Once again this year, Working Equitation riders from all over the state will compete at the AHAA State Championships.
Riders of all levels are invited to participate. The NSW Andalusian Horse Association State Championships will be held in August at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre. Entries through nominate.com.au
Working Equitation is taking the equestrian world by storm. This traditional discipline originated in Portugal, using Iberian horses (Andalusians and Lusitanos) which are ideally suited to this skillful sport because of their agility, natural ability to collect, and their history of working with cattle / stock. It is based on methods to train horses working on cattle ranches in southern Europe, Mexico and Brazil.
Working Equitation became recognised as a competitive sport in 1996 with the first European Championships taking place that year in Italy. It is now a recognised sport in France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Brazil, UK, Belgium, Mexico and most recently, Australia, having secured considerable following in each of these countries. The sport has its own governing body in each of the member countries. In Australia the governing body is WEGBI.
The competition is divided into 4 phases which are designed to test horse and rider through a range of activities. It combines flatwork (dressage) 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.
PHASE 1. 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. Andalusians are characterized by lean bodies, strong necks and long shoulders that make them proud but perfect specimens of beauty in the dressage arena.
PHASE 2. 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. The obstacle course incorporates obstacles which need to be negotiated by horse and rider safely and with a degree of finesse. The higher levels are more demanding and require greater technical execution. A flying change is compulsory at Intermediate Level. The Advanced Level test requires the course to be ridden with the reins in the left hand whilst the horse is collected and balanced.
PHASE 3. THE OBSTACLE COURSE – SPEED SECTION
As above but against the clock.
PHASE 4. CATTLE PENNING usually done as a team event
Alcazar Andalusians are purpose built for working equitation being compact, agile and possessing straight, correct paces.
I believe Eco's progeny are destined for phenomenal success in the Working Equitation arena and I look forward to following their progress.
Riders of all levels are invited to participate. The NSW Andalusian Horse Association State Championships will be held in August at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre. Entries through nominate.com.au
Working Equitation is taking the equestrian world by storm. This traditional discipline originated in Portugal, using Iberian horses (Andalusians and Lusitanos) which are ideally suited to this skillful sport because of their agility, natural ability to collect, and their history of working with cattle / stock. It is based on methods to train horses working on cattle ranches in southern Europe, Mexico and Brazil.
Working Equitation became recognised as a competitive sport in 1996 with the first European Championships taking place that year in Italy. It is now a recognised sport in France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Brazil, UK, Belgium, Mexico and most recently, Australia, having secured considerable following in each of these countries. The sport has its own governing body in each of the member countries. In Australia the governing body is WEGBI.
The competition is divided into 4 phases which are designed to test horse and rider through a range of activities. It combines flatwork (dressage) 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.
PHASE 1. 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. Andalusians are characterized by lean bodies, strong necks and long shoulders that make them proud but perfect specimens of beauty in the dressage arena.
PHASE 2. 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. The obstacle course incorporates obstacles which need to be negotiated by horse and rider safely and with a degree of finesse. The higher levels are more demanding and require greater technical execution. A flying change is compulsory at Intermediate Level. The Advanced Level test requires the course to be ridden with the reins in the left hand whilst the horse is collected and balanced.
PHASE 3. THE OBSTACLE COURSE – SPEED SECTION
As above but against the clock.
PHASE 4. CATTLE PENNING usually done as a team event
Alcazar Andalusians are purpose built for working equitation being compact, agile and possessing straight, correct paces.
I believe Eco's progeny are destined for phenomenal success in the Working Equitation arena and I look forward to following their progress.
