Working Equitation

Tired of the same old English classes? Try the excitement and versatility of working equitation!

- BY SARAH E. COLEMAN

The discipline of working equitation began in Europe in 1996 to highlight the skills of horses used to work cattle, and it has rapidly caught on around the world.

No longer reserved for just one breed, the sport welcomes all breeds and many tack and attire styles and traditions—it truly is a global sport! Riders competing in working equitation classes embody grace and poise, guiding their horses through intricate dressage movements and a variety trail obstacles—all while having fun!

So what is it, exactly? Working equitation embodies equestrian versatility, combining a classical dressage foundation with practical skills that test maneuverability, obedience, bravery, and correctness of gaits and movements, explains Kasey Riddle, the Youth Development Committee Chair for USA Working Equitation (USAWE), the sport’s governing body. But you don’t need a specific type of horse—or saddle—to compete!

WHAT YOU NEED

While you will need a horse to ride for working equitation competitions (the shows don’t provide horses like the Interscholastic Equestrian Association does), your horse does not need to be trained in a specific discipline. You can ride, English, western or in traditional Baroque style at competitions; you won’t have to buy more tack!

“The key is to remember that this is a working sport,” says Kasey. “Attire and tack should be practical, clean, and neat without being overly flashy.” The horse must wear a saddle and bridle that are black or brown in color. Bits are required—no hackamores or bosals are permitted.

Rider attire is meant to honor the working tradition the sport came from. The most acceptable working equitation attire styles include: working western like the American cowboy; dressage; hunt seat; Australian stockman style; and working European style.