The Working Equitation Discipline is a competition developed using the elements of fieldwork from horseback used in numerous countries around the world. Originating on the large cattle-raising farms in Western Europe - the Iberian Peninsular, the South of France, and Italy - Working Equitation is now acclaimed as the FASTEST-GROWING Equestrian Sport in the world.

 

It has its base in the traditions of classical horsemanship and traditional ranch/farm work which combines the formality, detail, and rigor of gymnastic arena work, with the practical work of negotiating certain obstacles (inspired by those found around a working ranch/farm).

 

Riders are encouraged to wear outfits either relating to the breed of horse they ride, or according to the traditional riding outfits of the country in which they train: i.e. English dressage, Western, Original Spanish or Portuguese attire, or in South Africa’s case, Boer /Traditional farmer etc. The tack used on their horses would match the rider's attire. This is one of Working Equitation's special features, and can constitute a prime example of an ethnographic and cultural showcase, assisting in maintaining the traditional cultural costumes and saddlery of each country.

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WAWE, the World Association for Working Equitation, oversees the sport worldwide and all international competitions utilize the WAWE rules.

 

As to be expected, the characteristics of Working Equitation (WE) have become a huge success in the four main initial countries i.e. Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy.  The sport then promptly expanded to other countries and is currently practiced in 19 of WAWE's Member Countries, with other countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa in the process of officially introducing the sport at a National level, and also joining WAWE as a Member.

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In South Africa, Working Equitation has been officially recognised as an Equestrian Discipline under the South African Equestrian Federation (SAEF), with the Discipline of Working Equitation being accorded full Membership on the SAEF Council, since May 2019.

 

Competition events may be individual or for teams and are in three or four Trials at the higher levels: 

 

Working Dressage Trial:

At the higher levels the horse and rider perform obligatory movements in a freestyle Working Dressage test to music within a specified time period (at lower levels music is not required and a preset test sequence will be followed).  The scoring of the Working Dressage Trial Test has more emphasis on partnership between horse and rider, agility, and handiness, rather than the highly expressive gaits of competitive FEI-based dressage horses.

Working Dressage encourages harmony between horse and rider through their understanding of the language of the rider's ever lighter aids. Humane and correct training of the horse is encouraged and promoted.
Working Dressage promotes physical soundness and mental well-being for both the horse and rider through relaxation, lateral suppleness (bending), longitudinal suppleness (roundness), and progressive conditioning.

 

Ease-of-Handling (or Maneability, Manageability or STYLE) Trial:

Abbreviated to the initials of "EoH", this Trial consists of the horse and rider negotiating obstacles similar to those likely to appear in the field, such as bridges and gates. (At higher levels, collection and balance in the canter is required to negotiate circles and half-circles around a closely-spaced elements within an obstacle). The obstacle course is designed to show the partnership between horse and rider and is judged for STYLE and precision and not speed. The judges give a score of 0 to 10 for negotiating each obstacle, as well as for the quality of riding between the obstacles. There are also collective marks for agility style, manoeuvrability and harmony.

The objective of this phase is to demonstrate a rider’s and horse’s capacity to calmly, precisely, stylishly and regularly deal with any obstacles designed to simulate difficulties which could be encountered by a working horse.
The attributes of the correctly trained and partnered working horse include:

• Rhythm, relaxation, regularity

• Obedience and confidence

• Acceptance of and response to the aids

• Suppleness of the bend and roundness

• Impulsion

• Straightness

• Collection and Balance

This Trial also tests the attributes of a competent working rider. These attributes include:

• Balance and Relaxation

• Flexibility

• Core Strength

• Coordination

• Feel

The obstacle course is not only fun, but helps to promote more efficient use of the aids. For instance, you would learn the basics of bending, leg-yields, transitions, side passing, and (in higher levels) flying changes between poles and barrels. The training of the flying changes can therefore be done whilst giving your horse a visual reference for the timing of the changes, and indeed a purpose for these changes.

 

The rider should enjoy a challenge and be open to trying different things, while the horse will learn to have a relaxed mind and a willing attitude and in the process, become more balanced. At higher levels, riders will need to develop the ability to lighten the horse's forehand and achieve true collection.

 

The Speed Trial:

This spectacular Trial is scored solely on an elapsed time taken to complete the obstacles, which are normally a portion of the Ease of Handling (EoH) obstacles. No points are awarded for style. It tests the rider’s coordination and anticipation and horses qualities of submission, speed, attention, and fitness, each contributing to the PARTNERSHIP.

The Speed Trial requires impulsion, straightness, and accuracy, and therefore the partnership of horse and rider would need to be adaptable both physically and mentally. A competent Working Equitation rider is always in balance with his/her horse, giving the impression of harmonious cooperation whilst maintaining a correct position, and with a commanding but relaxed presence, the rider is ultimately able to guide the horse with nearly invisible aids.

 

Stock-Handling Trial:

This Trial is only present at the highest level of competition. A numbered animal is ‘cut’ out of a small herd (or flock) of stock within a predetermined time – either by an individual or team of competitors. It is a test of the ability of horse and rider to work calmly with the herd and the selected animal to be moved from the herd to a separate open pen. The clock is stopped when the selected animal crosses out of the Holding Area (without any other animals crossing out at the same time, and then "free" time is given for the team (or individual) to move the animal into a demarkated pen, for additional scores.

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In Working Equitation you don’t have to abandon everything you know and start at the bottom, you bring your horse - and no specific or special breed is needed - with the dress, tack, and training which you already have, and simply add another layer of beneficial training to your chosen training methods.

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