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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
Welcome Back Classic- Armstrong, B.C. June 30 - July 3rd, 2022
Thompson Okanagan Chapter of WECAn, Armstrong, B.C., a beautiful quant inviting small town in B.C. was host to this one day clinic and three day WE show. Participants from B.C. and Alberta were able to put their practice of WE to purpose during these glorious four days.
The one day clinic was taught by the events judge - Polly Limond from the U.S.A. The group I was in worked on impulsion around the Double Slalom. Entered in Novice B, I was encouraged to gather Kloee up, shortening her strides around the pole as we cantered and then come down to a trot transition preparing again for more collection as we move towards the next pole. Polly's encouragement and keen eye was appreciated, I won't forget her advice.
Kloee being right brain, lives in a more anxious state innately. My job is to lesson the anxiety and offer enough what I offer her at home, the consistency of using her left brain, thinking rather than reacting to her environment. I was happy enough to have her collected emotionally to get through the dressage, EOH and speed without loosing her focus on her job.
Rick brought our scooter, for scooting around Armstrong, and he set up his chess board hoping to lure chess players in to play a friendly game. He was successful.
We had dinner at my sisters and her husband who live in Armstrong one evening. They came to cheer us on during the Saturday EOH phase. Rick visited his nephew and family who came to watch the event, and on the Saturday, dinner was donated by Leonore Claypool. Rick helped out with the chefs duties.
Many thanks to all who volunteered their time and effort for this event: Cathy and Phil, Ilona, Catherine, Leslie, Coralie and other photographers, Suzanne and Darcy for bringing Suzanne's amazing obstacles for the event, Dena for being the Technical Delegate, and the many behind the seen volunteers.
This is the second Welcome Back Classic. I look forward to next years event.
The one day clinic was taught by the events judge - Polly Limond from the U.S.A. The group I was in worked on impulsion around the Double Slalom. Entered in Novice B, I was encouraged to gather Kloee up, shortening her strides around the pole as we cantered and then come down to a trot transition preparing again for more collection as we move towards the next pole. Polly's encouragement and keen eye was appreciated, I won't forget her advice.
Kloee being right brain, lives in a more anxious state innately. My job is to lesson the anxiety and offer enough what I offer her at home, the consistency of using her left brain, thinking rather than reacting to her environment. I was happy enough to have her collected emotionally to get through the dressage, EOH and speed without loosing her focus on her job.
Rick brought our scooter, for scooting around Armstrong, and he set up his chess board hoping to lure chess players in to play a friendly game. He was successful.
We had dinner at my sisters and her husband who live in Armstrong one evening. They came to cheer us on during the Saturday EOH phase. Rick visited his nephew and family who came to watch the event, and on the Saturday, dinner was donated by Leonore Claypool. Rick helped out with the chefs duties.
Many thanks to all who volunteered their time and effort for this event: Cathy and Phil, Ilona, Catherine, Leslie, Coralie and other photographers, Suzanne and Darcy for bringing Suzanne's amazing obstacles for the event, Dena for being the Technical Delegate, and the many behind the seen volunteers.
This is the second Welcome Back Classic. I look forward to next years event.
Missoula, Montana, U.S.A.
July -10 - 17th, 2022
WE Cross National Camp & Show
I've been fortunate to have been able to attend all three CNC's - Eugene, Oregon - 2018; High River, Alberta - 2019, and Missoula, Montana - 2022.
I am grateful to Dena and Dean Ross, our friends and travel companions. We started off our journey, staying over night at the Washington horse park in Cle Elum - 3 hr. 33 minutes from home, where it was a perfect environment for the horses to get out and walk and roll in the most amazing sand arenas I've ever seen. All three horses settled in their stalls over night and in the morning with a 7:00 start we headed out for Montana arriving in the late afternoon.
It was hot, 35 C average temperature. Life at the Big Sky Horse Park in Missoula, Montana was bustling with enthusiasm and excitement. Participants from around the world, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Canada, and from many states of the U.S. participated in the four day camp, and three day WE show. We were careful not to over heat the horses, and during breakfast, lunch and dinner we took refuge under a huge tent set up with many tables, enough to seat over 130 participants plus volunteers.
