Working Equitation

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Working Equitation is a new equine sport that all countries with a tradition of working cattle on horseback can participate in. Here in the U.S. we think of the “American Cowboys” as the only ones working cattle daily on horseback yet, several countries in Europe also have a tradition of using horses to work cattle. Countries like France, Italy, Spain and Portugal all have long standing traditions for working cattle with horses. Working Equitation gives riders from each country an opportunity to test the skills and abilities of both the horse and rider for qualities needed for working cattle in the field.

Those competing in Working Equitation are encouraged to display the culture of their country by using the traditional equipment of the country, the saddle, the bit and the dress. Along with the traditional costumes of each country are also the differing styles of riding that are unique and that make it fun and interesting for the spectators.

The main requirements for Working Equitation are obedience, agility, speed, and the ability to work a cow.

In order to test each one of those qualities the competition has a corresponding stage/event.

Working dressage: This event tests the obedience of the horse. It is conducted at the working gaits, the walk and the canter, and eliminates the trot. The rider must ride with only one hand on the reins at all times. The arena is a standard 40 x 20 meter dressage arena and some of the maneuvers that are required are circles, straight lines, half passes, pirouettes and flying changes.

Obstacles: This event tests the agility along with the bravery of the horse. The obstacles are simulating things one would encounter in the field. Gates, small jumps, backing down a corridor, sideways over a pole are just a few of the 10 to 15 obstacles a rider might encounter in this event. In this test the horse and rider are judged on style and maneuverability not speed.

Speed: This event tests the speed and submission of the horse. This is a timed event and is made up of 15 obstacles and may use many of the same obstacles as in the previous test.

Cow Working: This tests the ability of the horse and rider to work a cow. This test is performed with a team of 3 or 4 riders. The objective is for each rider to move a preselected cow from the herd and put it in a designated pen.

Here is a short video on Working Equitation. It was the only video I could find that includes all four tests.

Working Equitation is a unique mixture of dressage, speed, maneuverability and cow working that is sure to offer a challenge for many competitors at all levels. Here in the U.S. Working Equitation is pretty much unknown to the general horse world, however, there are a few clinics and instructors on the subject if you search. The Andalusian and Lusitano registry (IALHA) offer a few classes at the larger shows but outside of that it is relatively unheard of in North America. The USEF have created some preliminary regulations that should be finalized soon so that the events can be opened up to all breeds.

Here is one more video of a Working Equitation Speed Test. This is my favorite one on you tube.