WE United: Working Together to Create a Strong Future
By Julie Alonzo
Photography by Peet Equestrian
One of the questions we are asked regularly is how to help get working equitation established in areas of the country where it doesn’t yet have a strong base. To answer that question, I’m going to highlight a case study from the Great Lakes region.
Bring the Sport to the Attention of the Public
Several years ago, the sport of Working Equitation was showcased at the Midwest Horse Fair, with exhibition performances and an informational booth, but we didn’t really see the sport beginning to take off in the area until late in 2015, when a core group of people started to work together to build a “critical mass” of equestrians with a good understanding of the sport’s foundation and a commitment to reach out to others and encourage them to get involved. Some of those who are involved now got their first taste of the sport at the Horse Fair, while others learned about the sport through social media and friends.
sport. WE United maintains Facebook pages, not only for the National organization, but also for each state. As interest in the sport grows in an area, those involved are invited to participate as page Editors, who reach out to others in the state and region and provide educational posts as well as helping to advertise opportunities to participate in WE events in their area. Having an event is not enough, though, if one wants to build a sport correctly. It is also essential that there be people who can share accurate information and provide guidance to those coming in to the sport.
Karen Boso performing the Pen obstacle in Ease of Handling