What Do You Need for Working Equitation?

To get started with Working Equitation, you initially need nothing more than what you already have as a leisure rider: horse, saddle, girth, stirrups and bridle. Because compared to the strict rules that apply, for example, at dressage tournaments, things are quite relaxed when it comes to equipment and clothing in the working riding styles. There are only a few requirements, much is optional – an approach that contributes to the relaxed atmosphere in the arena that is so valued in the community.

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What Bit Is Used in Working Equitation?

The bit plays a central role in Working Equitation, as it forms an important link between rider and horse and contributes significantly to communication and control. To begin with, a conventional snaffle bridle is exactly right for Working Equitation. As a beginner, you’re compliant with the rules using a loose-ring, D-ring, eggbutt or full-cheek snaffle together with the appropriate bridle.

What Bit for Higher Performance Classes?

In the higher performance classes, however, riders switch to a curb bit (WL and WM: curb alone or with a bradoon, WS: curb alone). As a transition between snaffle and curb, many riders appreciate a bit with slight leverage action, the so-called Kimblewick – also known as a pelham hackamore or baby curb. The Kimblewick is permitted from class WA onwards.

Officer’s Bridle in the German Working Equitation Team

“Workers” from countries with working riding traditions base the tack of their horses on traditional models. In the absence of a corresponding German working riding culture, the German Working Equitation team draws on the related tradition of military riding and presents its horses with the so-called officer’s bridle. This classic bridle can be used with either a snaffle or a curb.

What Clothing Do I Need for Working Equitation?

Working Equitation Tournament: Horse and Rider on the Trail

You also have relatively free rein when it comes to your own clothing. The Working Equitation rulebook only stipulates the following for riders’ clothing:

Rider’s clothing in muted colours, in one style, and matching the horse in colour.
Note: black and white is not permitted in Working Equitation!
Riding helmet, cap or hat.
Shirt or blouse with long sleeves.
Waistcoat.
Scarf or tie.
Long trousers.
Riding boots at least ankle-high, optionally combined with chaps.
From class WL onwards, a jacket must be worn for dressage and the style trail.

What Other Clothing Is Allowed?

Alternatively, riders can wear clothing that authentically represents one of the classic national working riding styles. In addition to the traditional clothing of Portuguese, Spanish, Italian or French cattle herders, the rulebook also permits, for example, Western outfits. At international tournaments at least, however, it’s probably an unwritten rule that participants represent their own national culture.

Muted colours, long sleeves, ankle-high footwear – only a few requirements govern the dress code at Working Equitation tournaments. — Things are relaxed at Working Equitation.

Equipment for Working Equitation

Working Equitation Tournament: Horse and Rider on the Trail

An important piece of equipment for Working Equitation is the Garrocha, a wooden pole about 3.5 metres long.

The Garrocha was once an indispensable tool for manoeuvring cattle. Today, however, you don’t necessarily need to buy a Garrocha when starting out with Working Equitation. In the style and speed trail you’ll encounter it in the ring spearing obstacle, but here it’s provided by the tournament organiser.

In general, though, riding with the Garrocha is a great exercise that can improve your seat and stability and help you properly master one-handed riding.

The Garrocha helps with cattle work and trains one-handed riding. — For mounted cattle herders, the Garrocha was an indispensable tool.

More About Working Equitation

What Customers Say About Our Working Equitation Saddles

Denise B. with Doma Classica

"What can I say, I was immediately so incredibly enthusiastic, because I could influence my horse using only my breathing.

The saddle was fitted to my Friesian and I had the option of choosing the colours of the leather, the stitching and a decorative seam. You can be endlessly creative that way!"

Carina N. with Amazona Comfort

"Service, quality and the concept of the wide bearing surfaces convinced me completely. My Friesian moves noticeably more freely and relaxed with this saddle. I myself feel like I’m sitting closer to the horse; the small knee rolls give me enough freedom of movement for my legs, while the panels still make me feel securely framed."

Looking for the Right Saddle for Working Equitation?

Find your perfectly fitting saddle for Working Equitation. We are happy to visit you for advice and fitting. Write to us using our contact form or call us directly:

Hotline: 09179 / 964117

Susanne Schnell on Tamino (Working Equitation)

Lisa E. from Austria (OEPS Working Equitation instructor) is currently writing her doctoral thesis (Dr. med. vet.) and has been competing with her P.R.E. Gorri in Working Equitation for about 2 years.

Working Equitation with the Alpha Vaquero

Lisa competing internationally in Stadl Paura with the Alpha Vaquero

Everything About Working Equitation on Iberosattel.com

Soft, Wide Padding for Your Saddle

For wide horse backs: the Comfort Pad for your saddle

The Comfort Pad from Iberosattel® widens the bearing surface of your saddle and helps ensure that the rider’s weight is better distributed across your horse’s entire back.

This reduces pressure by up to 50%: an important plus for your horse’s health and comfort!

Comfort Pad for Optimal Pressure Distribution of the Saddle