Competitive Working Equitation

Riding for Competition - Dressage, Ease of Handling, Speed, & Cattle

Jump straight to:

GATE       BRIDGE      PEN      BELL      SLALOM      BARRELS      BULL


Competative Working Equitation - Ease of Handling


We have compiled a comprehensive set of information to help riders of all levels and experience.

Our Competitive Working Equitation pages are being added to all the time so if you don't see what you want or need, drop us a line using our contact pages or check back in a few days and see if it has been added to.


Each obstacle below will cover:

  • A description of the obstacle itself and key movements that will need to be ridden to execute correctly
  • How to ride the obstacle - technical commentary and steps on how the obstacle is ridden
  • Any differences on how how to ride the obstacle for each level of compettion.
  • How to score best marks when executing the movements.


General Tips for the Ease of Handling phase.

As with any other course (showjuming, cross country), the obsatcles are numbered and must be ridden in the correct order.

Unlike other disiplines and courses however, in Working Equitation, how you present yourself, your horse, and ride between the obstacles is also marked and therefore just as important as the execution of the obstacles themselves.

The ease of handling phase (unlike the speed round) is not a timed phase and therefore there is no rush. You have the opportunitiy to both show yourself off and bring some "showmanship", but also, ride in a way that works for you and supports your execution of each obstacle. For example, if your horse is much better at a square halt from canter, into walk from the right rein, then do that. It is important to enter each obstacle at the correct gait for the level you are competing at and execute the obstacle at the corret gait, but between obstaces you can show off your medium trot and execute some stunning transitions.


Gaits & Levels.

Riding around the ease of handling course, between the obstacles, the following rules apply by class / level:

Junior B - Walt and Trot

Junior A - Walk, Trot and Canter

Walk & Trot - Walt and Trot

Novice - Walk, Trot and Canter

Inter B - Walk, Trot and Canter

Inter A - Walk, Trot and Canter

Junior International - Walk, Trot and Canter

Advance - Walk, Trot and Canter

Note - The rules for the gait to be ridden for each obstacle are explained in the description for each obstacle below.

 

Beware!  You must not pass through any obstacle zones (red and white markers / flags) of an obstacle that you have not ridden yet. For example: The Bull Line might be obstacle number 5 and be a continuous obstacle for the pickup, bull and drop off. The markers denoting the start at the pickup, and the finish at or after the drop off for the vara cover an area that is likely to be some distance from the numbered obstacle itself.  To get to obstacle 3, the pen, you may have to pass very close to the bull line and you may feel that your approach would be better if you came between the barrel for the pick up and the bull. DON'T. You cannot ride through a zone you have not executed yet. However, to get to the bridge at obstacle 8, you absolutey can ride straight through the line as you have already completed obstacle 5. Walk your course carefully. Ride your course more carefully. Many an experienced Wroking Equitation rider has made this simple mistake and been eliminated.


Tips for a good Course Mark.

Transitions should be executed as cleanly and close to the obstacle as possible. (where a change of gait is required).

Think of the area between obstacles as riding in a dressage test. The eyes of the judge(s) are never off you.

Have your horse moving forwards. If riding in rising trot, make sure you are on the correct diagonal for the rein you are on. Sitting trot will get better marks than rising, but only if permormed well. A good, forward, active rising trot will score better than a poorly ridden, tight sitting trot where there is no harmony of horse / rider / balance / rhythm.

Where riding in canter, walk to canter and canter to walk transitions will score higher.

For obstacles where a halt is part of the execution, make a point of showing a good amount of immobility in a good square halt. If you struggle with a square halt, do not spend too long. You are better to show a brief immobility than spend too long trying to achieve a square halt you may never acheive.

Feel free to show a range of movement within your gaits. If you have a nice collected, working, medium or even extended trot, show it off to the judge. The skill, accurancy, and courage shown between a partnership executing an obstacle can be greatly enhanced between the obstacles too.


The Gate.

In most competitions the gate will be a full wooden hinged gate. In the Speed phase this will be a rope gate but if the venue you are competing at does not have a hinged wooden gate then a rope gate may have been substituted in. The principles for both types of gate in the Ease of Handling phase are the same.


The gate involves the following key movements: square halt, rein back, turn on the forehand, turn on the haunches.

RIDE the GATE

 NOTE: the gate can also be executed by opening the gate towards the horse as opposed to away from. Instructions for riding the gate towards the horse will be added soon.

The 3 images below (1-3) show the steps that accompany the instructions.

