The discipline of Working Equitation was created to promote the different types of training used when a horse is used to work on a farm/ranch. All the exercises create rideability, balance, maneuverability and trust. In Portugal, Spain, France and Italy Working Equitation has been turned into a national competition with it’s own governing body and rules. It is in its introductory stage in the United States.
60’ Circle; medium, extended and collected canter/trot 30’ Collected canter/trot Rating your horses speed without pulling on the reins in all gaits Lateral exercises Leg yields Halfpass Half pirouettes and full pirouettes at walk (we will call this a walking turn on the HQ) Half pirouettes at canter Western sidepass Bending exercises Circles Spirals Serpentines Changes on the Diagonal Changes on the figure of 8 Canter exercises Changes of rein; simple and flying ( flying changes required at intermediate and advanced levels). Counter Canter Cloverleaf pattern at the canter Figure of 8 at the canter Slalom course (two types) at the canter Riding one handed at the canter with and without the pole/gathering the ring. Canter departs from a walk, halt and back up
Open and close gate Side pass over two poles Ring a bell then back up through an “L” pattern Backing up straight and with specific strides Back up on a serpentine pattern carrying a glass of water ( backing one handed on a
serpentine) Jumping a small jump (height of a bale of hay). Going over a bridge.
1) Forward walk on a long rein around arena. Change rein. Forward walk again. 2) Come through a corner and go into shoulder-in (SI) down the rail. Back to forward walk 3) In next corner change your bend to shoulder-out (SO) and go down the rail. Back to forward walk. 4) Transition to trot. Come through a corner and then leg yield to center line on the diagonal. Go straight out of leg yield on center line. Change direction. 5) Go through the corner and on the diagonal leg yield to the center line on new rein. Go straight out of leg yield on center line. 6) Go forward and around your whole arena in a long and loose trot, begin to have your horse working in a position where he is using his whole top line. One full pass around arena. 7) Change on diagonal, same trot; long and loose. One full pass around. 8) Come through next corner go onto a 60’ circle halfway down short side in trot ( middle of short side) then canter depart 9) 2 circles in canter back to trot. 10) Change rein on a figure of eight starting at trot and then canter depart. Do 2 circles in canter. Keep a quality circle. 11) Come out of circle on long side, halt half-way down, and back up ten straight steps. 11) Transition to trot. Go through one corner. 12) Transition to forward walk on long side. 13) Before next corner at a walk, turn your horse 180 degrees on his HQs (at a walk, not a roll back), forward walk towards opposite corner. 14) Before next corner turn on the HQ back to the original corner, resume forward walk. 15) Transition to canter from the walk. 16) Cross on the next diagonal. Trot transition at center line. Canter depart on new lead. Simple change. 17) Canter through two corners, come across the ring at half-way point of long side, transition to trot and halt at center line. Finished
Pattern #2: Advanced Pattern; Canter Work
1) Enter on center line, halt half-way. 2) Canter depart down center line. 3) 60’circle to the right at end of arena in the middle of short side. One circle at medium canter. Second circle extend the canter. 4) Spiral into a 30’ circle at working canter. One full circle and then extend the canter and spiral back to 60’ circle at the extended canter. 5) Leave circle on right rein. Go through a corner and down the long side and circle in the next corner a 30’ circle. 6) Change rein on a figure of eight on the short side. Simple change. 7) Complete a 30’circle on new rein. 8) Go down long side and short side. Half-way on short side transition to forward walk. Walk through next corner. Cross on the diagonal at the walk 9) 1/4 way across diagonal ( before center line) do a complete turn on the HQ, keeping forwardness. 10) Continue at walk, cross center line. Still on diagonal. 11) Three-quarters way across diagonal do a complete turn on the HQ in the other direction. Finish diagonal at forward walk. Go through short side at the forward walk. 12) Half-way down next long side, halt to back up 10 steps. Straight. 13) Canter depart from the backup. 14) Using the entire arena do 4 simple changes of lead. 15) Change on the diagonal and do 4 simple changes of lead in other direction. 16) Transition to walk and then halt on the long side. 17) Western side-pass away from the arena wall 15’. Halt. 18) Western side-pass back to arena wall. Finished!
1) Come down center line and halt in middle of arena. 2) Transition to forward walk on a long, loose rein. 3) Turn right. Go through corner and half way down long side halt, back up 5 steps. 4) Back to forward walk. 5) On short side transition to trot. 6) Extend trot down long side. 7) In corner do two 40’ circles at a medium trot, come out and go through next corner. 8) Change on the diagonal and extend trot (now on left rein). 9) Go through corner at end of diagonal and in next corner transition to a medium trot and do two 40’ circles at a medium trot on left rein. 10) Come out of circle and extend down the long side.
