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Working Equitation (WE) is a new and fast growing sport that is practical, yet exhilarating
Working Equitation is one of the fastest growing equine sports out there. It's a fun way to train seriously, while at the same time knowing you are feeding your horse's need for - something interesting and meaningful.
Working Equitation is what horsemen in all countries with a tradition of handling cattle from horseback do on a daily basis. It is now a competitive sport anyone can participate in, from beginner to advanced level riders. This sport promotes the traditional style of working cattle from horseback used in different countries while displaying a high degree of training and harmony between horse and rider. Working Equitation Competitions give horsemen an opportunity to test the skills and abilities of both the horse and rider for the qualities needed in a working environment. It promotes good horsemanship and stockmanship while allowing people to ride in the traditional tack and attire of their heritage. This makes it as fun to watch as it is to compete.
The main requirements for Working Equitation are obedience, agility, speed, and cattle handling ability. In order to test each one of the above qualities that make up a highly trained working horse, the competition has four corresponding phases the first three must be in every event. Working Dressage ( arena flat work) Ease of Handling (obstacle course) Speed (timed obstacle course) The 4th stage of Cattle Handling is only included at the higher level competitions or championships.
When Sandy first saw Pedro Torres, a famous Portuguese WE competitor and his horse Oxidado in a WE speed test on Youtube, she was hooked. Watch Pedro and Oxidado - https://youtu.be/4kW7-l9Y79c
Considering getting involved with WE, but need some support with foundation? Sandy would be happy to give you some insight into how to prepare you and your horse for this fun, exhilarating sport.
WE needs inspired participates to grow.
Working Equitation (WE) is a new and fast growing sport that is practical, yet exhilarating
Working Equitation is one of the fastest growing equine sports out there. It's a fun way to train seriously, while at the same time knowing you are feeding your horse's need for - something interesting and meaningful.
Working Equitation is what horsemen in all countries with a tradition of handling cattle from horseback do on a daily basis. It is now a competitive sport anyone can participate in, from beginner to advanced level riders. This sport promotes the traditional style of working cattle from horseback used in different countries while displaying a high degree of training and harmony between horse and rider. Working Equitation Competitions give horsemen an opportunity to test the skills and abilities of both the horse and rider for the qualities needed in a working environment. It promotes good horsemanship and stockmanship while allowing people to ride in the traditional tack and attire of their heritage. This makes it as fun to watch as it is to compete.
The main requirements for Working Equitation are obedience, agility, speed, and cattle handling ability. In order to test each one of the above qualities that make up a highly trained working horse, the competition has four corresponding phases the first three must be in every event. Working Dressage ( arena flat work) Ease of Handling (obstacle course) Speed (timed obstacle course) The 4th stage of Cattle Handling is only included at the higher level competitions or championships.
When Sandy first saw Pedro Torres, a famous Portuguese WE competitor and his horse Oxidado in a WE speed test on Youtube, she was hooked. Watch Pedro and Oxidado - https://youtu.be/4kW7-l9Y79c
Considering getting involved with WE, but need some support with foundation? Sandy would be happy to give you some insight into how to prepare you and your horse for this fun, exhilarating sport.
WE needs inspired participates to grow.
- WECan - Canadian WE website - workingequitationcanada.com
- U.S.A. WE website - http://www.weunited.us
- Dressage Today Magazine - What is Working Equitation? - Dressage Today
High River, Alberta, Canada
August, 12 - 18th, 2019
WE Cross National Camp & Show
August, 12 - 18th, 2019
WE Cross National Camp & Show
Four glorious days of being submerged in the language of Working Equitation was amazing to be part of. Instructors from Australia, New Zealand, U.S.A. and Canada gave their time to teach and support this new and growing equine sport. There were many comments on how the Judges, from Australia and the United States, gave much of themselves to help and support horse and rider. It certainly does take a village to put on something as big as the Cross Nationals. There were so many behind the scene organizers and the amount of hours put in before, during and after the event was staggering. Without these selfless people this event would never have taken place.
My partner Escudo, greeted me every morning with eagerness. It felt special to be there with him, learning and growing - being part of something unique. My husband Rick was there to support me, and make breakfast each morning while I took Escudo out to graze and walk the track. During the four day camp, Rick went golfing, so we both got to do what we love.
Before each days lessons, Yoga classes were offered, as well as In-Hand work with the horses. I was one of the volunteers that taught the In- Hand. We then were assigned to an Instructor and for the next hour we learned dressage, and in the afternoon EOH.
By the fourth day of camp, we were eager to test out what we had learned. The next three days consisted of Dressage, EOH, and Speed tests, in that order.
There were a few thunder storms, wind and run for the stall moments all throughout the week and into the dressage day of testing. This did not dampen our spirits or even allow us to feel sorry for ourselves when some of us realized we didn’t bring enough warm rain proof clothing.
Escudo did amazing over the three days of trial tests. I will brag a little. This was his second test of his career. In the Open Division he was Reserve Champion in Dressage with a score of 69% and Reserve Champion in EOH with a score of 71%. Our speed test although clean, was quite slow. At the entrance to the course, he spooked at the timers sitting at the table next to the start. This set him up for being cautious. Our slower time brought us from second place overall to fourth overall.
