational information outside of the arena.
Crystal has dedicated herself to provide an “Exceptional Equine Education” to all her students & fellow Equine enthusiast.
Vice President and Board Member: Marilyn Weber
I am Marilyn Weber and I am a trainer, instructor and USEF “r” Western Dressage judge. In 2005 I earned my USDF silver medal. I attended my first train he trainers in 2013 and have been active in Western Dressage since. In 2015 I participated in my first WDAA World Championship show and have attended the World show since. My horses have competed in the World show in introductory through level 3. They have received several World Championships. Currently I have horses competing at basic though level 4.
I am Marilyn Weber and I am a trainer, instructor and USEF “r” Western Dressage judge. In 2005 I earned my USDF silver medal. I attended my first train he trainers in 2013 and have been active in Western Dressage since. In 2015 I participated in my first WDAA World Championship show and have attended the World show since. My horses have competed in the World show in introductory through level 3. They have received several World Championships. Currently I have horses competing at basic though level 4.
Secretary and Board Member:
Diane Doll
Dianne grew up a California girl who married her high school sweetheart. After enjoying 27 years in the Air Force they decided to put down “roots” in Illinois. She has a son, Eric and daughter, Crystal. After many, many moves and two tours overseas the family truly felt Illinois was “home”. Rex and Dianne “bought the farm” for their 25th anniversary, naming their new place the Silver Rose Ranch in honor of the 25 long-stemmed silver-tipped red roses Rex had delivered to Dianne at her office. Dianne has been an office manager for a variety of companies over the years, and has an Associate Degree in Accounting. She is very active in the local church group and various horse clubs in the area.
Her passion has always been horses. She owns a Tennessee Walker, Joy, who is in training to become a Western Dressage Gaited Horse for shows. A favorite pastime has always been trail riding. In 2014 Dianne became co-owner of CW Equestrian Center in Mascoutah, Illinois with her daughter Crystal and son-in-law Mike Welsh. They are very active in Western Dressage and host five shows a year with Western Dressage classes. Dianne is very active in the day-to-day operations of the Equestrian Center as the Secretary/Treasurer and instructor for beginner riders. She is looking forward to lending her skills To WDAIL as the Secretary for 2018 and can’t wait to meet everyone at the shows!!
Diane Doll
Dianne grew up a California girl who married her high school sweetheart. After enjoying 27 years in the Air Force they decided to put down “roots” in Illinois. She has a son, Eric and daughter, Crystal. After many, many moves and two tours overseas the family truly felt Illinois was “home”. Rex and Dianne “bought the farm” for their 25th anniversary, naming their new place the Silver Rose Ranch in honor of the 25 long-stemmed silver-tipped red roses Rex had delivered to Dianne at her office. Dianne has been an office manager for a variety of companies over the years, and has an Associate Degree in Accounting. She is very active in the local church group and various horse clubs in the area.
Her passion has always been horses. She owns a Tennessee Walker, Joy, who is in training to become a Western Dressage Gaited Horse for shows. A favorite pastime has always been trail riding. In 2014 Dianne became co-owner of CW Equestrian Center in Mascoutah, Illinois with her daughter Crystal and son-in-law Mike Welsh. They are very active in Western Dressage and host five shows a year with Western Dressage classes. Dianne is very active in the day-to-day operations of the Equestrian Center as the Secretary/Treasurer and instructor for beginner riders. She is looking forward to lending her skills To WDAIL as the Secretary for 2018 and can’t wait to meet everyone at the shows!!
Treasurer and Founding Board Member: Mary Skittino
Mary Skittino and her husband David Skittino are the owners and founders of Royale Ranch, LLC. She is also a Large “R” United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Licensed, Western Dressage Judge. Mary also breeds and shows Arabian and Half-Arabian horses. She has successfully competed in several different disciplines of riding ranging from western pleasure, hunter over fences, dressage, endurance riding, and eventing. Mary and her talented Arabians and Half-Arabians have won multiple awards through the Arabian Horse Association, United States Equestrian Foundation, and the United States Dressage Federation. In 2014 Mary earned her bronze medal in classical dressage. Mary earned her silver medal in classical dressage in 2017 and is now are looking forward to competing in both Classical and Western Dressage this year. Mary works part time as a special education teacher with the Special School District of St. Louis County and as a Learning Consultant with LASE.
