Working Equitation Explained: Disciplines, Obstacles and Training Tips

Are you ready for a new challenge with your horse?

Do you enjoy a bit of a challenge and want to truly work together with your horse? Then Working Equitation might just become your new favorite discipline!

In this blog, we dive into the what, why and how of WE. We explain the different phases and which obstacles you need.

Curious about Working Equitation? Keep reading and discover why it can be enjoyable for every rider!

Working Equitation: Control, Partnership and Trust

Working Equitation is all about control, partnership and trust. Each phase highlights a different aspect of the rider-horse combination, but they all share one thing: your horse must be correctly trained and responsive to the aids. This forms the foundation for all phases, from the elegant dressage test to the challenging cattle work.

For many riders, it’s a way to make training more fun and varied. No endless circles in the arena, but working with cones, gates and obstacles that challenge you to ride creatively. And the best part? You don’t have to be a competition rider to enjoy it.

The Trail

Working Equitation consists of several phases. One of the most recognizable is the technical course, also known as the “trail.” The trail is comparable to a dressage test, but with obstacles. Around 10 obstacles are set up in the arena and must be completed under saddle. In the lower classes this may be done at trot, but in the higher classes trotting is no longer allowed. Trail obstacles include a gate, bridge, small jump, ringing a bell and spearing a ring with the garrocha.

The Gate

The gate exercise tests how well your horse responds to the aids. This exercise is performed at walk. The goal is to open and close the gate without letting go of it.

This includes movements such as rein-back and lateral work. The judge evaluates whether you keep hold of the gate and how smoothly the exercise is performed.

Looking for the perfect WE gate for your competition, association or home training? Nedlandic has developed a Working Equitation obstacle that is ideal for any training or event. The gate and side wings are made of plastic, making the obstacle easy to move. Plastic is weather-resistant, meaning the gate can withstand rain, cold and UV exposure.

The gate comes with matching side wings, which are 1.50m high — an ideal height for opening the gate. As weight is placed on the wings while opening the gate, we recommend using a weight support to prevent them from tipping over.

The gate and wings are sold separately and delivered without accessories. Don’t forget to order the gate, wings and jump cups to complete your obstacle. The gate can be delivered to your home or collected from our store in Kootwijkerbroek.

Your company, association or riding school featured on a WE gate?

Would you like to give your company, association or riding school a prominent place in the WE course? It is possible to print your logo on the Working Equitation gate.

Interested? Send an email to orders@nedlandic and our designers will create a design and quote free of charge.

Ring Spearing: A Spectacular Part of the Trail

A spectacular part of the trail is ring spearing. The rider picks up a garrocha from a barrel at trot or canter and rides toward the bull. The bull has a magnetic ring attached to one horn, and it is the rider’s task to spear the ring.

The organizer is free to decide where the ring is placed, but in most cases it is attached to an illustrated bull. Looking for a bull to complete your WE course? Choose our colorful bull with space for three magnetic rings. The bull is also made of plastic and therefore weather-resistant.

Easy to install: attach the included cup to a standard (our telescopic standard is recommended, as it is height-adjustable and does not extend above the bull) and slide the board onto the cup. The bull is delivered with three magnetic rings and one jump cup.

Ready to Take Your WE Course to the Next Level?

Whether you are just starting with Working Equitation or already training seriously, the right equipment makes all the difference. With the right obstacles, you can train purposefully, safely and with enjoyment. From a weather-resistant WE gate and telescopic standard to a plastic WE bull with magnetic rings to complete your course.

• Explore our range and create your ideal WE course.
• Personalize your gate with a logo and give your stable or association a professional look.
• Have questions or need advice? Feel free to contact us. We’re happy to help.

You win the competition at home, and we make sure you have all the necessary equipment!