Julie Alonzo, the founder of CNC true to who she is, inspired, helped out, organized and lead us all through the week long events. We had "Good On You Mate" celebrations during lunch and dinner. Everyone brought an item or two from home to share with winners of the good on you mate won by a person who did something nice that day. It might be as simple as saying something encouraging to someone. You put in the persons name on a piece of paper along with your name and you both may be picked out of a basket to win some awesome item on the table.
Instructors volunteered their time to teach a dressage lesson in the morning and an EOH lesson in the afternoon. I too volunteered my time to teach, then I saddled up Kloee to benefit from the many amazing Instructors. I have a couple of highlights from the lessons : Howard Peet got us working on square halts. He encouraged us to instead of thinking half halts, think of it as half going. This way you move into the walk bringing the back end of your horse with you to help encourage a square halt. I loved this, and it certainly helped our square halt. Connie Mertens from Germany was always so enthusiastic and encouraging. I asked if we could work on 'walking pirouettes'. Kloee and I struggle with the achieving the bend while doing them. Connie's explanation was excellent. I was able to follow her instructions and first try, we did it. I can now take what I've learned and share with my students. YAHOO!
Yoga in the morning, and or In-Hand work for those interested, breakfast provided for everyone, and all meals provided to the Instructors for the four days of lessons. Four days of Dressage in the morning, after lunch EOH, and an added bonus was the cow phase of WE for those interested.
Kloee struggled with the heat. Fortunately I brought molasses; a real pick me up for her. A note to self, a good idea to have my horse shod when going away to events. The four arenas had many big rocks and I ended up putting boots on her which is not ideal when you're doing dressage, as I found out.
One thing new to me at this event was, the EOH being held on the grass area ( Intro had obstacles set up in an arena) and we had the luxury of having a bank and water splash included in both EOH and Speed. Kloee and I competed in Noice B. Kloee and I didn't negotiate the bull obstacle well and the garrocha ended up jumping out of the barrel. I've never practiced getting off and back on holding the garrocha, and fortunately was able to do this in one swift uplift of leg and pole. Kloee being more of right brain horse, struggles with the energy of this sport, so I was thrilled to have her be able to do the obstacles with as much emotional fitness as she could muster. I never DO the speed phase as speed, instead, I think of it as doing a second round of EOH. I've worked hard at helping her collect her emotions, and I'm afraid speed would only encourage old impulsive behaviours to return.
My plan is to retire Kloee and allow Valentino to put on his big boy underwear and join in on the fun of this fabulous sport.
Rick who doesn't ride, brought his Honda motor bike to Missoula. He toured the old and new parts of the city, and He and I would go out on excursions and Starbucks, in the later part of the day after lessons. It was great getting out on the road on a bike. One evening in the old part of town, by the river, I noticed as we were driving by, a Carousal in a building. I could see the horses moving through the glass window. Being a big fan of Carousals, we stopped and I we had a ride. We loved it so much we went back to the horse park to bring our friends Dean and Dena to experience the Carousal.
After a fabulous week we headed home and ended up having two flat tires within 10 minutes of each other. Dean and Rick changed the tires with spares (thanks to Ninja tire man Dean, who is a master at replacing tires).
Fortunately upon arrival at the Washington Horse Park, Rick was able to buy two new tires.
Next CNC will either be in Canada or Australia. I won't travel to Australia but look forward to the next CNC here in Canada.
CNC attracts people who love the social part of being in an environment that encourages camaraderie. Each CNC gels a stronger feeling of connection and desire to be part of an organization that encourages good horsemanship and peopleship. My gratitude to Julie Alonzo, the Big Sky Horse Park, the many volunteers that without them, events such as CNC would never happen, the Instructors for giving of their time and expertise, and the horses who are the reason we do what we do.
I am grateful to Dena and Dean Ross, our friends and travel companions. We started off our journey, staying over night at the Washington horse park in Cle Elum - 3 hr. 33 minutes from home, where it was a perfect environment for the horses to get out and walk and roll in the most amazing sand arenas I've ever seen. All three horses settled in their stalls over night and in the morning with a 7:00 start we headed out for Montana arriving in the late afternoon.
