Q. How many phases are in Working Equitation?

A. 4 - Dressage, Ease of Handling, EOH Speed & Cattle. We currently run 3 phases at Kaikohe, no cattle phase.


Q. Is the EOH speed phase used at Introductory level?

A. No, though our committee decided to offer a second EOH round at our competition days.


Q. How many levels are in WE?

A. 9 – Lead-line, Introductory, Preparatory, Preliminary, Novice, Elementary, Medium, Advanced, Masters. We are currently running 3 levels at Kaikohe, Intro Preparatory & Preliminary.


Q. Once you have selected your level to ride in, is there a requirement to move up to the next level?

A. No. A horse and rider combination may remain indefinitely in their current level, there are no requirements to advance to the next level.


Q. Can you have an assistant with a rider at Introductory level?

A. Yes – they can have an assistant in the ring who can verbally communicate with the rider but if for whatever reason they lead the horse a score of less than 5 will be given for that obstacle.


Q. At what level is Canter introduced?

A. Preliminary


Q. At Preparatory level can you Canter in the speed round?

A. No – 3 or more strides will incur a penalty of Plus 20 seconds at each occurrence, at 3 occurrences you will be disqualified.


Q. Can you ride in a bitless bridle?

A. Yes – you must have a saddle with stirrups, a bridle with reins securely attached with or without a bit, a natural or authentic bosal hackamore consistent with the declared tack & attire are allowed.


Q. Do you have to ride in English Tack & Attire?

A. No you can ride in your chosen discipline Tack & Attire though mixing styles of Tack & Attire is not encouraged – English, Stock, Western & Club Attire are accepted Tack & Attire.


Q. Name 3 prohibited pieces of equipment?

A. Leg Bandages - Halter with Lead rope - Martingales of any kind - Tie downs - Bearing, Side, Draw or balancing reins – Tail wraps


Q. How long do you have to start your phase once the bell has rung or the judge has given you the ok to start?

A. 60 seconds


Q. Name 1 thing that will get you disqualified from the Dressage phase?

A.

  1. Stepping out of the arena
  2. 3 course errors
  3. Refusal to move forward for 15 seconds


Q. Name 1 thing that will get you disqualified from the EOH & Speed phase?

A.

  1. Going through the start/finish markers during your course, other than at the start or finish. Or going though them the wrong way.
  2. Using different hands for obstacles
  3. Dismounting to lead a horse through an obstacle
  4. Falling from your horse
  5. Does not perform the correct movements within the obstacle
  6. Begins to perform an obstacle without having completed the previous obstacle
  7. Faces a horse up to an obstacle before the start bell


Q. What is the difference between a disqualification & an elimination?

A. Disqualified is for the phase only & Elimination is for the whole competition – Disqualified riders are still eligible for awards.