Commitment and Dedication
“I am thoroughly impressed with WE United’s commitment to this sport in its education of riders and officials. This association’s infrastructure is strong and the leaders are dedicated to develop this sport that is quickly becoming the fastest growing equestrian sport in America into one that will soon have teams competing in Europe. It is easy to recognize the honest drive to preserve the spirit of Working Equitation that WE United and its members possess, and I for one am so grateful to be a part of this
“The complexities of this sport make it a difficult one to become proficient through the upper levels not only in riding and competing but judging as well. At the beginning of the week I found myself feeling as though I had thrown myself into a raging ocean and barely treading water, however, our instructors and senior judges were diligent and patient and often through humor kept us engaged and encouraged leading us step by step closer to our goals. The power point presentations were methodically delivered in a way that prepared us completely for the enormous amount of information that we were required to retain by the end of the week. At the live judging where we were privileged to judge competitors from Intro through Advanced we were challenged and enthralled to watch Endo the Blind dance gracefully through the courses, as well as young riders and national riders skillfully negotiate the difficult trials with grace, accuracy, and speed.
group. Thank you so very much for this wonderful opportunity and for so many more yet to come!”
Kim Roe, a Washington state resident who attended the seminar, shared her thoughts at the end of the final day. “The show is over, the exam is finished, and I’ll admit I’m tired. This was a top-notch mind-expanding experience. Our teachers worked to help us understand what good Working Equitation looks like and the essence of the sport.
“One of my favorite quotes came from António,” she reminisced. “‘The judge is not the owner of the truth.’ Meaning judges must be fair, impartial, know the rules, know the standard, but they aren’t perfect.” Kellee Campbell, a participant from Texas, said, “Mário and Antonio are wonderful teachers — informative, patient, and direct while delivering their training with a dose of laughter. This is an absolutely great experience.”
Michael T. Photography
Michael T. Photography
Kristina Eckert on Canadian Farm Jerrycho Manon, a Canadian Horse performing their Dressage test before Mário Canas Pimentel, WAWE judge from Portugal. Mário is flanked by attendees from the week-long judge seminar.
Carrie Parker and her mule Bodie took first place in Ease of Handling, third in Dressage, and 2nd in Speed to finish the day 2nd overall in the Novice A class.