It was hot, 35 C average temperature. Life at the Big Sky Horse Park in Missoula, Montana was bustling with enthusiasm and excitement. Participants from around the world, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Canada, and from many states of the U.S. participated in the four day camp, and three day WE show. We were careful not to over heat the horses, and during breakfast, lunch and dinner we took refuge under a huge tent set up with many tables, enough to seat over 130 participants plus volunteers.
Julie Alonzo, the founder of CNC true to who she is, inspired, helped out, organized and lead us all through the week long events. We had "Good On You Mate" celebrations during lunch and dinner. Everyone brought an item or two from home to share with winners of the good on you mate won by a person who did something nice that day. It might be as simple as saying something encouraging to someone. You put in the persons name on a piece of paper along with your name and you both may be picked out of a basket to win some awesome item on the table.
Instructors volunteered their time to teach a dressage lesson in the morning and an EOH lesson in the afternoon. I too volunteered my time to teach, then I saddled up Kloee to benefit from the many amazing Instructors. I have a couple of highlights from the lessons : Howard Peet got us working on square halts. He encouraged us to instead of thinking half halts, think of it as half going. This way you move into the walk bringing the back end of your horse with you to help encourage a square halt. I loved this, and it certainly helped our square halt. Connie Mertens from Germany was always so enthusiastic and encouraging. I asked if we could work on 'walking pirouettes'. Kloee and I struggle with the achieving the bend while doing them. Connie's explanation was excellent. I was able to follow her instructions and first try, we did it. I can now take what I've learned and share with my students. YAHOO!
Yoga in the morning, and or In-Hand work for those interested, breakfast provided for everyone, and all meals provided to the Instructors for the four days of lessons. Four days of Dressage in the morning, after lunch EOH, and an added bonus was the cow phase of WE for those interested.
Kloee struggled with the heat. Fortunately I brought molasses; a real pick me up for her. A note to self, a good idea to have my horse shod when going away to events. The four arenas had many big rocks and I ended up putting boots on her which is not ideal when you're doing dressage, as I found out.
One thing new to me at this event was, the EOH being held on the grass area ( Intro had obstacles set up in an arena) and we had the luxury of having a bank and water splash included in both EOH and Speed. Kloee and I competed in Noice B. Kloee and I didn't negotiate the bull obstacle well and the garrocha ended up jumping out of the barrel. I've never practiced getting off and back on holding the garrocha, and fortunately was able to do this in one swift uplift of leg and pole. Kloee being more of right brain horse, struggles with the energy of this sport, so I was thrilled to have her be able to do the obstacles with as much emotional fitness as she could muster. I never DO the speed phase as speed, instead, I think of it as doing a second round of EOH. I've worked hard at helping her collect her emotions, and I'm afraid speed would only encourage old impulsive behaviours to return.
My plan is to retire Kloee and allow Valentino to put on his big boy underwear and join in on the fun of this fabulous sport.
Rick who doesn't ride, brought his Honda motor bike to Missoula. He toured the old and new parts of the city, and He and I would go out on excursions and Starbucks, in the later part of the day after lessons. It was great getting out on the road on a bike. One evening in the old part of town, by the river, I noticed as we were driving by, a Carousal in a building. I could see the horses moving through the glass window. Being a big fan of Carousals, we stopped and I we had a ride. We loved it so much we went back to the horse park to bring our friends Dean and Dena to experience the Carousal.
After a fabulous week we headed home and ended up having two flat tires within 10 minutes of each other. Dean and Rick changed the tires with spares (thanks to Ninja tire man Dean, who is a master at replacing tires).
Fortunately upon arrival at the Washington Horse Park, Rick was able to buy two new tires.
Next CNC will either be in Canada or Australia. I won't travel to Australia but look forward to the next CNC here in Canada.
CNC attracts people who love the social part of being in an environment that encourages camaraderie. Each CNC gels a stronger feeling of connection and desire to be part of an organization that encourages good horsemanship and peopleship. My gratitude to Julie Alonzo, the Big Sky Horse Park, the many volunteers that without them, events such as CNC would never happen, the Instructors for giving of their time and expertise, and the horses who are the reason we do what we do.
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