29/09/2026
It’s been a total whirlwind of a month! Training the green horses, keeping the competition horse fit, and ensuring my older faithful stays happily ticking along, there hasn’t been a spare second.
Amidst the chaos, my good friend and biggest supporter, Kim, very generously treated us to a trip to Spain for the WAWE Working Equitation World Championships, and it was nothing short of incredible.
Held every four years, this year’s event took place in the breathtaking grounds of the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. It was hot but breezy as 22 nations showcased their skill through four grueling phases of competition.
The logistics behind an event like this are astounding.
Some international riders hired local horses from Spain and Portugal, while others keep their competition mounts overseas and commute across continents just to train! It was fantastic chatting with enthusiasts from all over the globe, including those characters who sit nearby and share their entire life history with horses a little too loudly, as always seems to happen at big events.
Naturally, I was cheering my heart out for our British team, but as a dual citizen, I had a heavy bias toward the USA riders as well! The styles across the nations were fascinating to watch: Great Britain showed pure grit and bravery; the USA brought a relaxed, effective style with two incredible Mustangs; Germany delivered trademark precision; France was elegance personified; Mexico showstopped in vibrant Western tack with crisp halts at every obstacle; and the Portuguese and Spanish rode with effortless flair and speed.
We squeezed every drop out of the trip, having lunch inside the Palace, watching the Royal Andalusian performance, and taking a coastal detour to Cádiz via ferry, despite a five hour tarmac delay on the flight out!
Back home and straight back into the swing of things, I wrapped up the weekend coaching a Riding Club clinic at our yard and a Pony Club rally. It’s wonderful seeing all ages, from lead reiners to retirees, enjoying the challenge of Working Equitation and the purpose it gives the horses!
