Working Equitation is an inclusive equestrian sport that welcomes all breeds of horses and ponies and any style of equipment (including bitless bridles).
This sport brings the traditional farm and field-related tasks performed by horses into the modern equestrian arena. It has different types of horses, clothing and saddlery, which is distinguishing trait of this discipline when compared to other equestrian sports.
In the arena they do exercises that they do in the field – for example, open the gate, pass over a bridge, jump over a straw bale, stay near a table and drink a glass of water, down a corridor, touch a bell and come back.
This mix of dressage or the classical way of riding with gymkhana, with cattle work, offers variety to the horse and rider. Versatility is important as there are a lot of riders who don’t want to do traditional dressage, they can compete at a high level in working equitation but still play and be happy.
Brookleigh Working Equitation along with a panel of coaches who specialise in their chosen fields offers you state of the art facilities and a safe and fun learning environment for you and your horse.
Working Equitation Divisions
There are two Divisions
Participant – For riders new to the sport or for inexperienced riders/horses. Enables the rider to move up and down the levels to gain experience and confidence as their knowledge of the sport improves and the horse gains more skill.
Competitor – For riders who are experienced at the sport and for horses that are training well at the requirements of the level. Once riding in Competitor Division, the horse cannot go back a level or go back to Participant Division.
Working Equitation Levels
The various levels with Working Equitation allow for all levels of riding these levels are:
Level 1 Lead Line
Level 2 Introductory
Level 3 Preliminary
Level 4 Debutante Walk (also referred to as Deb W)
Level 5 Debutante Fly (also referred to as Deb F)
Level 6 Consagrados 2
Level 7 Consagrados 1
Level 8 Masters
An example of one of the world’s leading riders during Speed phase.
Working Dressage Phase
The Working Dressage test highlights the skills and harmony horse and rider are required within Working Equitation. While training and preparing for dressage tests you are also having the added benefit in complimenting your other equine disciplines. Encouraging smooth transitions, perfect circles, straight lines and clear yet subtle communication aids with your horse. All dressage movements are the foundation movements for navigating an obstacle course. The dressage tests have been designed with different skill levels to suit the different stages of development of your horse.
Download the tests here: http://www.anweltd.com.au/forms–tests.html
Ease of Handling Phase
The Ease of Handling Phase is ridden with style and elegance as you complete a course of obstacles at walk, trot or canter depending on your level and the matching skill requirements. Such obstacles may be:
- Two Barrels
- Three Barrels
- Bell Corrider
- The Bridge
- Garrocha pick up
- Spear the ring off the back of a pretend bull
- Garrocha deposit
- The Gate
- The Jug
- The Jump
- The Rein Back Obstacle
- Side Pass Pole
- The Single Slalom
- The Double Slalom
- Stock Pen
- Switch Cup
- Picking up and depositing an Oilskin
- Varied footing
Speed Phase
The Speed phase of Working Equitation is to test the speed, agility, athleticism, and submission of the horse and the balance, aids and seat of the rider. Lead Line – Level 1 and Introductory – Level 2 will not compete in this phase, however Introductory may ride a second Maneability phase at the discretion of the Organising Committee.
Cattle Phase
The Cattle Phase tests the ability of the horse and rider to work cattle individually and with teammates. Although it is a timed event it still imperative that the welfare of the horse and cattle is held in the highest regard.
The test is performed with a team of four riders. The objective is for each rider to move an assigned beast from the herd and put it in a designated completion zone and for the team to demonstrate teamwork by herding/containing cattle efficiently and accurately. A major part of a single rider’s test is to cut out his or her designated beast from the herd, with team members assisting once the designated beast or any of the rest of the herd is in the general cutting zone.
For further explanation of each level, phase rules & requirements please follow this link: https://anwe.org.au/compete-and-learn/rules-and-tests/