About the Author: Julie Alonzo, President of WE United, competes at the Novice level with her home-bred Andalusian mare CDC Memoria.
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trotting, that particular movement in the dressage trial will receive a lower mark because it does not meet the specified gait, but the horse is not disqualified or prevented from participating. And, at events with 4 or more gaited horses, event organizers may offer a special division for gaited horses, enabling them to compete against each other where, theoretically at least, they will be on a more even playing field. There are absolutely no penalties for gaiting during the Speed Trial, and that part of the competition is one where we’ve definitely seen well-trained gaited horses do quite well.
One might wonder how any sport can attract so much variety. The answer is likely related to the attention to building strong horsemanship and developing a harmonious partnership between horse and rider, increasing their ability to “dance” as a team. Many people appreciate that this, rather than a particular placing, remains the focus of competitions. If a horse can walk, trot, and canter, it can meet the basic requirements for the sport.
If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website, where you can find more information about events in your area, expectations for the sport, and more. And, for those who want a really in-depth understanding of the sport, WE United is hosting a Judge Seminar March 14-18, 2017 in the Eugene /Springfield area of Oregon. The seminar is open both to Judge Candidates and to Silent Auditors and will be taught by two highly-respected International Level Working Equitation judges from Portugal.
Although the majority of participants are coming from across the United States and Canada, we will be welcoming two WE trainers who are coming all the way from Australia to join in the learning. The event will offer many opportunities for forming connections with others interested in the sport. If you’re intrigued and enjoy intensive, immersive learning opportunities, consider joining us!
Figure 1
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Friesian mare Yfke Von Borstal was the highest-point earner of all FHANA-registered horses
For more information about Working Equitation, please visit www.WEUnited.us