WHAT IS WORKING EQUITATION?
The competition is divided into 2 phases, which are designed to test horse and rider through a range of activities. It combines flatwork movements and tests the ability of horse and rider to deal with a number of obstacles, some of which are similar to those, which may be encountered out hacking. Overall, the competition aims to promote good basic horsemanship and a degree of control.

HISTORY
Working Equitation began as a competition in 1996 with the first European Championships taking place that year in Italy. It is now a recognized sport in France, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Brazil having secured considerable following in each of these countries. The sport has its own governing body in each of the member countries: the Federation Francaise DÕEquitation in France, the Real Federacion Hipica Espanola in Spain, the APSL in Portugal, and the Federazione Italiana Sport Equestri in Italy. Great Britain has been invited to send a team to the 2002 European Championships in Portugal.

STAGE 1 OF WORKING EQUITATION - THE DRESSAGE TEST
Riders are given a series of dressage movements that must be ridden as a freestyle test within a 20m x 40m-dressage arena. There is a set order for the movements and the test must be ridden within a given timescale.

STAGE 2 OF WORKING EQUITATION - THE OBSTACLE COURSE
Riders are required to ride around a series of obstacles at canter and walk, as specified. The obstacle course is designed to show the riderÕs ability to control the horseÕs paces, and to display the empathy and trust between horse and rider.

LEVELS
Initially 2 levels of Working Equitation competition will be introduced into the UK Ð Novice and Intermediate. The Novice dressage test will contain movements similar to those seen at Novice and Elementary level dressage tests. The Novice obstacle course will incorporate simple obstacles, which will need to be negotiated by horse and rider safely and with a degree of finesse. The Intermediate level dressage test and obstacle course will require a higher level of technical execution. Requirements in the Intermediate test correspond with those of a Medium/Advanced Medium dressage test, and all movements in the obstacle course are more demanding. A flying change is required at Intermediate Level.

SCORING
In the dressage test, marks will be awarded for the execution of each movement. Collective marks are awarded at the end of the test. The obstacles are marked individually, with collective marks at the end. A combination of the 2 sets of marks will declare the winner.

DRESS CODE
Competitors will be required to wear beige/white jodhpurs, tweed/black or navy jacket with a stock or tie, long boots or short boots, gloves and a current standard safety riding hat.

APPEAL
We anticipate that Working Equitation will appeal to riders wishing to improve their riding skills. It will be an attractive competition for Riding Clubs and venues to host as it will draw a variety of breeds of horse and can be contained within an enclosed arena

This article was borrowed from: Working Equitation UK, El Bustan, The Drive, Ifold, West Sussex RH14 OTD
Tel. 01403 753755 Fax. 01403 753495

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