Jill Hamann-Bannister and her Quarter Horse gelding Omni’s Easy Jet made the transition from endurance racing to Working Equitation fairly recently. The success they have achieved (Jill is one of the first U.S. riders to earn her Bronze Medal in the sport) is testament that the partnership the two forged with their many miles of long-distance riding translates to harmony in other disciplines as well.
Oregon Working Equitation competitor, trainer, and judge Cari Schwartz brings a lifelong history as an eventer, hunter/jumper, and dressage rider (she won two Gold Medals in the Junior Olympics at both the 2’9 and 3’9 eventing
1980-1984 Olympic Trials in both show jumping and eventing) to the sport. This strong background may well help explain Schwartz’ success in Working Equitation, where she is the first U.S. rider to earn her Silver Medal, and a regular on the National Leaderboard.
Of course, not all who participate in Working Equitation come to the sport with competitive acclaim in other equestrian sports.
Rigth: Susan McIntosh, Exhibition Performer, photo by Tamra Klugh Photography
divisions and was invited to compete in the 1980-1984 Olympic Trials in both show jumping and eventing) to the sport. This strong background may well help explain Schwartz’ success in Working Equitation, where she is the first U.S. rider to earn her Silver Medal, and a regular on the National Leaderboard.
Of course, not all who participate in Working Equitation come to
the sport with competitive
acclaim in other equestrian
sports.
Some, like Susan McIntosh, from Washington State, focused more on exhibition work with their horses. McIntosh and her Friesian stallion Sir Ruben not only compete quite successfully in Working Equitation; they also have a solid fan base from their many exhibition performances over the years.
many exhibition performances over the years.