![]() 'Working Equitation consists of Four Phases (Trials)ĭressage - A test of movements ridden in a 20m x 40m dressage court which showcases the level of training of the horse with a focus on the quality and adjustability of gaits, balance, and harmony between horse and rider.Įase of Handling (EOH)- The horse and rider complete an obstacle course requiring suppleness, precision, obedience and partnership such as carrying a Garrocha Pole and spearing a ring, opening and closing a gate, crossing a bridge, riding a figure 8 and other obstacle challenges that test the maneuverability and balance of the horse to perform work in the field. A wide variety of bits, bitless bridles, and hackamores can be used. Unlike many other disciplines there are no restrictions to saddle type and show attire allows for personal style. Horses of every breed and size, including gaited horses, are excelling in the sport. can progress up through seven levels of competition beginning with walk and trot and leading to the upper levels where their horse performs its trials with the highest degree of collection, precision, speed and partnership. WE is an exciting and fun sport that fosters good horsemanship and camaraderie among its enthusiasts. Working Equitation is a working sport that combines the fundamentals of Dressage with the precision of riding through a series of various obstacles. Working Equitation is fairly new to the United States, and is the fastest growing equine sport in the nation, attracting riders from all disciplines including Dressage, Reining, Jumping, Ranch and Trail Riding. The first competition was held in Europe in1996. Working Equitation (WE) originated in Spain, Portugal, Italy and France with cattle ranchers who manage their livestock from the backs of their agile and brave Iberian horses. As an Event rider in the early 1990’s, then switching my focus to teaching Natural Horsemanship and the connection it has to Dressage, my two passions have been combined in Working Equitation.” WE was a perfect match, setting me on a course which has since profoundly influenced me as a professional. ![]() Soon after, I participated in my first Working Equitation Clinic (WE) and loved how my horse felt under me as we navigated the different obstacles. Being deeply involved in the preservation and promotion of Spanish Barbs, this looked like a great discipline in which my horses would excel. I wanted to put more purpose into my training, yet continue to develop my education of classical dressage. I was at a point in my professional career as a trainer and instructor where I needed something fresh and new to keep my students and me engaged. “In 2016 I watched a video of a Lusitano galloping boldly around an obstacle course, the horse and rider dressed sharply in traditional Portuguese tack and attire, I was fascinated by the combination of excellent training, partnership, and incredible fun. Stephanie lives with her husband Tim Hayes at their farm, The Center for America's First Horse in Johnson, Vermont where she trains and promotes rare Spanish Barbs. She has been awarded National and Regional Championships on several horses at Level 1 through 4, and coached her junior rider to National Championship honors. Stephanie conducts clinics throughout the U.S., co-founded New England Working Equitation, Inc., is a USAWE Recognized Coach, "L" judge candidate and earned her USAWE Pewter medal. In 2017 she attended her first WE clinic and was inspired to incorporate the training benefits into her programs. Stephanie Hayes has been a professional in the horse industry for over two decades as a natural horsemanship clinician, trainer and competitor. Stephanie’s dressage education has been greatly influenced by her teachers Suzanne Marshall, Miklos Repasi and Lori Barnard. She has ridden in clinics with WE “S” judges Doreen Atkinson, Polly Limond, Tarrin Warren, Nicole Chastain Price, and with clinician Carlos Carneiro. ![]() ![]() Stephanie began her WE training under Suzanne Marshall, and Doina Fisher of Portugal.
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