The sport of Working Equitation is the ultimate outcome of the development of the horse as a working animal. It's a sport that demands both mental and physical prowess from both horse and rider.

Working Equitation is an exciting relatively new international discipline currently sweeping across the equestrian world. Since the first European Championship in 1996, it has become well-established worldwide.  Working Equitation is a multifaceted discipline, aimed at maintaining the traditions and culture that originate from fieldwork with horses. It was first practiced in Southern Europe to maintain the traditions of working with cattle in Portugal, France, Italy, Spain, and other countries. Nowadays, working equitation competitions are held all over the world and the WAWE (World Association for Working Equitation) acts as an international umbrella organisation. In Great Britain ABWE is the only association affiliated with the WAWE.

Often referred to as "Dressage with a purpose," Working Equitation incorporates the precision of dressage and ease of handling phases with the excitement, functionality, and skill of the speed phase. Each Working Equitation competition is usually made up of three phases. A Dressage test, Ease of Handling test (with obstacles) and Speed test (with obstacles). Some competitions may include a Cattle test as a fourth phase.

An objective is to fill a gap in equestrian sport by providing a challenge at which a variety of breeds, with backgrounds from many disciplines can compete. The sport promotes classical training principles, and encourages the preservation of techniques developed in different countries for working horses in the field, such as the ability to cross different terrain, open gates, rein back, stand quietly, pick things up and carry them, manoeuvre in tight spaces and listen to the rider no matter what difficulties they may face. The sport is a highly refined and sophisticated demonstration of these activities, with the added required qualites of elegance and speed of execution. 

Working Equitation is a real test of the horses temperament and training, the riders skill and ability and of course the relationship between horse and rider combining dressage with obstacles.

At the highest levels, flying changes and canter pirouettes are required, but as with dressage there are many levels so it is suitable for riders of all ages and abilities and horses at any level of training. Everything can be done in walk or trot to begin with.

Lessons

At Valley Farm we have a full set of obstacles suitable for speed and ease of handling training. We can offer lessons with your own horse or one of ours in either Western or English tack. Our qualified coaches can help you to improve your flat work, jumping, and schooling for obstacles during private lessons or you could join a group. You are welcome to join us for a fun one off lesson to find out what it is about, or we can offer progressive lessons either with your own horse or one of ours.  From time to time we offer friendly, fun competitions. 

Many riders find Working Equitation particularly appealing because, not only is it fun, but it offers a nurturing training environment, regardless of the breed of horse, or choice of tack or attire. The emphasis on harmony between horse and rider and quality training, ensures only riders with respect for their horse’s physical and mental soundness are rewarded.

Another factor is that it’s a super-fun way to train your horse and to develop that feeling of partnership you’ve been yearning for. Horses love it as much as the people. Horses like variety. A foundation in Working Equitation helps to broaden a horse's scope and teaches him to become a good partner in any equine sport you care to pursue. 

Course Hire

During the summer months we have a course set up which is available for those with their own horses to hire for practice sessions. We reccommend that those hiring have experience of Working Equitation or they book a lesson the first time so that they understand how to safely use the obstacles.

More information

To learn more about the sport you can book a lesson or visit:

The World Association of Working Equitation wawe-official.com

The Association for British Working Equitation workingequitation-gb.com

or check it out on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afRUIVxTGls

updated July 2025