  1. Approach the gate head on. As you get closer, turn your horse to be parallel to the gate with the gate on your right hand side and the rider's shoulder in line with the latch. Ride to a square halt. The horse's hind quarters should be towards the hinge.
  2. With the rider's right hand, reach down and lift the rope latch. If you have positioned yourself correctly you will be able to lean straight down and not either forwards or behind you to reach the latch. (From this moment onwards, until the gate is closed and latched again, the rider should maintain constant contact with the gate - either the rope latch or anywhere along the top bar of the gate) Your reins now need to be in your left hand for the entire movement. Use of your legs and seat are paramount to a successful execution. Ride a couple of steps of rein back so that the horse's head will be able to pass inside the gate post without hitting it. Ride forwards and between the gate uprights. You may find it easier to think of the aids for a turn on the haunches as you open the gate ensuing you keep a forward momentum. This will ensure you have the correct amount of forward momentum and lateral movement allowing your horse to operate within a small area.
  3. Once you have passed through the gate opening you can start the movement to close and secure the gate. Ask for a turn in the forehand bringing the end of the gate past the rider's leg being careful not to knock the gate with your leg. At this point, keeping hold of the rope latch is easier as it will allow more flexibility of movement than holding the top bar alone. There will be a need to do a couple of steps of rein back and some lateral steps so that you finish with the riders shoulder in line with the closing post. Your halt should be square. Reach straight down and latch the gate with the rope loop. Ride away from the obstacle.


DIFFERENCES in the levels.

For Junior B and Walk and Trot, the approach and move away at the end of the obstacle should be in trot.

For Novice and above (including Junior A), the approach and move away should be in canter.

TIPS for scoring on the GATE.

Your horse needs to be able to move laterally off your leg aids.

The Bridge.

The style of bridge found at competition varies hugely. From differences in colour to differences in length and decoration. The idea of the obstacle is to show that the partnership, horse and rider, are unfazed by anything they may come across and can show a workmanship like approach.

Some bridges may have side rails and some may be open on each side. There may be entry and exit markers / flags (red / white) denoting the start or the marked obstacle however these are at the course builder's discretion.


The bridge is all about courage, fluidity and unbroken forward momentum. There are no lateral movements required for this obstacle.

RIDE the BRIDGE


The bridge must be ridden at walk in the ease of handling and all four feet must on the bridge at the same time while crossing.

The approach to the bridge, the transition to walk before it, the transition from walk after the bridge, and the move away from the obstacle are all marked.

A horse should have a good forward pace across the bridge with no hesitation. Any hesitation to step onto the bridge is considered to be a refusal as is a horse putting its feet onto the bridge and off again before the natural end of the obstacle. This includes accidentally stepping off the side of a bridge that has no hand rails.

The rider should keep their head looking up and forwards on the approach and across the bridge. The confidence in the partnership will mean that the horse maintains the necessary uniform pace.

Where a bridge obstacle is marked with flags / markers denoting the start and finish of the obstacle, the horse must be in walk as they pass through them.

DIFFERENCES in the levels.

For Junior B, Junior A, Walk & Trot, and Novice, the approach and move away at the end of the obstacle may be in trot or canter.

For all levels above Novice, the approach and move away should be in canter.

TIPS for scoring on the BRIDGE.


The Pen.

As with the bridge, the style pen at competition can vary. Each pen should have the same dimensions however the material used to make up the pen, the height of the enclosures, and even what is inside the inner pen will be different at every competition. The pen should be 6m in diameter with the inner pen enclosure 3m in diameter. The track to ride around therefore will be 1.5 metres wide.


There are no obstacle markers (red / white) with the pen.

 

RIDE the PEN


The pen must be ridden around twice, once in each direction.

The horse and rider should enter the pen and complete their first full loop of the inside of the pen in whichever direction they prefer (clockwise or anti-clockwise).

Upon fully exiting the pen from the first circuit, the horse should perform a 180 degree turn. There is no set distance for how far away from the pen you should be before executing a turn however you should be far enough away so as not to interfere with your exit and entry back into the pen. Somewhere between 5m and 10m should be perfect.

Your 180 degree turn can be a simple, small turn or, a pirouette. The higher levels and to score the best marks, a pirouette is the best option. At the lower levels and for riders at the start or their competitive journey, riding a small circle is acceptable. What is important is that if executing a pirouette, it should be a well executed and correct pirouette. Do not ride a turn on the haunches or a turn on the forehand. A well ridden small circle will score better than a poorly ridden pirouette or version of.

