The competition is divided into 3 phases which are designed to test horse and rider through a range of activities. It combines flatwork movements and obstacle tests, inviting horse and rider to deal with a number of obstacles similar to those encountered when riding and working in the fields. Overall, the competition aims to promote good horsemanship, and a level of submission and control of the horse.

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 D’Equitation in France,the Real Federacion Hipica Espanola in Spain, the APSL in Portugal, and the Federazione Italiana Sport Equestri in Italy.

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.

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STAGE 2 OF WORKING EQUITATION – THE OBSTACLE COURSE – STYLE SECTION

Riders are required to ride around a series of obstacles at canter and walk, as specified. The obstacle course is designed to show the rider’s ability to control the horse’s paces, and to display the empathy and trust between horse and rider. There are 3 levels of Working Equitation competition in the UK – Novice, Intermediate and Advanced. 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 an Advanced Medium dressage test, and all movements in the obstacle course are more demanding. A flying change is compulsory at Intermediate Level. The Advanced Level (European level) test requires all movements of the Intermediate level to be ridden with the reins in the left hand.

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STAGE 3 OF WORKING EQUITATION – THE OBSTACLE COURSE – SPEED SECTION

As above but against the clock.

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There is also a team work evaluation.

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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 these sets of marks, together with the time in the speed section, will declare the winner.

Some obstacles courses in Working Equitation Competitions:

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