WORKING HORSE RIDING TRIALS
Working horse riding trials have been created with the aim of distinguishing the type of mount used in different aspects of work in the field.

As to be expected, the characteristics of working horse riding, as performed in the four countries in which trials of this type are currently held (Portugal, Spain, France and Italy), differ in several aspects. A balanced set of regulations has, however, been achieved owing to the responsiveness of the officers in charge in the above referred to countries.

One of the most characteristic features is the fact that all of these trials are performed with the horse being led solely by the left hand.

A.P.S.L. is the Portuguese body responsible for coordinating these trials. It is also responsible for alterations to the regulations, approval of trial judges, sending a delegate and establishing a national events schedule.

In conformity with a still undefined criterion, it will also be responsible for selecting national team members to compete in the European Working Horse Riding Event. Working horse riding trials consist of four different classification stages whose final result is obtained by adding up the points scored in each of the trials (appendix I).

The trials comprise:
A) Dressage
B) Ease of handling
C) Speed
D) Cow cutting (optional) - only for team classifications

(due to the space needed for the full description of the event, we have included only a description of the Ease of Handling Trial obstacles. If you are interested in obtaining addirional information, please e-mail me below.)

SECTION B - EASE OF HANDLING TRIAL
The objective of this trial is to evidence both the rider's and horse's capacity to tranquilly, precisely, stylishly and regularly complete any obstacles representing difficulties which could be encountered in the field or which could evidence the mutual understanding existing between man and animal. Owing to the fact that the movements used in work in the field are the walk and gallop, the trot is not accepted in this trial.

The classification parameters are identical to the dressage trial:
10 - Excellent
9 - Very good
8 - Good
7 - Quite good
6 - Satisfactory
5 - Sufficient
4 - Insufficient
3 - Quite bad
2 - Bad
1 - Very bad
0 - Did not perform

The trial will have a maximum duration of between 4-6 minutes, depending on the distance involved, which will always be described in the Order of Entry. No points will be awarded to exercises, which have been performed after the scheduled time. The maximum time permitted will be defined on the basis of an average movement of 250 m/seconds. A bell will be rung thirty seconds prior to the time allowed with the end of the regulatory time being signaled by two rings of the bell. Any poles used will be provided by the responsible entity. The under 16s category is allowed to use a lighter pole than that of other categories.

The trial arena will have a minimum number of 11 obstacles or difficulties, the most common of which is described below:
1 - Figure eight between drums
2 - Wooden bridge
3 - Slalom between parallel posts
4 - Jumping over bales of straw
5 - Sheep fold
6 - Slalom between posts in a straight line
7 - Drums
8 - Post
9 - Gate
10 - Bell at end of corridor
11 - Earthenware jug
12 - Ring jousting
13 - Using a pole to strike the figure of a cow which must be knocked down
14 - Pirouette inside a triangle
15 - Backing up in "L" or a figure eight between posts
16 - Side-stepping over a log
17 - Removing a pole from a drum
18 - Placing a pole in a drum
19 - Using a pole to dislodge a ball from a base at an average height of around 1.5metres
20 - Using a pole to dislodge a ball from a ground level base
21 - Mounting and dismounting unaided
22 - Riding through a water-filled ditch
23 - Bank
24 - Riding over a pebbled surface
25 - Herding cattle from one location to another inside a fenced-off rectangle.

 The obstacles along the course will be chosen from the above list in the order decided by the marshal of the riding arena.
 Competitors will enter the riding arena at a gallop and approach the jury, salute the jury, doffing their hat with a downward sweep of their right hand. Ladies will salute the jury with a slight nod and a sweep of their right arm. After the jury's reply has been received, they will replace their hats and the trial will begin.
  The role of the paddock officer will be identical to that of the dressage trial, with the same dress and harnesses being permitted.

The judges will classify horses on the basis of the following:
- Regularity of movements, ease of transitions and execution of changes of hand;
- Submission to the use of aids;
- Naturalness in approaching difficulties;
- Poise, presence, silhouette vis-ˆ-vis the various obstacles.

Judges will classify riders on the basis of the following:
- Position in the saddle; - Precision in performing exercises;
- Precision and effect of the use of aids;
- Exclusive use of a single hand.

The obligatory movement between obstacles is the gallop.

Grounds for elimination:
- Taking more than a minute to enter the enclosure after being called
- Entering the arena before the bell has been rung;
- Taking more than a minute to begin the trial after the bell has been rung;
- Moving past the starting line before the president of the jury has given the signal
- Failure to correct a course fault;
- Three consecutive refusals to perform the same obstacle;
- Fall of rider;
- Failure to salute the jury;
- Failure to complete an obstacle;
- Failure to move past the finishing line;
- Traces of blood on animal;
- Refusal of animal to advance for a period of 15 seconds;
- Right hand on reins (seniors), both in front of and behind left hand for longer than necessary to adjust the reins;
- The same reasons pertaining to dress, harness and bits as in the dressage trial.

 Competitors may inspect the course, on foot, prior to the beginning of the trial, during a specially set-aside period, in which the riding arena "will be open". Information on the "opening times" of the riding arena is provided in the Order of Entry.
  Competitors must vacate the arena after closure. The riding area may only be inspected by sidesaddle and other riders in full dress.
  Obstacles should be firmly secured and not frighten or "spook" horses or riders.
  The extremities of several of the obstacles should be marked with a red flags on their right and white flag on their left-hand sides.
  Obstacles must be numbered.
  The order of entry will be inverse to the classification used in the dressage trial, unless competitors enter more than one horse. In the latter case the competition secretary will alter the order, in such a way as for there to be at least four competitors between any two trials performed by such a rider.
  The three competitors following the competitor currently performing in the riding arena should remain permanently at the ready.

(For a detailed explaination of the obstacles, please contact Heather Orton at hseville@pacbell.net )

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