Working-Equitation

Working Equitation, also work Riding (English: Working Equitation ), is a riding discipline that is based on traditional riding styles. In the Southern European countries of origin of the work Riding the terms " Equitação de trabalho " (Portugal ), " Equitación de trabajo " (Spain ), " Doma di lavoro " (Italy) and used in France " L' équitation de travail ".

History

The various work riding styles have evolved from the mounted work with cattle, as it is practiced in southern Europe, particularly Portugal, Spain, France and Italy for centuries, developed. Colonialism brought the work of riding styles to North and South America and Australia. This has grown in America today world-wide popular Western Riding.

In the Southern European countries of origin typical horse breeds were bred which have been improved over the centuries. The cattle were barely domesticated, unlike the American and Australian cattle, but it was fighting bulls or cattle with wild behavior. The duties of mounted herdsmen, it is one to drive the cattle or to select. The breeds must be suitable for it. The horse of a cattle herders must obey, be fearless, reliable, fast, agile and transparent.

Traditional breeds of horses

In southern Europe, the cattle are still herded mainly with the resident and bred for work Riding Horses race. In Portugal, the Lusitano is being used. In Spain Vaquera both Andalusians and crosses with warm-blooded animals, so-called Crusados ​​be used in the Doma. The French Gardians use Camargue horses to herd of Camargue cattle.

In the Italian Maremma butteri ride Murgesen and Maremmanos. They also use Maremma -Abruzzese sheepdogs to work with the Maremma cattle.

Modern riding and organization

With increasing modernization and industrialization threatened this work riding styles, which are part of the national cultures, to be forgotten. In the Working Equitation is intended not only to promote the Riding of each country, but to preserve the traditions, equestrian clothing, saddles and bridles, which are part of the cultural heritage of each nation are.

Apart from the traditional to the work Riding horse breeds nowadays come in the Working Equitation basically all races to use. See the national regulations, as a rule, that the national horse races are promoted and used.

Based on the international umbrella organization of the World Association for Working Equitation ( WAWE ) was tried in national associations, associations and working groups to develop a traditional job riding styles corresponding regulations. The goal was, but also European and World Championships align national tournaments and championships. Meanwhile, Working Equitation was also found in riders in Central and Northern Europe -wide distribution. In Germany there since 2008, the Working Equitation Germany eV ( WED ).

The selection and designation of national coaches and team bosses belong to the responsibility of the WED; together they are then responsible for the nomination of the technical staff and the riders that make up the national team and represented Germany at the European and World Championships.

Disciplines and classes (German Regulations)

There are competitions in different classes, each competition consists of up to four individual disciplines. The final result is calculated from the sum of the points obtained in the individual disciplines. Its disciplines include classical dressage, which is the basis of the Working Equitation, the trail that Speed ​​Trail and the cattle work, so selecting and separating a cow from the herd, similar to Cutting at western riding. The competitions are judged by judges who are trained for the Working Equitation.

Dressage

In the beginners class ( E) and in the beginners class (A ) the lessons in walk, trot and canter are required. The focus is on the quiet, serene Riding with clean ridden transitions, the purity of gears coupled with suppleness, impulsion and dynamics. The seat, the action of the rider and the correctness of the aid and of the obedience of the horse. In the lightweight class (L ) in addition, the rein back, the canter and the simple lead changes are required. In the medium-duty segment (M) beyond lateral movements, flying changes and the shoulder-in are shown, where the curb is allowed.

In the heavy class (S ) all tests on bare curb be ridden with one hand. It calls for a Hilfengebung about weight aids and leg aids, the horse must also be brought to the hindquarters. Be ridden lessons from the Grand Prix.

Trail and Trail Speed

In the style trail various tasks such as slalom around poles and barrels, rein back, riding over a bridge, jumping, opening and closing of a gate on horseback, etc. must be completed in a predetermined sequence in different gaits, similar to a serenity test. The obedience of the horse to complete tasks in a confined space and the permeability of the horse are the focus.

The Speed ​​Trail is required in the higher grades. It is not only stylistically correct and clean Riding in the foreground, but it is also ridden on time.

Cattle work

In the cow work, the task is to separate the given cow in no time from the herd and drive to the destination. In addition to the speed trail the cattle work enjoys the highest audience effect.