Sometimes, people get intimidated when they watch videos of World Champion Working Equitation competitor Pedro Torres as he and the Lusitano stallion Oxidado perform effortless flying changes and canter pirouettes in the
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People come to the sport of Working Equitation from a variety of backgrounds. Some leap into the sport from the world of three-day eventing or transition smoothly from the USDF dressage court to the Working Equitation arena. Others lope their way in from Western disciplines. Still others step into the sport from Competitive Trail, Obstacle Challenge, or Endurance racing. A number of riders have slid into Working Equitation from a previous background in reining. A few have joined the sport after dominating breed halter and movement classes and rolling over their competition in driving events. And not to be overlooked, a core group of Working Equitation enthusiasts have previously classified themselves as purely pleasure riders.
The Ease of Handling test is also scored, with points for each obstacle ranging from 0 to 10, and collective marks also awarded. Some obstacles, such as Jumping Over Bales of Straw, and Sidestepping Over a Log are not performed at the Children’s or Introductory Level. The majority of obstacles, however, can be found at all levels. In Ease of Handling, greater complexity is introduced by requiring more challenging gaits within and between obstacles and increasing the expectations for how lead changes are performed as one moves up the levels.
The Speed trial is only performed by riders in Novice A and above. It’s important to note that there is no requirement that the Speed trial be done at a particular gait. In fact, it is quite common (and even advisable) for lower-level riders to perform their Speed trial at the trot to help maintain the horse’s relaxation around the obstacles.
Event organizers can opt to split classes in a variety of ways, such as offering Divisions for Amateur and Open riders. Although one might assume that Open riders have a significant advantage of Amateurs, the data does not appear to support this contention. On the contrary, analysis of scoring trends across all licensed 2017 working equitation competitions to date provides fairly convincing evidence that this is a sport in which Amateur riders can be quite competitive (see Table).
Intrigued yet? We sure hope so! To find out more about this great sport, please visit our website at: www.WEUnited.us.
30 / Sport and Trail Magazine
Oregon resident Morgan Wagner, whose Appaloosa gelding Endo the Blind has more Facebook followers than most human celebrities and the sponsorship of several companies (e.g., Purina and La Victoria Performance Horse products), was primarily a pleasure rider before she discovered Working Equitation. The sport gave her something to focus on, and that focus has paid off. She and Endo are regular performers and clinicians now at horse expos and rodeos. “It’s all about partnership,” Wagner explains, “that is really the heart of everything I do with Endo and the heart of Working Equitation.”
Wisconsin resident Heather Lekan regularly works cattle and competes in Cowboy Dressage and Obstacle Challenges on her Working Equitation horse Mizz Cora. “In addition to competitions,” Heather explains, “we regularly work cattle to improve our partnership and lateral work.”
Washington trainer Rob Zimmerman transitioned from a successful career in reining to Working Equitation, which is now the focus of his training and instructional program. “I love the sport,” Zimmerman says. “It is about the long-term development of the horse and rider. The foundation in Portuguese classical horsemanship, and the opportunity to host the Pedro Torres Academy of Working Equitation here in Washington and train with Head Instructor Nuno Matos has truly transformed my approach with horses.
It has made me a better rider and a better partner to my horses.”
Texas WE rider Kiki Pantaze says her years of experience on the polocrosse field have helped her build a good foundation for Working Equitation. Several other top polocrosse riders’ success in Working Equitation suggests Pantaze may be on to something. Dori Johnson, who has competed internationally in the sport, and Prissy Rumel, a regular on the polocrosse field, have also made quite the names for themselves in Working Equitation.
Morgan Wagner, pleasure rider, with her notorious steed, Endo the Blind. Photo by Meagan Hansen