ABOUT W.E.L.D
Working Equitation Lancefield Districts Inc. (W.E.L.D.) was founded in July 2021. We are a club of likeminded adults who foster an environment of camaraderie, support and fun. The club is built around the principles of classical horsemanship, developing the partnership between horse and rider, and building partnerships between members.
W.E.L.D. hold our club training days on the 3rd Saturday of each month, and the occasional 1st Saturday.
W.E.L.D. is affiliated with Australian National Working Equitation Limited (ANWE) who is the official governing body for working equitation in Australia having signed a Protocol Agreement with the World Association of Working Equitation in 2016.
The discipline of working equitation was created to celebrate the partnership between horse and rider with a focus on versatility, agility, athleticism and training. Open to all breeds of horse and levels of rider, Australian National Working Equitation upholds the principles of classical dressage.
Working equitation was pioneered by four countries: Italy, Portugal, Spain, and France, with the first International competition being held in 1996. In 2004, the World Association for Working Equitation was established to govern the sport internationally. Since that time, the sport has continued to grow around the world.
Working Equitation competitions have four phases.
- Dressage – encourages harmony between horse and rider. Tests are conducted in a 20m x 40m arena.
- Ease of Handling (EOH) – horse and rider demonstrate how calmly, precisely and stylishly they deal with obstacles.
- Speed – a test of speed, agility, athleticism using the same obstacles as the Ease of Handling phase.
- Cattle (optional) – tests the ability of the horse and rider to work cattle individually and with teammates.
Compulsory phases are dressage, ease of handling and speed.
Some clubs are just beginning to introduce cattle and not all competitions include the Cattle Phase yet and it is still optional depending on the level you choose to compete.
At W.E.L.D. we have a great group of friendly members and a strict code of conduct which we believe will guide our club to become a strong social club. On club days we ask members to bring a shared lunch and we take the time to sit together and connect. We like to support each other during training days and at competitions.
We welcome all ages, riders and horses, regardless of choice of breed, tack or attire. We welcome membership from both Adults and Children. We encourage young families to be a part of our club and participate together.
