As interest in Working Equitation continues to grow, more and more opportunities to learn about the sport become available. Really large states present a particular challenge, as it is sometimes difficult to get to the locations where events are offered.
In California, WE United Region 2 Director Polly Limond ([email protected]) has so far been focusing her efforts on building a WE community in the Southern part of the state, while WE United member Annie Conn, based just outside Cotati, is hard at work doing the same sort of thing for riders in Northern California.
In this month’s issue, we share Annie’s outreach efforts, with an article she submitted. ~ Julie Alonzo
Working Equitation California Region Two
34 / Sport and Trail Magazine
www.weunited.us
Calling all Northern California riders and equine enthusiasts who are interested in Working Equitation!
On the outskirts of Cotati, CA lies a beautiful horse ranch managed by photographer, saddler, and horsewoman, Annie Conn. Annie cares for her eight horses and provides boarding for five other horses, whose owners are part of a growing community devoted to the skills of working equitation.
In January 2017, Annie encourages horse enthusiasts to accept her challenge to commit themselves and their horses to a “Working Equitation Challenge”.
Two years ago, Annie attended an Introductory Clinic on one of the most exciting new equine sports -- Working Equitation. The instructor took us through a fascinating course on the history of the sport and the basic trials included in Working Equitation – Dressage, Ease of Handling and Speed.
Over the next two days, we (and our horses) built up a huge level of enthusiasm, trying new techniques and cheering each other on. All of us were sad to see the end of the clinic. We wanted to continue participating in the sport, honing our skills in clinics, practices and schooling shows.
Annie began a search for more clinics and WE events, but, unfortunately, it has been an uphill battle. In Northern California, clinics, schooling shows and practices cancel more often than not due to lack of participation. And why is that? People love the classes and clinics, they want the schooling shows, but their commitment is lacking.
Photo Credit: Annie Conn @ Luna Tierra Studios