Working Equitation is a relatively new sport that was developed in Portugal, Spain, France and Italy in the mid-1990s. Its purpose was to showcase the ability of the horses working on farms and with livestock in these countries. These working horses were already using basic dressage in their daily lives. They were agile and brave, which were necessarily traits to go through brush, open gates, cross bridges and herd cattle. The horses that are used today in Working Equitation can be any breed or size, and are rewarded by the judges for good movement and temperament throughout the trials.
Working Equitation is comprised of three events, or trials, for individuals: Dressage, Ease of Handling, and Speed. You can also compete in a team event where Cattle Handling is added to the regular events.
The Dressage phase is similar to a regular dressage competition, where horse and rider perform a pattern of movements and are awarded a score on each movement from 0-10. Gaits, impulsion, submission and presentation are also awarded marks.