The Working Equitation Handbook: The Ease of Handling Trial
Section 1: Introduction to Working Equitation
An overview of the Ease of Handling Trial (EOH) explains Showing, Adding Finesse, Navigating a Course, Course Lines, Scoring, Penalties, Important Rules, Disqualifications (DQs), Eliminations, Course Errors, and Refusals
Section 2: The Obstacles
Covers each obstacle in detail. Each obstacle has four sections:
- The Basics: How to set up the obstacle and the Basics of how to ride the obstacle. This section is designed to be a quick reference.
- The Technical: Begins with the “Execution” portion of the United States Rules for Working Equitation. This section also covers details regarding the markers and completing the obstacle.
- Judging Criteria: Learn about the obstacles from the judge’s point of view. Read what the rule book says about the obstacle. Learn what those terms actually mean and what the judge is looking for. Additional considerations are also listed. Learn about lower marks, negative marks and possible DQs.
- Training Tips: The goal for each obstacle is identified. How to Practice helps the rider practice for each obstacle with Tips to Apply. A list of common mistakes and training exercises is included.
Section 3: Training Exercises
This section begins by first defining and describing the dressage movements relevant to the Ease of Handling Trial. Movements such as: Half Halt, Haunches-In, Shoulder-In, Rein Back, Leg Yield, Half Pass, On-the-Bit, and Halt.
Then gaits are defined: Medium Walk, Collected Walk, Free Walk, Extended Walk, Working Trot, Collected Trot, Medium Trot, Extended Trot, Stretching at the Working Trot, Working Canter, Collected Canter, Extended Canter, Flying Change, Simple Change, and Change of Lead through the Trot.
Finally, this section contains 12 sets of TRAINING EXERCISES! Each set has several exercises with diagrams. The exercises include: Transitions, Changes of Bend, Straightness, The Halt & Immobility, Rein Back, Corridors, The Haunches, Varied Terrain & Water, Develop the Canter, Pole Handling, Jumping and Sidepass Pole.
Section 4: Resources
A list of helpful resources and links. The resources can be found on the Resources page of this web site.