I've learned test scores are a fabulous way to monitor progress. Another way to see progress is through a photographs lens. We were fortunate to have a couple of professional photographers and participants who were handy with a camera take photos of the trials. It's amazing what a photo will tell you. To see Escudo reach further under him and flex and bend was undeniable encouraging. To see him look relaxed in each photo, yet alert and respectful was heart warming. He is a true partner ;)
It seems both Escudo and I have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. We're delighted to be part of a sport that offers a fun challenge with opportunities to use our minds, and stretch our emotions. We both are better for it!
The first Cross Nationals took place in Eugene, Oregon in July, 2018. Organized by Julie Alonzo, who by the way is an amazing organizer, generous, helpful and all around fabulous human being. It was an amazing four day camp and three day show. I went down to Eugene with my mare Kloee to compete and have never turned back - I was hooked. Julie helped the Canadians organize the High River event - 2019, and in 2020, the Australians are excited to host. Many Canadians and Americans are already saving their pennies to attend the 2020 event.
My partner Escudo, greeted me every morning with eagerness. It felt special to be there with him, learning and growing - being part of something unique. My husband Rick was there to support me, and make breakfast each morning while I took Escudo out to graze and walk the track. During the four day camp, Rick went golfing, so we both got to do what we love.
Before each days lessons, Yoga classes were offered, as well as In-Hand work with the horses. I was one of the volunteers that taught the In- Hand. We then were assigned to an Instructor and for the next hour we learned dressage, and in the afternoon EOH.
By the fourth day of camp, we were eager to test out what we had learned. The next three days consisted of Dressage, EOH, and Speed tests, in that order.
There were a few thunder storms, wind and run for the stall moments all throughout the week and into the dressage day of testing. This did not dampen our spirits or even allow us to feel sorry for ourselves when some of us realized we didn’t bring enough warm rain proof clothing.
Escudo did amazing over the three days of trial tests. I will brag a little. This was his second test of his career. In the Open Division he was Reserve Champion in Dressage with a score of 69% and Reserve Champion in EOH with a score of 71%. Our speed test although clean, was quite slow. At the entrance to the course, he spooked at the timers sitting at the table next to the start. This set him up for being cautious. Our slower time brought us from second place overall to fourth overall.
I've learned test scores are a fabulous way to monitor progress. Another way to see progress is through a photographs lens. We were fortunate to have a couple of professional photographers and participants who were handy with a camera take photos of the trials. It's amazing what a photo will tell you. To see Escudo reach further under him and flex and bend was undeniable encouraging. To see him look relaxed in each photo, yet alert and respectful was heart warming. He is a true partner ;)
It seems both Escudo and I have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. We're delighted to be part of a sport that offers a fun challenge with opportunities to use our minds, and stretch our emotions. We both are better for it!
The first Cross Nationals took place in Eugene, Oregon in July, 2018. Organized by Julie Alonzo, who by the way is an amazing organizer, generous, helpful and all around fabulous human being. It was an amazing four day camp and three day show. I went down to Eugene with my mare Kloee to compete and have never turned back - I was hooked. Julie helped the Canadians organize the High River event - 2019, and in 2020, the Australians are excited to host. Many Canadians and Americans are already saving their pennies to attend the 2020 event.
Mane Event, Chilliwack, B.C. Canada
October, 2018
Working Equitation comes to the Mane Event, in Chilliwack BC.
Three days of WE clinics were offered for the first time at the Mane Event. This fast growing sport is being lead by inspirational Clinicians such as Jill Barron from Turner Valley, Alberta. Jill showed seven participants how to help their horses get used to the Ease of handling obstacles, how to approach, do and exit each obstacle with finesse and savvy. WE BC had a booth maned by Trish Hyatt- BC Director, Lynne Jupp WECan's Secretary/ Treasurer and myself who is also a BC Director. It was so much fun catching up with students I hadn't seen in a while and meet new faces who are eager to get started in this fascinating sport.
Eugene, Oregon, U.S.A
July 8-15, 2018
Working Equitation Cross National Camp and Show
Eugene Horse Centre in Oregon USA was the site for the first Cross National Working Equitation five day camp and three day show. There were Americans, Canadians, Australians, and Portuguese attending the cup. The camp exceeded my expectations. High level Instructors gave their time teaching WE dressage and Ease Of Handling - every day was amazing! My gratitude goes out to Julie Alonzo from the U.S. who organized this event and all the Volunteers and Instructors who selfishly gave their time and effort to make this event a success. I also want to thank my husband who came along to take photos and cheer me on. The three day show was a first for Kloee and I. We participated in Novice A Dressage, Ease Of Handling, and the Speed Test. We have homework to work on, in preparation for next year 2019 in Alberta, Canada where the Cross Nationals will be held, and in 2020, Australia!
Oregon, U.S.A.
September, 1-3, 2017
First National WE Championship Competition
September, 1-3, 2017
First National WE Championship Competition
The Working Equitation United had their first National Championship Competition, September 1-3rd, 2017. I figured it was time I went to see what this sport was all about. A friend of mine and myself drove down to Oregon to watch all three days of competition from the Dressage test, Ease of Handling, and finally the most exciting part - the Speed Test.
Our Canadian Team did amazing - 3rd out of 6 in the Team Competition. Kendra MartLand, Tanya Larsen and Trish Hyatt were champions in their division. Lisa Green was 10th out of 17.
Our Canadian Team did amazing - 3rd out of 6 in the Team Competition. Kendra MartLand, Tanya Larsen and Trish Hyatt were champions in their division. Lisa Green was 10th out of 17.
WE 2017 Competition Pictures