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This series will shed light on some different disciplines. In the equestrian world, there are more than 50 different disciplines worldwide, each with even more sub-disciplines. Most of us do one, two, or a maximum of three disciplines, but what do other equestrians do? We hope this series might help create awareness, show equalities or differences, and spark interest.
Working Equitation is an exciting new international discipline currently sweeping across the equestrian world. Since the first European Championship in 1996, it has become well-established throughout Europe, Brazil, Mexico, Columbia, USA, Great Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
It originated in Portugal and Spain and combines the equitation practices of a variety of cultures and locales to promote a range of techniques for using the working horse for agricultural reasons, working on farms, ranches, and with livestock.
Working Equitation is a real test of the horses’ temperament and training, the rider's skill and ability, and of course the relationship between horse and rider. It combines dressage with obstacles; the ability to cross different terrain, open gates, rein back, stand quietly, pick things up and carry them, maneuver in tight spaces, and listen to the rider, no matter what difficulties they may face.
The sport is a highly refined and sophisticated demonstration of these activities, with the added required qualities of elegance and speed of execution.
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Having tried most disciplines over the years the main thing I love about the sport is its versatility. Whether you are aiming for competitions or just something new to bring variety to your schooling at home, it is super training and has a multitude of benefits for all levels of horses and riders. You really do not need the next Valegro or Big Star to do well either! The sport is the ultimate outcome of the development of the horse as a working animal.
It is often associated with the Iberian breeds, such as P.R.E and Lusitanos, but is open and suitable to every breed of horse.
Here in the UK, we see a huge variety of breeds competing and at the World Championships recently there was a real mixture of Lusitanos, PRE, Warmbloods, Haflingers, Fjords, and in the UK we have Quarter horses, Icelandic horses, Highland ponies, Dales, Arabs, Connemaras, Welsh and more.
Since the discipline consists of three phases, all horse and rider combinations will naturally find some phases come easier to them than the other and this is one of the great challenges of the sport. Further, the sport provides numerous benefits for the horse. It helps to develop their physical fitness and strength, as well as their coordination and balance. The discipline also requires the horse to be mentally engaged, as they must navigate obstacles with calmness and balance, which can help to reduce boredom and prevent behavioral issues. Additionally, working equitation can help to build the horse's confidence and trust in their rider, as they work together to overcome challenges. It is also a great way to enhance the bond between horse and rider, as it requires teamwork and mutual understanding. The first thing most people say to me is “My horse would never do that!” It’s great for horses that can be spooky, get distracted easily, or sometimes be a little unresponsive to your aids. Using the obstacles to overcome some of these things, not only helps your horse understand the obstacles but helps set them up to deal with other problems they may face in the future and general life situations.
For competitions correct and smart turnout is important and there is a mark for this. The correct turnout differs for each country, so check the rules that apply in your country. It is normally the traditional riding attire, for example in the UK we use English hunting dresses, Tweed jackets cream breeches, horses plaited and a saddle-shaped numnah in a muted color to compliment the horse. The tack has to stay the same for all phases, but you can add boots after dressage for the other phases if you wish.
Working Equitation competitions usually include three phases:
At the highest levels, flying changes and canter pirouettes are required, but there are many levels, so it is suitable for riders of all ages and abilities and horses at any level of training. Everything can be done in walk or trot or even trained in hand to begin with.
Working equitation is a young sport still and now has a total of 24 nations involved. Competition opportunities are becoming more available, and more and more instructors are becoming qualified to teach.
It really is the most friendly and fun sport which is growing in popularity across the world and specifically here in the UK. To find a wealth of information about clinics, competitions, instructors, rules, and so on, go to wawe-official.com
If you are interested in joining in or coming along to find out more, with or without your horse, please email me or message me on Facebook.
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