Working equitation is a competitive equestrian sport that combines traditional riding techniques with modern elements to test the skills of horse and rider: 

• What it is. A challenging sport that evaluates the horse’s temperament and training, the rider’s skill, and the relationship between the two. It also showcases traditional riding styles, costumes, and equipment from different countries. 
• How it’s judged. Judges use a scoring rubric similar to dressage, with each maneuver scored on a scale of 0–10. Judges also provide collective marks at the end of each phase. 
• What it involves. The competition has four sections: dressage, ease of handling, speed, and cattle trials. Some obstacles include a slalom with parallel poles, and a cattle trial where riders work in teams to move a specific cow to a pen. 
• Where it originated Working equitation originated in Europe, with the first European Championship in 1996. The World Association for Working Equitation (WAWE) was established in 2004. The United States has its own national organization, the USAWE, which was formed in 2020. 
• Who it’s for. Working equitation is inclusive, welcoming riders from all disciplines and horses of all breeds.