five performance levels to accommodate horses and riders at various stages of training: Introductory, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Masters. The Masters level is equivalent to the international standard of the sport.
WORKING EQUITATION TRIALS
Working Equitation competitions consist of four distinct trials, or tests. The first three, Dressage, Ease of Handling, and Speed, are required for both individual and team competitions. The fourth trial, Cow trial, is included for team competitions. Horse/rider pairs receive scores based on their placing in each of the trials, and these scores are tallied to determine the overall placing at the competition.
DRESSAGE
Each level has its own dressage test. Each movement is given a numerical score, and collective marks are given for the horse’s impulsion, submission, and quality of gaits, as well as for the rider’s position and effective use of aids. The dressage tests are designed to test the horse and rider as well as to serve as an aid in training. The movements at each successive level build upon movements of the previous levels and coincide with the type and difficulty of movements expected in the Ease of Handling and Speed trials at the respective levels. The dressage tests at each level are designed to systematically prepare the horse and rider for the degree of collection and engagement needed to ride at the highest level of competition–Masters. The Masters level dressage trial requires competitors to perform a series of advanced movements such as pirouettes, flying lead changes, and lateral movements while riding one-handed. In the case of a tie at the end of the competition, Dressage placings are used to determine the final placings.
dressage trial requires
competitors to perform a series
of advanced movements such as
pirouettes, flying lead changes,
and lateral movements while
riding one-handed. In the case of
a tie at the end of the
competition, Dressage placings
are used to determine the final
placings.
EASE OF HANDLING
In this trial, horse and rider
negotiate a series of obstacles,
receiving a 0-10 score for the
quality with which they perform
each one. As with the Dressage
trial, the judges also award
collective marks for horse’s
impulsion, submission, quality of
the transitions, rider’s
effectiveness, etc. In the Ease of
Handling trial, judges are looking
for smooth, symmetrical
performance, with a particular
emphasis on quality of the
geometry within each of the
obstacle patterns. At the
Introductory, Novice, and
Intermediate levels, riders may
complete this trial using two-
ands on the reins. At the
Advanced and Masters levels
riders must ride one-handed.
SPEED
This trial uses many of the same
obstacles as are used for Ease of
Handling, but rather than being
judged on the quality and
smoothness of the performance,
the event is timed, with the faster
times placing higher. For any
penalties incurred over the
course, time is added to the
competitor’s final time.
Additionally, if the obstacle
“Retrieve a Pole, Skewer a Ring”
is included on the course, the
competitor can earn a bonus of
10 seconds subtracted from their
final time for successfully
skewering the ring. This exciting,
fast-paced trial is a spectator favorite!