About the Author: Julie Alonzo, President of WE United, competes at the Intermediate level with her home-bred Andalusian mare CDC Memoria.
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For more information about Working Equitation, please visit www.WEUnited.us
To read more about the WE United Rider Medal Program, go to: http://www.weunited.us/performance-awards/we-united-rider-medalist-program/
I could see the most subtle conversations between horse and rider. I noticed how riders would approach their courses, how they would compensate during their rides. What worked and what didn’t.
As a trainer who has ridden an upper-level horse, and then moved to the young green stock, I was given a huge dose of humility. This is a tough sport, and we are better horsemen because of it. As far as a judge’s perspective I know exactly what it feels like to be in the competitors’ shoes, and it’s fantastic because even though I may have to score a movement or execution of a deserving mark, I am able to comment about how well they did. To give them affirmation for all of the hard hours spent in the saddle preparing for this moment. I am other riders’ biggest advocate as a competitor, as a photographer, as a trainer, and as a judge.
What advice can you give others interested in the sport?
Doreen Atkinson: Try it; you will like it! All horses, ponies, and mules are able to do this sport. Take your time, do not rush the training of your horse or move up the levels too fast. Practice, practice, practice! Have eyes on the ground, like an instructor, or go to clinics and schooling shows. Watch videos of some rides of WE and most of all read and know the rules so as not to be frustrated or lose points for lack of knowing what is expected.
Lisa Harding: If you are interested in WE, check to see if you have an event nearby, or a WE group that you can visit to see what it’s all about. If this is not an option, I would suggest looking up someone involved with WE and picking their brain. Be flexible, find the right fit for you. There are several avenues to be explored. Above all else, have fun.
As an equestrian photographer I am always your biggest fan; every ride I am rooting for the participant. When things don’t go as planned, my heart sinks. Not only from an analytical perspective, but one from camaraderie between riders.
~ Lisa Harding
What advice can you give others interested in the sport?
Doreen Atkinson: Try it; you will like it! All horses, ponies, and mules are able to do this sport. Take your time, do not rush the training of your horse or move up the levels too fast. Practice, practice, practice! Have eyes on the ground, like an instructor, or go to clinics and schooling shows. Watch videos of some rides of WE and most of all read and know the rules so as not to be frustrated or lose points for lack of knowing what is expected.
Lisa Harding: If you are interested in WE, check to see if you have an event nearby, or a WE group that you can visit to see what it’s all about. If this is not an option, I would suggest looking up someone involved with WE and picking their brain. Be flexible, find the right fit for you. There are several avenues to be explored. Above all else, have fun.
Cavalo Photography