WORKING EQ COACH
What is Working Equitation?
Working Equitation is a sport which was developed in Europe to test the skill of the traditional working horse and rider. Individual competitions have three phases of Dressage, Maneability (Ease of Handling or Style phase) and Speed phase. Team competitions involve a fourth phase which is a team cattle trial.
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At the highest level (Masters), all phases are ridden with one hand on the reins. Masters level dressage includes flying changes, pirouettes and other advanced movements. A horse competing at EA Advanced level or FEI Prix St Georges level would also be at home in Masters level Working Equitation.
The Maneability or Ease of Handling/Style phase is best described as a dressage test over a course of obstacles likely to be encountered on a working farm. Obstacles include opening and closing a gate, crossing a bridge, negotiating a jump, riding with a garrocha pole, backing up through a narrow
corridor etc. At Masters level, all riding is done at either walk or canter for this phase.
The Speed phase is a modified version of the same obstacle course done at speed. It is usually done at a fast canter, with obstacles negotiated generally in canter.
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Working Equitation is based on the classical European riding culture and follows the principles of classical dressage training. Horses must be light to the aids, obedient, and not scared by the various obstacles they might encounter on a traditional farm. It is a fantastic cross training sport for dressage horses and riders which helps to make daily training much more interesting and fun.
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For more information of Working Equitation, see the following links
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World Association for Working Equitation (WAWE)