Quick! Name an equine sport that combines dressage, obstacles, speed, and cow handling. There is only one and it is Working Equitation. This very interesting and fairly new discipline sets itself apart from other equine pursuits because it is holistic in its approach and rooted in practicality. The sport originated among the working horses of southern Europe, especially in Portugal where that nationality dominates international competition. The tests are based on the skills needed by the cowboys and farmhands of Europe in handling cattle and driving them through varied terrain. The first international competition took place in 1996 and more recently has expanded to the United States.

Horse lovers know that quarter horses dominate western competitions such cutting, barrel racing, and roping. Arabians and Morgans are superb at endurance riding. Warm bloods excel at jumping and of course thoroughbreds are used for racing. However, unlike these highly specialized horses, any breed of horse including backyard “mutts” can compete and win at Working Equitation because the sport encompasses up to four different trials, each of which tests a different aspect of horse and rider ability. Versatility is the key. The idea of the sport is to showcase the skills of an all-around horse that can master the variety of activities that a working horse might encounter. All disciplines of riding are acceptable meaning that the team can be riding in English tack and attire, Western tack and attire, or even Iberian tack and attire. The Iberian discipline of riding is a classical European style that emphasizes flexibility, subtleness of cues, and collection. Iberian attire includes chaps for men, a long split skirt for women, and a flat brimmed hat. An interesting note is that regardless of riding style, at the more advanced levels only one-handed reining is allowed. Any equid can participate, whether horse, donkey, or mule (the only exception is miniature horses).

Beginners compete at the Introductory level, then can move up through two levels of Novice, two levels of Intermediate, Advanced, and finally Masters. At each level, the requirements of the trials become more difficult. There are three rider divisions: Youth, Amateur, and Open.

There are three and sometimes four trials in a Working Equitation competition. The first trial is Dressage. It is similar to a traditional dressage competition but is not limited to English riders and while the tasks are done in a certain order, they are not in prescribed locations within the ring. At the Introductory level, the team must walk, trot, halt, and rein back (back up). The rider may have one or two hands on the reins. The requirements refine and become more difficult through the levels all the way to Masters, where the team must walk, trot, canter, halt, and rein back. In addition, horses and riders must perform extended gaits, pirouettes, lateral movements, and flying lead changes at the canter. The rider must ride with one hand on the reins, and trot work should be performed sitting.

The second trial is called Ease of Handling. It is well named because the team navigates obstacles while demonstrating competence and a relaxed demeanor. There are certain prescribed tasks and some variables that are left to the discretion of the competition hosts. There are between 10 and 15 obstacles depending on the level. Some of the tasks include navigating a gate, crossing a bridge, executing a figure eight, circling inside a small pen in both directions, spearing a ring with a pole, backing between two barriers, and weaving through poles and side passing. All are meant to replicate typical obstacles a working horse might encounter on a farm or ranch. At the more advanced level, the obstacles have more challenges and some must be completed at the canter.

The third trial is the Speed Trial. In this trial, the team navigates the same Ease of Handling course, but it is now timed with the fastest horse and rider getting the best score. This is a very challenging trial because the horse must stay calm at speed in order to successfully complete the course.

The final test is Cattle and is not often included in US-based competitions because you need a few live cows! In this trial, a team of three or four riders each must separate a designated cow from a small herd and drive it across the arena to a holding pen. Each team has three minutes to complete the task. The other teams in the arena assist the judged rider.

This is a young sport in the US. There are competitions taking place but most are out west. In the US, the sport is managed by USA Working Equitation, which was formed in 2020 and accepted into the World Association of Working Equitation as a member country in 2022. Their website at usawe.org has a treasure trove of information including the rule book and a calendar of events. Much of the information for this article came from their website. There is also a regional group, New England Working Equitation at newenglandwe.com that hosts clinics and competitions in this area. Their website lists upcoming clinics and virtual learning sessions. The in-person clinics are mostly in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The New York State Working Equitation (NYSWE) group at nyswe.com hosts clinics and competitions in New York.

Looking ahead, there will be a licensed show in Schaghticoke, N.Y. May 31-June 1. Schaghticoke is about a 2-1/2 hour drive from Newtown and might be a really fun way to dip your toes and hooves in this exciting sport. The NYSWE is also hosting a series of three online chats on the third Thursday of January, February, and March. Details are on their website.

Working Equitation might just be the best equine discipline to bring along a healthy, versatile, and well mannered horse. You won’t get bored nor will your horse!

Tracy Van Buskirk is a 39-year resident of Newtown and president of Newtown Bridle Lands Association, at www.nblact.org, a nonprofit volunteer organization formed in 1978 to foster an interest in horseback riding as well as preserving, protecting and maintaining riding and hiking trails in the community. Horses have always been a part of her life. She owns a small bay quarter horse named Little Bear.