Working Equitation
When I first heard the term Working Equitation over a year ago, I must admit that it sounded a bit scary. No, not because it had the word “working” in it, but because of the word “equitation”. I have been trying to improve my riding over the years – mainly improving my balance and seat, as well as trying to get softer hands and better leg cues. The books and trainers I’ve consulted have helped a lot, but there is much more I just don’t understand. Some people can make being on the back of a horse look so smooth and elegant. I am a long way from that.
Then the term came up on a Facebook post. I thought it would make a good topic for a podcast. A ‘Working Equitation’ search of a few videos on YouTube gave me the basics. Then it was off to the Working Equitation website to fill in a few details of the competition. By the end of the afternoon I was feeling a lot better about the whole thing.
Working Equitation began in Europe in the 1990’s as a way to demonstrate the versatility of your horse. It has shown some real growth in both Australia and the U.S. in recent years. My last stop to learn more about Working Equitation was Tarrin Warren, owner of TNT Quarter Horses. Tarrin and I had met in Colorado at the first U.S. Campdraft competition in 2013. Tarrin trains horses and is a very skilled rider. She’s gotten involved in the sport of Working Equitation. Tarrin trains, competes, and recently was certified to be a judge of Working Equitation horse shows.
Tarrin fills us in on the basics of Working Equitation, what we need to get started, and why participating in Working Equitation can help both you and your horse become a better team!
There are many links to Working Equitation to help you get involved. Here are a few (Look for one in your geographic area):
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John & Ranae
Episode #042
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