Mary Skittino and her husband David Skittino are the owners and founders of Royale Ranch, LLC. She is also a Large “R” United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Licensed, Western Dressage Judge. Mary also breeds and shows Arabian and Half-Arabian horses. She has successfully competed in several different disciplines of riding ranging from western pleasure, hunter over fences, dressage, endurance riding, and eventing. Mary and her talented Arabians and Half-Arabians have won multiple awards through the Arabian Horse Association, United States Equestrian Foundation, and the United States Dressage Federation. In 2014 Mary earned her bronze medal in classical dressage. Mary earned her silver medal in classical dressage in 2017 and is now are looking forward to competing in both Classical and Western Dressage this year. Mary works part time as a special education teacher with the Special School District of St. Louis County and as a Learning Consultant with LASE.
Founding Board Member:
Cindy Butler
Cindy Butler was the founding President of Western Dressage Association of Illinois (WDAIL) and is the current President of Western Dressage Association Of America (WDAA). She is also a Large “R” United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Licensed, Western Dressage Judge and holds several additional horse show judging licenses. Cindy is chairman of the USEF Western Dressage Committee and works to promote Western Dressage for WDAA members.
Cindy Butler
Cindy Butler was the founding President of Western Dressage Association of Illinois (WDAIL) and is the current President of Western Dressage Association Of America (WDAA). She is also a Large “R” United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Licensed, Western Dressage Judge and holds several additional horse show judging licenses. Cindy is chairman of the USEF Western Dressage Committee and works to promote Western Dressage for WDAA members.
Board Member: Barbara Wood
Barbara Wood has been a life long equestrian and western rider. She began as a trail guide in her early teens. Barbara has a passion for dressage; both Classical and Western. Barbara is a USDF bronze medalist working towards her silver medal; along side her numerous regional and local awards garnered at western dressage competitions. Barbara also enjoys volunteering at shows and sponsoring events.
Barbara aspires to educate the great equestrians of Illinois about the benefits of membership in WDAIL and WDAA, as well as generating new venues for our members. Currently Barbara owns and operates New Hanover Farm located in Waterloo Illinois. Her facility offers one on one lessons and clinics in Western and Classical dressage in addition to coaching and sales. Barbara also breeds Hanoverian horses with the newest addition being a young black stallion by Gribaldi. Barbara is a member of WDAA, WDAIL, USEF, USDF, SLADS, FOSH, AHS, and LEDA as well.
Barbara is currently aspiring to become a western judge in addition to her current participation in the USDF L program. She currently competes her Half Arabian "Cypress" and Quarter Horse "China" in western dressage and hopes to compete at the World Show this year.
Barbara Wood has been a life long equestrian and western rider. She began as a trail guide in her early teens. Barbara has a passion for dressage; both Classical and Western. Barbara is a USDF bronze medalist working towards her silver medal; along side her numerous regional and local awards garnered at western dressage competitions. Barbara also enjoys volunteering at shows and sponsoring events.
Barbara aspires to educate the great equestrians of Illinois about the benefits of membership in WDAIL and WDAA, as well as generating new venues for our members. Currently Barbara owns and operates New Hanover Farm located in Waterloo Illinois. Her facility offers one on one lessons and clinics in Western and Classical dressage in addition to coaching and sales. Barbara also breeds Hanoverian horses with the newest addition being a young black stallion by Gribaldi. Barbara is a member of WDAA, WDAIL, USEF, USDF, SLADS, FOSH, AHS, and LEDA as well.
Barbara is currently aspiring to become a western judge in addition to her current participation in the USDF L program. She currently competes her Half Arabian "Cypress" and Quarter Horse "China" in western dressage and hopes to compete at the World Show this year.