The sport is great fun for both horse and rider, very spectator friendly too! If you fancy doing something different with your horse that tests his abilities and functionality this is for you. Are you Interested in Working Equitation? Don't know how to start or what the requirements are of you or your horse? Intimidated by the word "Equitation"? We can help!
What is Working Equitation?
At the international level, WE is a four-phase sport which combines the art and disciplines of classical dressage with the agility and control required when working horses in the field (ranch horse).
Based on the traditional horsemanship used on continental cattle farms in Europe, the horse and rider are tested on their skill, speed, and accuracy. The sport began as a competition in Italy in 1996 and has since gained popularity worldwide in countries including Portugal, Spain, Mexico and France.
The four-phase competitions are ridden entirely with only one hand on the reins in the walk and canter. They comprise an advanced dressage test, followed by an obstacle course, judged on style. Competitors are then required to ride a timed obstacle course judged on speed with a final element consisting of a cattle-penning test.
At the local level in USA, there are three phases with progressive training levels that allow you to ride with two hands at the walk and trot.
Rather than parroting ideas learned in a book or watched in a video, as so many clinicians do these days, Randy walks the talk and draws from skills and techniques that he has spent 35 years developing and experimenting with. Having ridden thousands of horses, from putting first rides on colts, to winning 3 Regional Championships and the IALHA 2013 National WE Championship, to improving the carriage and lightness of Grand Prix horses, you can be sure Randy has the experience to help increase the level that you and your horse are currently working at.!
Dressage Phase |
Ease of Handling |
Speed |
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The main concept of Working Equitation is to demonstrate the quality of training of the working cow horse with the following concepts:
- Rhythm
- Relaxation
- Connection
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- Impulsion
- Straightness
- Collection
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