11) On short side transition to forward walk on a loose rein. 12) Half-way down long side halt, bend your horse toward the rail and move his HQ around his forehand (turn on the forehand) until you are parallel with rail facing opposite direction. - 13) Transition to forward walk. 14) Before corner halt, bend your horse again to the rail and do a turn on the forehand until you are facing original direction. 15) Transition to trot and trot all the way around arena one time. 16) End at gate. 17) Open gate and leave arena.
1) Come down center line, halt. 2) Transition to forward walk. 3) Turn right. Go through corner and begin shallow serpentine away from the wall and then back to the wall, all the way down the long side in this pattern. 4) In the next corner walk a 30’ circle back to forward walk. 5) Go through the next corner and begin shallow leg yields on and off the wall all the way down the long side. 6) In the next corner do a turn on the HQ’s and change direction at the walk. 7) Repeat this entire pattern on opposite rein; serpentine, circle, leg yield. 8) After completing leg yields at walk, go straight, transition to trot and repeat pattern starting after next corner. 9) Transition to walk after completing leg yields on this rein at the trot. 10) Do a turn on the HQ’s and change direction at the walk. Transition to trot. 11) Repeat the pattern on the new rein at the trot. 12) After completing the leg yield go straight and half way down the short side turn and go down center line. 13) Halt in the center. 14) Side pass to the left. Halt 15) Side pass to the right. Halt Finished .
DESCRIPTION OF OBSTACLES AND CRITERIA FOR JUDGING THE 2 BARRELS
The obstacle consists of two barrels placed at a distance of 3m apart from each other (the distance is measured from the centre of the drums). The horse approaches at canter between the drums and performs a 3m diameter turn around the right hand drum. Upon completing the turn and passing half way between the drums, he will change direction and begin the circle on the left hand side around the left hand drum. Upon completing the circle on the left hand side, he will pass half way between the drums to exit the obstacle. The obstacle may be performed in reverse. How the obstacle is judged: The jury judges the precision and attitude of the flying change, the route between the 2 barrels, the shape and symmetry of the circles and the horse’s response.
The obstacle consists of a wooden bridge over which the horse must walk. The obstacle measures at least 4 m x 1.5 m; its highest part is at least 20 cms above the ground. The surface must not be slippery. The obstacle should be made out of reasonably solid material and should not endanger either horse or rider. How the obstacle is judged : The jury judges the regularity of the walk, the transitions and the confidence vis-à-vis the obstacle. The jury will give a negative mark if a horse shows any hesitation in performing the obstacle.
The obstacle consists of a minimum number of 7 posts (2m high) . The posts are laid out in 2 parallel lines with a distance of 6m between each of the rows. There is a distance of 6m between each post in each line. The horse takes a slalom course around the posts, with flying changes performed on the half-way line between the 2 lines. How the obstacle is judged: The jury judges the continuity of movement, the harmony and precision of the horse’s turns, the rider’s use of aids, the quality of the flying changes and whether one or more posts are knocked over.
The obstacle consists of 4 bales of straw, or any other natural material provided it does not exceed the height of a straw bale. The horse should approach and jump naturally and with assurance. How the obstacle is judged: The jury judges the horse’s action, the rider’s calm approach, and his use of aids. He will be penalized if he knocks any part of the obstacle.
This obstacle consists of an enclosure with an entrance. Inside the outer ring is another inner enclosure housing animals such as hens, geese, ducks, piglets, etc. The horse enters from one direction and describes a full circle around the inner enclosure. If the horse breaks pace he will receive a negative mark.
How the obstacle is judged: The jury is looking for serenity and confidence in the horse, calmness on the rider’s part, and his use of aids.
The obstacle comprises at least 5 wooden or metal posts (2m high), laid out in a straight line 6m apart from each other. The horse canters around the slalom posts performing a flying change with each change of direction. The flying changes should always be performed at the half-way point between the posts. -How the obstacle is judged: The jury should judge the line taken by the rider, and the fluency and continuity of movement.
This obstacle consists of 3 drums positioned in a triangle, 3 m apart from each other. The horse canters a route through the drums as indicated on the course map. He circles around the drum on the right (or left depending on the course map), he then proceeds to the next drum, performing a flying change over the imaginary line between the 1st and 2uid drums. He then circles the 2 drum, performs another flying change along the imaginary line between the 2td and 3rd drums, and makes a full circle around the 3 drum before exiting from the same point as the point of entry. This obstacle shows the ease of handling of the horse and his ability to perform in tight areas, whilst still maintaining the impulsion and tempo of the canter. How the obstacle is judged: The jury bases its judgment on the horse’s attitude, the rider’s use and effectiveness of aids, tempo, continuity of action, fluency of performance and precision of flying changes.
