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How to Learn Working Equitation
When I (Kelli), was first introduced to Working Equitation, I feel in love with the sport. However, frustration quickly set in because of the learning curve.
Riding in clinics is great. Each clinic I went to I would learn a bunch. My head would be swimming with info as I drove home.
However, when I was practicing at home, I struggled. I didn’t have answers to my questions. Working Equitation seemed to have so many unwritten rules.
I needed a better way to learn the sport.
So, in 2015, I approached Tarrin Warren, Clinician and “S” Judge, with the idea of the Working Equitation Handbook. After talking, we both felt the material would benefit riders of all levels and fill the “learning gap”. Then, we wrote and illustrated the book!
Since, the Handbook’s completion we have sold books throughout the United States and all over the world!
Riders using the Working Equitation Handbook, can confidently learn the sport and know they are practicing correctly.
The Working Equitation Handbook contains…
Section One: An overview of the sport and the Ease of Handling Trial.
The Ease of Handling Trial applies the principles of dressage to obstacles. The book covers what to expect at a show, scoring, penalties, lower marks, negative marks and course errors. Everything is broken down into easy to understand details.
Section Two: Each obstacle in detail with diagrams.
The Basics includes setup and riding the obstacle.
The Technical covers the markers and completing the obstacle.
Judging Criteria lets you know what the judge is looking for and will evaluate. Training Tips keep you on the correct path when practicing.
Section Three: Training Exercises
Over 50 exercises, written and illustrated by Kelli and Tarrin, help you to KNOW WHAT TO PRACTICE!
The Working Equitation Handbook helps
you LEARN, PRACTICE and COMPETE with CONFIDENCE!
Are you new to Working Equitation?
The Working Equitation Handbook explains the Ease of Handling Trial in detail. It is the best way to learn the ins and outs of the sport. The Working Equitation Handbook is an ideal take home after you have been at a clinic. Our goal was to write down all the details to set you up for success!
Are you currently competing in Working Equitation?
Learn what the judge is looking for. Learn tips for each obstacle to improve your scores. The exercises section will help you practice skills to improve your obstacles, collection and success.
The Working Equitation Handbook is your step-by-step,
hold your hand when you need it, guide to Working Equitation.
Meet Tarrin
Tarrin Warren‘s passion is helping people create a solid partnership with their horse by working with the biomechanics of the horse.
Tarrin travels throughout the United States giving Working Equitation / Horsemanship clinics, trainer clinics, judge’s clinics and judging Working Equitation.
Tarrin is a carded “S” judge with The Confederation for Working Equitation.
Why did we write this book?
After several years traveling the country teaching and judging working equitation, it became clear that some take home material would benefit the riders. It is hard to retain everything heard in a clinic and apply it at home.
The Working Equitation Handbook was the brainchild of Kelli Paulson Crist. She approached me about collaborating and put most of the initial setup and formatting into this project. She created the graphics which are invaluable visual aids.
Once the initial format was on paper, I went through and added the knowledge I have gathered from spending years educating myself, judging and teaching the sport. Kelli has been involved in teaching clinics (Horsemanship, Trail Obstacles and Dressage for Western Riders) and judging Trail Rider Challenges for years. Kelli added concepts she has developed through her experience with trail obstacles. ~ Tarrin Warren
What is Working Equitation?
Working Equitation (WE) was developed in Europe in the 1990’s as a means to develop and test the skills of horses and riders who do fieldwork.
Fieldwork refers to those who work cattle in the fields/pastures in Southern Europe. These cattle are often aggressive. Traditionally, they are worked with a pole on a horse who is brave, obedient, incredibly agile and well trained.
Working Equitation promotes the correct training and development of a horse for fieldwork. Training emphasizes the development of true collection by riding the horse from the hind quarters forward. This skill leads to collection and at the upper levels, the amazing lead changes that this sport is known for.
The lower levels develop your foundation, each level then builds your skills. If you wish to put in the work, you can reach the Advanced and Master’s level with flying lead changes and one-handed riding!
Internationally, many countries compete in Working Equitation. Each country preserves their equitation traditions and culture by dressing in their traditional tack and attire. In the United States, you may show in a variety of tack and attire. It should be of one kind: western, vaquero, dressage, hunt seat, etc. Any breed of horse and level of rider is welcome