Once you have turned 180 degrees, re-enter the pen and ride a second circuit in the opposite direction to your first circuit. There is no correct direction to go first, just remember to complete one circuit in either direction and not two circuits in the same direction!

DIFFERENCES in the levels.

Trot is not permitted at any level.

For Junior B, Junior A, Walk & Trot, and Novice, the pen must be ridden in walk. The approach to the pen and the ride away after two circuits can be in trot or canter dependant upon level.

Inter B have the choice to ride the pen at either walk or canter.

Inter A may ride the pen at walk however will be marked lower for this option.

Advanced and International levels must ride the pen in canter.

TIPS for scoring on the PEN.

Enter and exit straight into / out of the entrance of the pen and not at an angle.

A good pirouette will score well for the change of direction after the first circuit.

Ride as close to the outside of the pen fence as possible.

The Rein Back Bell.

The Rein Back Bell consists of an approach channel, usually constructed of two 3.6m (12ft) poles, one either side, sat on raised blocks that can fall away of hit. You may also find more solid looking rails as opposed to poles. The channel will be 2m wide between the poles / rails.

There will normally be a single set of red and white markers denoting both the start and end of the obstacle.

 

RIDE the BELL


The Rein Back Bell has three main components. Entering the channel in either walk of canter (dependant upon level). Establishing a square, immobile halt to allow the rider to ring the bell with their right hand, and the rein back along the channel.

Approach the zone markers and in necessary transition into the correct gait (walk for lower levels). Ride along the channel ensuring you do not strike the rails of the channel with your horses legs / feet.

Approach the bell stand and ride forwards to a square immobile halt with the riders right shoulder just before the hanging bell. If the bell is hanging over the riders knee you should be in the perfect position. Maintain a square immobile halt for a couple of seconds before raising the riders right hand and with the reins in the left hand, ring the bell. The horse should not flinch when the bell is rung, maintaining a perfectly still, square halt. You should be able to lift your hand to the bell without having to lean forwards or backwards to reach. Once the bell has been rung, the rider can retake the reins in both hands (except at advanced where the test is all ridden with a single hand). Ask for rein back.

Maintaining straightness in the rein back is important to remain within the channel. The steps of the rein back should be clear and even without rushing. The horse should be calm and not lifting its head against the riders hand. The rein back steps should continue all the way until the horse is completely clear of the zone markers. There should be an immediate, smooth transition forward either into trot or canter with a turn to the left or right away and forwards from the obstacle. There should be no immobility shown at the end of the rein back.


DIFFERENCES in the levels.

For Junior B, Junior A, Walk & Trot, and Novice, the channel to the bell must be ridden in walk. The approach to the obstacle and the ride away after exiting the zone can be in trot or canter.

There is a version of the bell which consists of a 'L' shaped corridor to the bell. This is only found at Intermediate (A&B), Advanced, and Junior International.

TIPS for scoring on the REIN BACK BELL.

Immobility and a square halt at the bell is key to high marks. If your horse has a good square halt then this should be shown off with a couple of seconds of halt both before and after you ring the bell.

Make sure your rein back continues until every inch of your horse is outside of the zone or corridor.

Move away smoothly to the next obstacle with a clean forward transition.


The Single Slalom.

The slalom consists of 5 upright posts set at 7 metres between each,

The nature of the posts can vary by venue from jump stands to wooden poles to small trees. There may be markers (red / white) at the start and finish and the posts may have red / white denoting the side of the post you must pass (red on the right).

The slalom will be in a straight line.

There are variations for higher levels which include a double slalom.

 

RIDE the SLALOM


The slalom should be ridden with as little a turn between each post as possible. This requires the horse and rider to pass each post closely with a gentle of bend.

Enter the start of the obstacle at the gait and rhythm appropriate to your level and that will enable you to change between each post. Too fast or too slow will make accurate execution difficult.

The best way to ride is to have a focus of the rider's head and eyes on the last of the posts the whole way down the obstacle. By keeping the focus on the final post you will be able to have the smallest about of bend between each upright. You should not ride large sweeping arcs like a serpentine.

Having the correct bend, even though small, is really important. The change of bend should be along the imaginary central line running between each post.

Keeping a consistent forward rhythm is important. If riding in rising trot there should also be a change of diagonal between each post.


DIFFERENCES in the levels.

For Junior B, Junior A, Walk & Trot, and Novice, the slalom must be ridden in trot (sitting or rising).

All other levels should be ridden in canter with a flying change between each post.

