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Working Equitation is a dynamic equestrian discipline that tests the versatility and skills of horse and rider combinations in ranch work.

This discipline places special focus on developing horses according to the classical horsemanship tradition specific to the competing team’s country of origin.

While the sport officially emerged relatively recently, it has ancient roots based on traditional horse-riding practices from the Mediterranean basin.

Today, the sport combines modern elements with traditional farming, herding, and riding techniques to showcase and preserve different countries’ traditions. The competition is divided into four distinct sections: dressage, ease of handling, speed, and cattle trials.

Modern working equitation prides itself on its inclusiveness, welcoming riders from all disciplines and horses of all breeds. By maintaining close ties to its traditional roots, this sport has brought old-world horsemanship values to modern riders across the globe.

Working Equitation

Combining traditional techniques with modern competition elements, Working Equitation (WE) is a well-rounded discipline that tests various aspects of horsemanship. Competitions also challenge the dexterity, responsiveness, agility, cooperation, and versatility of both horse and rider.  [1][2][3]

The sport includes four distinct phases: [1][2][3]

  • Dressage
  • Ease of Handling trial (a.k.a. Maneability or EoH)
  • Speed test
  • Cattle or cow trial

Each phase assesses different skills, from precision and grace in Dressage to agility and speed in Maneability and Speed trials, culminating in teamwork during the Cattle or cow trial.

The requirement to exhibit wide-ranging skills makes Working Equitation a comprehensive test of equestrian ability, emphasizing both individual and team performances.

One aim of the discipline is promoting and preserving traditional riding practices through their adaptation to contemporary competition. [1][2][3]

History

The codification of Working Equitation as a competitive discipline is relatively new, dating back to 1996 when it was formalized by Spain, Italy, and France. It stems from the close-knit collaboration between riders and their horses developed in southern Europe, where equids were central to rural practices.

Prior to the invention and production of machinery and cars, horses were the primary means of transportation and were extremely important in farming activities, such as herding and plowing. [4]

Over time, various countries in Europe each developed their own individual styles of horse riding. Specific countries and traditions that have influenced modern working equitation include: [4][5]

  • Spain: brings its Doma Vaquera tradition and the vaqueros working with their Pure Spanish Horses (Pura Raza Española)
  • France: with the Gardians managing their Camargue horses
  • Italy: where the Butteri expertly handle their Murgesen horses
  • Portugal: known for its skilled riders and Lusitano horses, bred over the centuries as war horses

Traditions

European working riding styles originated through the utilization of horses for agricultural and cattle work. The differences in practices reflect the different geographical and social aspects that characterize each style.

For example, the Vaquera tradition in Spain and Portugal is deeply rooted in the skills required for cattle herding and management, generally on vast estates. The vaqueros, referred to as Spanish cowboys, are renowned for their ability to maneuver horses with precision and grace, performing tasks that require close cooperation between horse and rider. [4][5]

The Portuguese working riding style emphasizes fluidity, control, and the ability to perform intricate movements. This characterizes the country’s long-standing equestrian traditions, the high standards of its riders, and their ability to work with the Lusitano horse. [4][5]

In France, the Gardians are the traditional horsemen of the Camargue region. They work with the hardy and versatile Camargue horses, which are well-adapted to the challenging wetland terrain. The Gardians’ riding style is characterized by practical skills for managing semi-wild cattle in the river delta region. [4][5]

Italy’s Butteri are known for their work with Murgese horses, a breed suited to the rugged landscapes of the Maremma region in Tuscany. The Murgese horse originates on the plateau of Le Murge in southern Italy.

The Butteri riding style, developed over centuries of cattle herding, emphasizes strength, endurance, and herd management. [4][5]

Competition

In 1996, Italy, Spain, and France held the first international Working Equitation competition. They aimed to advance the sport by building on the rich history of horse-human relationships and traditional practices in the Mediterranean region, while also preserving traditional Southern European herding and riding styles. [1]

Over the years, the sport has grown in popularity, expanding beyond Europe to become a global discipline. [1]

Sport Organizations

In 2004, the World Association for Working Equitation (WAWE) was created as the governing body of the discipline. WAWE was established with the goal of promoting and regulating the sport on the global stage. This organization sets the standards for competitions, ensuring uniformity and fairness. [1]

WAWE is responsible for developing the rules and guidelines that govern all stages of the competition. [1]

USA Working Equitation

Working equitation in the United States was originally governed by two organizations: WE United and the Confederation for Working Equitation. In 2020, these two organizations merged and are known currently as USA Working Equitation. [2]

USA WE is a non-profit organization committed to promoting and preserving traditional riding through WE sport. In 2022 the organization was recognized as a member nation of WAWE. [2]

Working Equitation Canada

In Canada, Working Equitation is governed and promoted by WE Canada. This organization is also a non-profit committed to advancing WE sport and preserving classical horsemanship and equine welfare. [3]

WE Canada sets the rules for WE in Canadian competition and aims to develop national horses and riders for international competition as representatives in WAWE. [3]

Levels

Working equitation is divided into several levels, with each increasing in difficulty. Levels recognized by WAWE include: [6]

  • Introductory
  • Novice A
  • Novice B
  • Intermediate A
  • Intermediate B
  • Advanced
  • Master

Competitions are also divided according to rider age and experience as: [6]

  • Juniors: under age 16
  • Young riders: under age 21
  • Seniors: over age 21

A relevant distinction in working equitation is the advanced levels do not allow two-handed reining, regardless of the competitor’s national riding traditions. The junior levels are developed with the goal of completing the tests using exclusively single-handed reining, and advanced competitors may not change rein hands during the test. [6]

Once a competitor moves up an age group, they are not allowed to move back to a previous age group in subsequent competitions. [6]

Competition Phases

Working Equitation competitions consist of four phases:

  • Dressage
  • Maneability
  • Speed
  • Cow trials

These phases test the versatility of both horse and rider and skills across different aspects of equestrian performance. [1]

Dressage

The first phase of a working equestrian competition is Dressage. In WE, the competition takes place in a 40 x 20 m schooling area, known as a “short” dressage arena.

The trial is scored on a zero to ten rating scale for each movement and additional collective marks addressing submission, the rider, presentation, gait, and impulsion. The dressage test varies in accordance with the level of the competitor. [6][7][8]

Table 1. Summary of Working Equitation Dressage Levels and Tests

Test Level Movements Required