Based at Collective Roots Dressage in Cochranville, PA, EPAWE is a volunteer group of working equitation enthusiasts fostering the growth of the sport in the tri-state area. We are a non-incorporated group of members and volunteers seeking to expand the awareness of the fast-growing sport of Working Equitation and create learning and competition opportunities. We are based at beautiful Collective Roots Dressage in Cochranville, PA where we have access to obstacles, excellent dressage instruction, and a huge indoor and outdoor arena with groomed footing. While participants from all areas are welcome, we expect to draw participants from central and eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and northern Delaware and Maryland. We invite people from all disciplines and horses of all breeds to join us to learn more about Working Equitation. To join EPAWE and receive discounts and notifications on clinics and events throughout the year please fill out this form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dDZWqWXPDrKl8P8WRbBvY8eFGhP6CbKi/view?usp=sharing
Please email [email protected] to volunteer! This is a community sport best enjoyed by supporting each other and learning by doing. WORKING EQUITATION INTRODUCTION
The sport of Working Equitation includes traditional dressage patterns as well as practical obstacles such as a working horse and rider would encounter in everyday ranch duties. Any type of horse can compete in Working Equitation and all types of tack and attire are allowed so long as they are of one coherent tradition or discipline. The three Working Equitation phases or trials, and fourth optional trial, are as follows:
DRESSAGE TRIAL
The first of the Working Equitation trials is the Dressage trial. During this trial, the horse and rider ride a pattern of movements prescribed by the official test for their level. WE dressage tests are performed in a 20 x 40 meter “short court”. The judge scores each movement on a scale of 0-10, and provides Collective Marks at the conclusion of the test for gaits, impulsion, submission, rider and presentation. EASE OF HANDLING
Ease of Handling (EOH) is the second trial comprising a Working Equitation competition. The EOH trial is required at all performance levels–Introductory, Novice A/B, Intermediate A/B, Advanced, and Masters. As with the Dressage trial, the judge scores each obstacle on a scale of 0-10 and also provides Collective Marks for transitions/navigation, gaits, impulsion, submission, and rider. SPEED TRIAL
The third trial in a Working Equitation competition is the Speed trial. This is a test of a horse and rider’s ability to navigate obstacles with accuracy as quickly as possible. It is thrilling to watch! The Speed trial is first encountered by horse/rider pairs competing at the Novice A level. Riders soon learn that precision in the obstacles, coupled with strategic course lines, translate to winning speed rounds. CATTLE TRIAL
During the Cattle trial, a team of three or four riders work together as each rider separates a designated cow from the herd and moves it across the enclosure to a holding pen. The Cattle trial is not always offered at WE competitions, but it is a crowd and competitor favorite when it is available. Riders use the same tack/attire for this trial as they did for Dressage, EOH, and Speed. Please visit www.USAWE.org for more information including rules, obstacle design and execution details, and dressage tests. Please follow this page to be notified of upcoming events!