There is a version of the slalom found at Intermediate (A&B), Advanced, and Junior International with a double slalom and even a rein back slalom.

TIPS for scoring on the SLALOM.

Entering the obstacle at the correct gait and speed that will work for the entire slalom is important. A change of pace (faster or slower) along the slalom will receive a poor mark and make keeping the slight bend required more difficult.

At the lower levels a sitting trot (as opposed to rising) will score a higher mark. If in rising trot there must be a change of diagonal.

Execute any changes (bend, diagonal, & leg) exactly half way between each post and on the imaginary line between the posts.

In canter the flying change should be every 4 strides. This may vary to 3 strides if your horse as a particularly long stride and cannot be shortened. The number of strides between each change must be consistent between each of the posts.


The Barrels.

The Barrels involves riding around 2 barrels (3 at higher levels). The barrels are placed 4 metres apart, measured from the centre of the barrel.

Barrels at competition can be traditional wooden cask type, plastic or metal drums, metal kegs, milk churns, or even low height jump stands.

The barrels test accuracy and consistency of riding and gait.

RIDE the BARRELS


Approach the centre of the two barrels ensuring you are perpendicular to the two barrels at the gait appropriate to the level. For Walk & Trot, Juniors and Novice this should be trot, and for Inters and Advanced, canter.

Once you have passed through the two barrels with straightness, ask for right bend and ride a circle first around the right hand barrel. The circle can be of any size however you must aim to have the second circle around the left barrel the same size as the first, and be able to re-enter the gap between the two barrels perfectly straight. It should be a circle in shape and not an egg or pear!

To finish of the obstacle you must ride between the two barrels again after the final, left hand barrel. For most levels that means passing between the barrels, with straightness, three times.

IMPORTANT - you must ride the right barrel first. Regardless of the rein you approach, the direction, or the position within the course / arena, the right hand barrel is ridden first.


DIFFERENCES in the levels.

For Junior B and Walk & Trot, the barrels must be ridden in trot (sitting or rising).

Junior A and Novice ride first the barrels in trot and then, on passing through the middle after the left hand circle, pick up canter on a right rein to ride first the right barrel and then the left in canter. There should be a simple change through walk between the two canter circles.

All other levels should be ridden in canter, once around each barrel, with a flying change between the two.

There is a version of the barrels found at Intermediate (A), Advanced, and Junior International with 3 barrels and for Advanced this can even include version executed in rein back.

The distance between the barrels shortens to 3 metres for Advanced.

TIPS for scoring on the BARRELS.

Circles should be of equal size. Whether riding 2 or 4 circles (Novice and Junior A) they must be symmetrical.

Changes of rein, bend, leg should be smooth and accurate through the centre of the barrels.

The gait and pace should remain the same around each barrel.


The Bull.

The Bull is a complex obstacle of three parts.

  1. The pick-up - where the rider collects the Vara or Garrocha from a barrel on the move
  2. The Bull itself where a ring is removed from the bull cutout using the vara
  3. The drop-off - where the vara is replaced in a barrel on the move

The three elements can form a singe numbered obstacle or all be numbered separately.

The bull can vary in its appearance. While they are usually a two dimensional cutout, some events have a three dimensional lifelike bull.

RIDE the BULL


  1. The pick up.

  2. The bull & ring.

  3. The drop off / return.



When numbered separately it is possible to have additional obstacles between each of the elements of the bull. For example, after the pick-up there might be the slalom before the bull. Having taken the ring from the bull, there could be the bridge to ride over while carrying the vara and ring. Obviously any obstacle executed with the vara in your right hand will be one where your hand is not required for the obstacle, such as the gate, or rein back bell. This course features adds to the skill required in riding with the vara. The vara can be carried either horizontal with it held and tucked under the right arm, or alternatively held vertically with the tip pointing up.


DIFFERENCES in the levels.

For Junior B, and Walk & Trot, should ride the bull in walk or trot (sitting or rising).

Junior A and Novice can ride the bull in walk, trot or canter.

The gait chosen at the start of the obstacle must be maintained throughout the obstacle elements. If you start in walk, it needs to be walked all the way through to replacing the vara.

Inter A, B and Advanced must ride the bull in canter




TIPS for scoring on the BULL.

...


You can find out everything you need to about Working Equitation in the UK by visiting the Association of British Working Equitation website.  https://abweofficial.co,uk

For international Working Equitation, including links to the all international bodies visit the World Association for Working Equitation (WAWE) website: https://www.wawe-workingequitation.com/