Working Equitation, that delightful horse sport that combines the precision of dressage with the challenge of obstacles and the adrenaline rush of speed events, is gaining popularity all across the world. The sport, which welcomes horses of all breeds and riders of all disciplines (Dressage, Western, Hunt, Australian Stock, Spanish, Portuguese, Charro, etc.), is practiced by an ever-increasing range of riders.
Working Equitation You’re Never Too Old—Or Young—To Start!
36 / Sport and Trail Magazine
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Three of the most seasoned U.S. riders in the sport include Elizabeth “Betsy” Wesman, of Washington; Kay Johnson, of Oregon; and Carol Halverson, of Illinois. The three entered the sport with very different backgrounds, but each enjoys the relationship it builds with their horses.
Betsy laughingly informed WE United last year that we should start thinking about a “Century Award” to honor riders and horses with a combined age of at least 100 years. She and her Andalusian mare Baronesa would be eligible for such an award in the very near future, but that certainly doesn’t mean that they are nearing retirement. Far from it! The two of them finished the 2016 season in 9th place in the Nation at the Novice Level.
Kay Johnson, whose collection of Tevis Cup buckles stands as testament to the thousands of miles of competitive endurance racing she has compiled in her lifetime of riding, introduced her Arabian trail horse to the sport this past summer, hosting a clinic and a schooling show near her home in the small town of Williams, Oregon, in the southern part of that state. “I appreciate the focus on good horsemanship,” she explained. “It’s great to have a sport that is accessible to people and horses yet gives people something to help motivate them to improve their horsemanship skills and their horses’ training.”
Carol Halverson, who can see the 70-year-old mark in her rearview mirror, was introduced to Working Equitation when she began to take riding lessons from WE United Regional Director Howard Peet in Illinois. “It is so wonderful how welcoming everyone has been of her,” Carol’s daughter wrote, in response to the many encouraging comments WE United members shared on her mom’s photos when they were shared on Facebook. “Her horse is one of the most important things in her life, and she is really enjoying learning and becoming part of the Working Equitation community!”
Betsy Wesman
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