By Julie Alonzo,
WE United President Elect
24 / Sport and Trail Magazine
I
n previous issues of this magazine, we’ve highlighted different Working Equitation riders and horses, celebrating the rich diversity of the sport, and providing numerous examples of its inclusive and welcoming community. We’ve shared insights into training to improve performance in both Dressage and Obstacle phases of the sport. In this issue, we turn our attention to the fourth and final phase in Working Equitation, the cattle trial.
A team event, the Cattle trial tests the ability of a horse and rider to work cattle individually and with teammates. Teams of 3 to 4 riders work together to cut pre-selected cows from a
herd one at a time in accordance with a pre-established order, and herd them into a holding pen separate from the rest of the herd. The objective is to demonstrate the abilities of cutting/
herding/containing cattle efficiently and accurately.
The Cattle Trial, which requires some additional facility and stock-handling resources, is at the heart of the sport’s foundation, as a celebration of different nations’ working stock horses and traditions. Because of the additional costs and logistics involved with including the cow trial, however, it is not always offered at licensed WE competitions. Colorado regularly includes the Cattle Trial in their events, and this year, the Cattle Trial has been offered in several WE competitions in California and Oregon, and cattle handling clinics are welcome additions to the learning opportunities being offered by WE clubs across the country.
The arena used for the Cattle trial should be roughly 230 ft x 100 ft in dimension (see diagram). A start/foul line separates the herd zone where the herd is settled from the penning zone where a holding pen is located. The foul line is designated by a chalk line and/or marker(s) located on the arena fence, easily viewed by the Judge. The herd zone is between 20% to 35% of the total arena depending on the number and type of cattle used, the performance level being judged, and the arena configuration.
As a sport, working equitation is well-known for being a supportive discipline, one in which people are committed to helping each other as they work on improving their partnership with their horses. The CNC epitomizes this spirit.
past two days, a bit different than my weekday routine comprised mainly of computer work. What I’m feeling more than anything else, however, is the deep sense of contentment that comes from seeing first hand the improvements in the partnerships the sport fosters between horses and their riders.
Working Equitation
CATTLE TRIAL
performance in both Dressage and Obstacle phases of the sport. In this issue, we turn our attention to the fourth and final phase in Working Equitation, the cattle trial.
A team event, the Cattle trial tests the ability of a horse and rider to work cattle individually and with teammates. Teams of 3 to 4 riders work together to cut pre-selected cows from a
herd one at a time in accordance with a pre-established order, and herd them into a holding pen separate from the rest of the herd. The objective is to demonstrate the abilities of cutting/
herding/containing cattle efficiently and accurately.
The Cattle Trial, which requires some additional facility and stock-handling resources, is at the heart of the sport’s foundation, as a celebration of different nations’ working stock horses and traditions. Because of the additional costs and logistics involved with including the cow trial, however, it is not always offered at licensed WE competitions. Colorado regularly includes the Cattle Trial in their events, and this year, the Cattle Trial has been offered in several WE competitions in California and Oregon, and cattle handling clinics are welcome additions to the learning opportunities being offered by WE clubs across the country.
The arena used for the Cattle trial should be roughly 230 ft x 100 ft in dimension (see diagram). A start/foul line separates the herd zone where the herd is settled from the penning zone where a holding pen is located. The foul line is designated by a chalk line and/or marker(s) located on the arena fence, easily viewed by the Judge. The herd zone is between 20% to 35% of the total arena depending on the number and type of cattle used, the performance level being judged, and the arena configuration.
As a sport, working equitation is well-known for being a supportive discipline, one in which people are committed to helping each other as they work on improving their partnership with their horses. The CNC epitomizes this spirit.
past two days, a bit different than my weekday routine comprised mainly of computer work. What I’m feeling more than anything else, however, is the deep sense of contentment that comes from seeing first hand the improvements in the partnerships the sport fosters between horses and their riders.
Kenton Wright cutting his cow
www.weunited.us