How Good of a Horseman Are You?

There's a new equestrian competition: working equitation. I'd like to see a head-to-head competition like this for kids, with Western and huntseat and saddleseat and dressage riders. That'd make some eyes open--oh, and with dressage rules: only the rider may school the horse on the show grounds.

Saddling up to fly flag for Britain--02 December 2004

Three Norfolk-based riders will take their horses to Rome in January to represent Great Britain in a sport that combines the precision of classical dressage with the speed and agility of cattle cutting. Based at Pine Lodge School of Classical Equitation near Norwich, Alexandra Downing, Sean Topsom, and individual junior competitor Holly May Barber, will join two others to compete in the European Working Equitation Championships. The right saddle plays a crucial role in this highly-skilled discipline. In a boost to their bid to deliver a winning performance, all five of the pure and part-bred Lusitano horses taking part have been given a new dressage saddle by national manufacturer Thorowgood. Robert Judd of Juddpurs Saddlery, Beccles, approached Thorowgood about supporting the riders after he learned about the new equestrian sport through Pine Lodge School owner Sue Barber. Thorowgood responded by providing five saddles and other equipment. "We've been fans of Thorowgood's Griffin Dressage for years," said Sue. "The saddle is in perfect balance with horse and rider."

The competition of working equitation began in Italy, and has now become an important sport in Portugal. The concept was to bring the skills of field work into the confines of a modern arena.

Riders and their horses must demonstrate control, athleticism and flair in four phases – a flatwork test in walk and canter involving high school movements, an obstacle course judged on style, the same course taken at speed and finally a cattle-penning exercise.

All phases are ridden one-handed, with the reins in the left hand. Its supporters say the varied training builds all-round horsemanship skills and keeps a horse stimulated.

With a bell to ring, a gate to open and obstacles such as a slalom course and a jump to negotiate, there's no time for horse or rider to get bored.

Since it was introduced to this country in 2001, the sport has grown quickly, with new classes to accommodate different levels of rider and any type of horse.

Rupert Fairfax, of Thorowgood, said: "Our involvement demonstrates the true versatility of the saddles we produce. We wish the team every success."