The gate should be constructed from wood and wire mesh and be closed with an iron hoop. Two uprights made from natural material with a width of at least 2m and a height of 1.30 m should be placed at the sides of the gate. The gate may open to the right or left in conformity with the course. The obstacle should be performed as follows: The horse canters up close to the obstacle and makes his final approach at a walk, step by step. The horse’s approach shall show a high level of confidence and assurance. The horse positions itself at the side of the gate (to the left or right depending on the direction in which it opens). Using his/her right hand, the rider will lift up the iron hoop and open the gate. He/she will walk through the entrance without letting go of the gate. When the horse has fully exited the other side of the gate, the rider may back up one or two steps to close the gate. He/she will then put the iron hoop in place and complete the obstacle. The rider should not let go of the gate during the course of performing the exercise.
How the obstacle is judged: The jury should judge the horse’s action which should be fluent and without any hesitation. The horse should be aware of, and participate in, the opening and closing movements without showing any signs of insecurity or disobedience. The rider’s action should be easy, precise and free from hesitation. The rider should make good use of his/her legs to urge the horse forward whenever necessary. The rider should never let go of the gate when performing the opening and closing exercises.
This obstacle is more commonly found in the speed rather than style trials. The manner of performance is identical to that of the Gate obstacle.
The obstacle consists of 2 ground poles placed above the ground (0.6m high), 1.20 m apart from each so forming a corridor. A bell is located at the end of the corridor (at a height of approx 2.00 m) The horse approaches the corridor at walk, enters and moves forwards towards the end. The rider then rings the bell and performs a rein back down the corridor. How the obstacle is judged: The jury should judge the horse’s attitude and collection, the rider’s use of aids and speed, the fluidity, continuity and perfection of the performance. The jury will give a negative classification if the horse displaces either of the ground poles. The corridor may alternatively be 1” shaped and formed by 2 x 4m corridors. The crossbars and respective supports may be substituted by dressage uprights.
This obstacle consists of a square table with a jug of water. The rider and horse approach the table and pick up the jug, raise it above his/her head, and then replace it. How the obstacle is judged: The jury judges the way the horse approaches and remains at a halt next to the table, without showing any signs any fear, and trusting the rider’s use of aids. The rider will be penalized if the horse crashes into the table.
THE “L” REIN BACK OR REIN BACK AROUND SEVERAL POSTS Two corridors, comprising a minimum of 3 posts with a minimum distance of 3m apart from each other. The horse must perform a slalom backwards around the posts. The obstacle is judged: The jury judges the fluency of the rein back and his touching any part of the obstacle will be penalized, response to the rider’s aids.
THE SIDE STEP ALONG A POLE
This obstacle consists of a pole slightly raised above the ground. The horse approaches the pole (from the right or left, as indicated on the course map) perpendicular to the pole. The horse moves sideways, with the pole always positioned between his hind legs and front legs. He should not touch the pole. How the obstacle is judged: The jury judges the horse’s ability to perform the obstacle, the fluency and continuity of his movement and his serenity.
The rider approaches the barrel at canter and removes it without the horse reacting in any way. How the obstacle is judged: The jury considers the way the horse approaches the obstacle, its reaction to the movement of the pole and the relaxed manner in which the rider collects the pole. The horse should always move forward at a steady pace, and should not react to, or notice, the appearance of the barrel or the removal of the pole. Any slowing down or change of pace by the horse will be penalized. Knocking down the barrel will be heavily penalized.
This obstacle should be classified as the previous obstacle, the only difference being the pole is replaced in the receptacle. How the obstacle is judged: The jury judges the way the horse approaches the obstacle, his reaction to the movement of the pole and the relaxed manner the rider replaces the pole. Knocking over the barrel will be penalized. A competitor who drops the pole prior to it being replaced must dismount, retrieve the pole and then he can continue with the trial.
COLLECTION OF A RING WITH THE POLE The competitor collects the ring, located on bases at various heights, with the tip of the pole. How the obstacle is judged: The jury considers if the rider slows down, whether he maintains a natural attitude, and the relaxed manner in collecting the ring. Any slowing down or loss of tempo will be penalized.
The obstacle comprises 2 upright poles, 1.2 m apart. One of the poles has an upturned glass on the top. The rider approaches at walk, he stops between the 2 poles and picks up the glass from the top of one pole and places it on the top of the other. He then exits at canter. How the obstacle is judged: The jury is looking for the horse’s confidence in approaching the obstacle, without the need for strong aids from the rider. Points will be awarded for the horse’s immobility when switching the glass from one pole to the other, and its immediate exit at canter. A horse, which hesitates or shows unwillingness to move forward should be penalized.
