Upcoming Events

Submit your event by clicking HERE!

MHC wants to encourage everyone participating in a clinic to check your clinicians credentials. This calendar includes events sponsored by MHC as well as those run independently in order to give our members a comprehensive look at events across the province. 
Please click on the calendar event to see more information.

March 24, 2023: Private Show-Open

Our WEFriends Virtual Fun Show Series is open to everyone worldwide! All Breeds and Style of Tack. We offer CHILDREN, OPEN & AMATEUR divisions. Levels Children & Introductory L1 - Intermediate B, L5. We have a dedicated Competitor's Group that has the information you need to set-up, video, enter and upload your videos. You are able to ask questions and get feedback. You get a scorecard with comments just like a live show. Learn about working equitation in a friendly, supportive group. It is an opportunity to participate from home or get a group of friends together for the day or weekend to help set up and record. We follow the Working Equitation Canada rules & guidelines. Contact us: [email protected] to get registered for the competitor's group. We would love to have you join us. Keep updated on other upcoming events on Working Equitation Friends of South Western Manitoba


What is Working Equitation
https://horsenetwork.com/2020/03/working-equitation-the-sport-i-didnt-know-i-needed/
There are four trials or phases in Working Equitation:
♦ Dressage
♦ Ease of Handling
♦ Speed Trial
♦ Cattle Work
Dressage: Prescribed dressage tests are ridden at each level. Each movement is given a numerical
score, and collective marks are given for gaits, impulsion, submission, rider’s position, effectiveness of
the aids, and overall presentation. Movements in the dressage test coincide with the type and difficulty
of movements required in the Ease of Handling and Speed trials at each level.
Ease of Handling (EOH) Trial: Obstacles are set up to simulate the difficulties encountered by a horse
and rider in the field. Each obstacle is given a numerical score, and collective marks are given for
transitions/navigation, gaits, impulsion, submission, rider, and presentation. Obstacles are numbered
and are ridden in order. The goal of this trial is to negotiate the obstacles with accuracy, ease, and
smoothness.
Speed Trial: Levels L2 – L7. Obstacles are ridden at speed. The objective is to negotiate the course with
no errors, in the correct order, as quickly and efficiently as possible. There are no gait restrictions
unless enacted by show management for safety reasons due to weather conditions or footing. Individual
scores are based on elapsed time through the obstacles plus time penalties and minus time bonuses.
Cattle Trial: This trial tests the ability of a horse and rider to work with cattle individually and as a
team. The trial is performed with a team of 3 or 4 riders. The objective is for each rider to individually
sort, cut, and herd a pre-selected animal from the herd and then as a team put it in a designated pen.
This is a timed event, with time penalties for course errors.
At competitions in Canada the riders start from Level L1 (Introductory) and increase in difficulty to
L7(Masters). In Children and Introductory a show/competition always consists of dressage and ease of
Working Equitation Friends of South Western Manitoba
handling. From L2(Novice A) and up to L7 Masters, there is also speed trial and sometimes cattle work.
Children and Introductory levels may also participate in the Cattle Trial. What is never permitted in this
discipline at a sanctioned event is to compete in only one phase or trial.
“In Working Equitation, you can go far with a well-ridden horse although it doesn’t have the utmost movement
potential,” says Birte Oswald. The German 2014 World Championship team, for example, consisted of a
Haflinger/Quarter Mix, a Welsh Cob, a golden Pinto and a Quarter Horse!
There are a minimum of eight obstacles in the ease of handling and speed trial. They can vary
depending on the course designer. For example: the bridge, the gate, the slalom, small jumps or the
pen.
The ‘Garrocha’ is an integral part of the advanced classes: Working Equitation is based on actual field
work in Europe, where the garrocha is a tool used to help sort and herd the cattle. The rider must
demonstrate the use of and handling of the garrocha in obstacles such as the bull line.
“The attitude of the horse can make a big difference,” explains Birte Ostwald. Even a horse that does not have
the optimal conformation of a Working Equitation horse can perform well. Your horse must have fun, so
you can have fun together.
Will to show: Many horses develop great motivation with Working Equitation, because they see a sense
in their actions based on the obstacles. “A typical task, for example, is to ride into a pole L, ring a bell there and
then back the horse back out around the corner. The horses learn to sort their legs themselves and participate
enthusiastically,” says Birte Ostwald.
As Working Equitation gains recognition in North America, it also grow in popularity. What other equine
sport allows all breeds (including mules), all styles of tack, in so many levels to compete in such a
variety of classes in one competition? You and all your friends can go to one event, together.
Preciseness, geometry, obstacles, speed and a little cowboy too! What more could you ask for? Can’t
wait to give it a try? Try one of our events.
We would love to have you join us. WEFriendsSWM offers a Working Equitation Virtual Fun Show Series
too. Contact us to get registered for the dedicated competitor’s group. On the group we provide
everything you need to get started.
Contact us: [email protected]
or check us out on FBook: Working Equitation Friends of South Western Manitoba
https://www.facebook.com/groups/364255684315569/
We follow the Working Equitation Canada Rules & Guidelines