The social media networking has played an important role in helping to grow the 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.
Provide Solid Education, Particularly Early On
Although it is possible to get started in Working Equitation by simply reading the rules, watching videos, and surfing the Internet, taking the time to ensure that a proper foundation in the sport is built can pay off in the end, as expectations for the region will be more likely to reflect the world-wide expectations for the sport. In the Great Lakes region, we were fortunate to have the help of two experienced professionals who not only had their own experience in Working Equitation from which to draw, but who also were able to bring in outside clinicians at critical points in the sport’s growth in the area.
Howard and Erica Peet, a husband-wife horse training team who had recently moved back to Illinois from California, were determined to help get working equitation established. Erica had previously attended a five-day Working Equitation Judges Seminar in Oregon, and both of them had competed in both Schooling Shows and Championship Level competitions in California and Texas. Despite their basic understanding of the sport, the two of them wanted to be sure that things got off to a good start, so they sought out others who had been involved with Working Equitation a bit longer, and brought them in to provide instruction, ensuring that people in their area were getting an accurate, in-depth foundation in the sport.
Christine Righeimer was the 2016 Great Lakes Region Introductory Level Working Equitation Reserve High Point Champion! Christine inspires everyone around her with her determination, drive, and passion.