The Speed Test shows the capacity of the horse and rider with regard to submission, speed, attention and athletic skill of the horse. A] In this test, riders’ placings are based on the time taken to complete the course, taking into account penalties (additional seconds) that are added on for knocking down any obstacle and bonus seconds that are added on for collecting the ring. B] The Speed Test is made up of similar obstacles as used in the Style Obstacle Course. C] The time starts when the rider passes through the visors at the beginning, and stops when the rider passes them again at the finish. PARTICULAR ASPECTS OF SOME OBSTACLES Balls can be placed on the following obstacles which will fall when the horse touches part of the obstacle: Straw bale jump, bell at the end of the corridor, “L” shape rein back, side pass over a pole. The solid gate can be substituted by a rope gate.
The 3 Barrels: Knock down a barrel: + 10 secs, Wooden Bridge: Any damage to obstacle: + 10 secs Simple or Double Slalom: Knock down a pole: + 10 secs Jump over straw bales: Knock down the pole on straw bales: + 5 secs Chicken Pen: Any damage to the obstacle: + 10 secs Gate: Inability to shut the gate: + 20 secs, knock down a side of the gate: + 10 secs, any damage to the gate: + 10 secs Bell at end of corridor: Damage to any part of the obstacle: + 10 secs Water Jug: Failure to lift the jug: + 10 secs Rein Back “L” Shape: Knock down part of the obstacle: + 10 secs, failure to pick up the cup: + 15 secs, The 2 Barrels: Knock down a barrel: + 10 secs Sidestep Pole on the ground: Touching of the pole: + 10 secs Pick up Pole from a Barrel: Knock over barrel: + 10 secs Replace Pole in Barrel: Knock over barrel after replacing pole: + 10 secs, if the rider drops the pole he must dismount and pick up pole to replace in barrel. Pick up Ring with Pole: Pick up ring: - 5 secs, Knock down the supports: + 10 secs
THE CATTLE TEST (OPTIONAL)
a) The arena for the cattle test consists of a 70m x 30m (minimum) rectangular shape which must be flat, without stones or any objects that may cause harm to the riders or their horses. b) The surface for the cattle test should be a natural surface i.e. grass, earth or sand, so long as it is not too hard or slippery. C) Each side of the rectangular arena must be closed in an appropriate way to provide adequate safety. The use of special railings for the containment of cattle is recommended.
a) The draw for the marking (by color or number) of the cows should be done once the cattle are in the containment zone. b) At this point, the order of entry of each team will also take place.
a) In this competition, the four riders of the same team must co-ordinate their ability to separate the herd of cattle — one rider after another in an order fixed by the judge with 4 designated cows (one for each rider) and herd the appropriate cow into the marked zone, isolating it from the rest of the herd. b) Each of the four members of the team manages their try in a similar way, trying to separate one cow from the herd. In each attempt to separate the cow, the other team members help to maintain the rest of the herd in the containment zone, but they are not permitted to cross the limit line, which the only the team member who is attempting to split the herd can cross. c) Once the cow has been separated from the herd and taken out of the containment zone, one or more riders can help the rider who is responsible for separating the cattle, leading the cow to the catchment box. d) The cows chosen for each team are identified clearly so that there are no doubts. The test ends when the selected cow has reached the catchment box and the rest of the herd are in the containment zone. e) The limit time to separate a cow is 3 minutes. If the time passes 3 minutes and the rider is unsuccessful, the rider is eliminated and does not get any points. f) The timer starts when the rider enters the containment zone and begins to separate the cattle and continues until the selected cow has reached the catchment zone.
g) The rider has 1 minute after the President of the Jury rings the bell to begin the cattle trial.
a) The riders are placed on the basis of the time taken to complete the test and will be penalized for any mistakes committed. b) The classification of the cattle test corresponds to the total of the points accumulated by each team member. 18 c) The winning team has the highest number of points.
a) A variable penalty is applied (depending on the number of cows in the herd). Each time a cow (with the exception of the designated cow) crosses the line of the containment zone, the following is applied: Herd with a minimum of 6 cows — penalty of 20 seconds/cow Herd with 7 - 12 cows — penalty of 15 seconds/cow Herd with more than 12 cows — penalty of 20 seconds/cow b) In the same way, a penalty of 10 seconds is placed each time a team member crosses the containment zone line before the cow has been separated and left the containment zone. c) The test can be interrupted if the time taken and the penalty time exceed 3 minutes. d) Each time an undesignated cow leaves the herd, it must be put back into the containment zone.
a) Riders may not adopt any behavior that may result in danger or physical danger to the horse or cattle as this will result in elimination for abuse. b) The objects used to guide the cattle must not provoke or harm either their horses or the cattle. Any sight of blood caused by the rider’s use of the object used to guide the cattle will result in the elimination of the competitor.