MOOSE JAW - Moose Jaw was more than ready to welcome equestrians from across the world for the 2024 Cross National Working Equitation Cup and Camp, a prestigious event that combines horsemanship, teamwork and skill in a series of challenges.
This year's event took place from Aug. 26-Sept. 1 at the Moose Jaw Exhibition grounds, attracting both seasoned riders and newcomers eager to assess their abilities in this growing sport.
The facility is recognized as a hub for equestrian activities, boasting top-notch facilities and a strong community of horse enthusiasts. The city’s location, coupled with its history of hosting large-scale events, made it the ideal venue for the national event.
Over 130 riders and horses took part in this esteemed event that is growing in popularity around the world. Participants from the U.S., Canada, The Netherlands and Australia came for a week of clinics and shows with other fellow horse people.
Working equitation is relatively new in Canada and has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. Originating in Europe, the sport was initially designed to highlight the skills required of working ranch horses, such as agility, obedience and co-operation with their riders. As the sport evolved, it has incorporated elements from classical dressage, cattle herding and obstacle courses, making it a comprehensive test of horse and rider partnership.
The camps began on Aug. 26 with instructors from across the world bringing their knowledge and skills to the event and teaching others what they have learned over the years. The next two days brought more education for the riders on how to form a partnership with one's horse, and also to gain knowledge from other riders.
Each evening awards were given out to those that attended the camps. Stalls were decorated and teams of four were made up for points over the weekend shows.
At all times, three rings were on the go, with two on the west side with a warmup ring, and the main ring located inside of the arena, with a warmup area in the west barn.
They were put to good use throughout the week with 24 presenters. Aug. 29 was the day for cattle herding and spectators saw how the riders are taught to manicure the horse to separate one animal from the cattle herd.
That evening was the costume class. With the wide imagination of many riders, the main ring was filled with carefully-decorated horses and riders. Stephanie Zoer from Stoughton attended and dressed up as a pirate, putting a patch on her horse's eye; Misty only has one eye.
Being a new rider in the discipline, Zoer found the event to be very welcoming and everyone extremely helpful, although at first, she admitted she was overwhelmed with the size of the show.
Zoer rode in a class of 24 riders in the dressage event, and she was happy with placing 18th. This class is all about straight lines, circles, halts and backing up, and how well the rider and horse preform as a team.
“I have not been doing this discipline for very long,” said Zoer. “And seeing the calibre of riders, placing 18th was great and I was happy with that.”
The following day was the Ease of Handling (EOH). This is a course of obstacles from crossing bridges, opening gates, backing the horse between poles and jumps. This is all done in a certain order and must be completed, or the rider and horse are disqualified.
Zoer said she was nervous going into this event, but once she saluted the judge it was just her horse and herself out for a ride.
“When I saw my score and placing, I cried,” said Zoer. “I placed third in this event, and this was truly a proud moment for me and my horse.”
Out of the 24 riders from across the country, Zoer finished 11th with the combination of both rides.
“This discipline is such a great thing, and everyone cheers everyone on,” said Zoer. “It is bringing so many people together and everyone is happy to help each other, which includes taking out ones horse or cleaning a stall.”
President Darcy Henkel of WECan Working Equitation Canada said the event was well put together by the South Saskatchewan WECan chapter. She thanked the generous sponsors for the event, as it is through them that events like this are possible.
Henkel became the president in January, and was the vice-president for one year and a director for four. The prizes and awards that were received were incredible and all the participants were thrilled to win one. Henkel also thanked the many volunteers and the three judges.
A group of women the ring in inflatable cartoons to give the crowd a good laugh. In costume and barely being able to walk, they tried to run the obstacle course, causing quite the chaos in the ring.
Sept. 1 was the speed event, in which riders in Level 2 or higher raced against the clock. When this was completed, awards were handed out.
Zoer said it was such a great feeling to be among so many different riders from around the world. She predicted it is an event that will continue to grow.
