Working Equitation Horses in Equestrianism

Essentially, Working Equitation offers a challenge to international equestrian teams and to individual riders. How will a team of British riders perform in the cow event while dressed in traditional clothing and using English saddles and bridles? How about a Swedish or German dressage rider tackling the obstacles in the speed event, while a rider who is more used to herding stock takes on the dressage challenge? Part of the test is the ability to rise to the demands of four trials that are so diverse. These include freestyle dressage to music with a number of required movements to be performed in a given period of time. The Ease of Handling event tests the partnership’s ability to tackle the type of hazards and obstacles they would encounter in a working environment. Then, the pair is tested again, but at speed, against the clock! This fast-moving event requires quick responses, sharp turns and effective negotiation of obstacles, such as barrels, poles and gates. Finally, the cow event is a team effort, with riders attempting to separate a marked cow from a herd. This is the point at which the previous skills exhibited by horse and rider are really put into practice. With keen competitors in seventeen nations, Working Equitation is a global sport with an international governing body: The World Association for Working Equitation (WAWE), as well as national governing bodies in each of the participating countries. Colourful, fast and varied, it’s clear that as well as providing a novel challenge for horses and riders, Working Equitation is also visually appealing and exciting for spectators.