The discipline of working equitation was created to celebrate the partnership between horse and rider with a focus on versatility, agility, athleticism and training.
Open to all breeds of horses and levels of rider, Australian national Working Equitation upholds the principles of classical dressage.
Working Equitation brings the traditional farm and field – related tasks performed by horses into the modern equestrian arena.
It has different types of horses, saddlery and clothing which is a distinguishing trait of this discipline when compared to other equestrian sports.
In the arena they do exercises that they do in the field – e.g. open the gate, pass over a bridge, jump a straw bale, stay near a table and drink a glass of water, go down a corridor, touch a bell and come back.
This mix of dressage with gymkhana and cattle work offers variety to the horse and rider.
Versatility is important as there are 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.
