Working Equitation

Working Equitation combines all former European ways of work riding and cattle work. It was traditional in Portugal, Spain, France and Italy to work livestock with horses. The herdsmen wanted a supple and reliable horse for their daily work. It was normal for the horses to be challenged with new tasks regularly and to stay calm while working the cattle.

To prevent these skills of horse and rider going under in our modern times, the sport of Working Equitation was developed.

The “Working Equitation Deutschland e. V.” (WED) is the official association in Germany recognised by WAWE. The WED sets the rules for Working Equitation, is responsible for the schooling of judges, it educates trainer for Working Equitation and supports organizers of events and competitions.

For more information and the set of rules, here the link to WED (Working Equitation Deutschland)

Training is very diversified. The horses get challenged mentally. Many horses begin to realise a sense in the requested tasks and get very motivated. A good connection between horse and rider begins…

The 4 Parts of Working Equitation Competitions

Dressage

WED Nation Cup 2019, München-Riem
Master Class – Dressur – Mihai Maldea

The dressage test is ridden to music. It is judged how the rider and his horse show clear gaits and dynamic correct transitions. The seat and the aids of the rider is judged as well as the precise performance of the figures. The content of the dressage tests depends on the ridden class. In higher levels only walk and canter is ridden.

Maneability Test

WED Nation Cup 2019, München-Riem
Master Class – Trail – Mihai Maldea

A course consists of 10-15 different obstacles. The amount and the layout depending on the class which is ridden. The maneability test should be understood as a dressage test with a “genuine reason” to fulfil a task or figure. Success in this test is only possible when suppleness is combined with precision and having a horses that stays calm when confronted with new tasks. The various obstacles can only be ridden successfully if horse and rider are comfortable with the foundations of dressage riding.

Speed-Trail

WED Deutsche Meisterschaft 2018, Thierhaupten
Master Class – Speed-Trail – Mihai Maldea

The course – similar to the maneabitlity test – is ridden with speed, the time is stopped. Faults at the obstacles gain penalty seconds. Time counts, the fastest rider wins. The right tactic and an absolute thorough horse determine success – or not. The horse should never lean on the hand – even in great speed. Transitions and tight turns are here the key to success.

Cattle Work

WED Deutsche Meisterschaft 2018, Thierhaupten
Master Class – Rinderarbeit – Mihai Maldea

In the cattle test a cow should be isolated from the herd and guided into a target area. Depending on the class this can be a line on the ground or a pen. The rest of the herd has to remain in their original space. This can only work if the horse is obedient, has enough courage to approach the cows closely showing confident behaviour while obeying the riders aids in a sensitive way. The rider has to be able to “read” the cow and guide his horse with subtle aids. The correct tactic sends the cow without pressure into the right direction.

More about schooling horses and training

Let’s talk about it …

Make an appointment