Working Equitation

The discipline of Working Equitation (WE) was developed in Europe and is based on their cattle working traditions. At its heart, it is a celebration of the partnership between a horse and a rider that must exist to work successfully in the field. The sport emphasizes the gaits, agility and courage needed for such endeavors. Although different aspects of the sport resemble a variety of other equestrian disciplines, it is important to understand that Working Equitation must be approached as a whole rather than its individual events or Trials. Lightness, control and precision in the movements through the obstacles are key to this exciting sport.

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Working Equitation Shows are a wonderful way to test you and your horse on accuracy through Dressage Tests and versatility through Ease of Handling courses. Dressage test scores and Ease of Handling scores are combined to give a total score for the competition.

Ease of Handling will be about control, not speed.

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Check out the web site at

www.weunited.us

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Facebook:  Working Equitation Montana

Working Equitation Levels

• All Working Equitation Dressage Tests

• All Obstacles – Combined with specific dressage tests

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Please do not be intimidated by the large rule book.   Also, the rule book has information on running a show and information for judges that may not pertain to the participating rider.

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Keep in mind that in a typical Ease of Handling Trial there would be approximately 10 obstacles and that would mean you are being judged on about 22 transitions between obstacles. We may add mounting and dismounting to the competition. A mounting block will be available and acceptable to use.

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All Dressage tests will be performed in the small dressage arena. A simple way to set up an arena is with cones painted with the letters.

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WESTERN OR ENGLISH attire is acceptable!

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Helmets will be required.