Sharlotte took her 5 year old welsh mare to the prestigious Festival of the Iberian show to perform in Working Equitation recently. Working Equitation is a sport that celebrates the partnership between horse and rider they complete obstacles together that demand a strong partnership, trust and training. It requires bravery from the horse and a workmanlike attitude whilst being correct and beautiful. Whilst the sport originates from Spain and Portugal where horses are a way of life and a part of the family. They are not only used for working livestock but also socially. Horses of any breed can compete. There are three phases, a dressage test, the ease of handling which is a test of correctness whilst completing the obstacles, and the final round is the speed round, where you must complete the obstacles and the fastest wins. At the show the atmosphere is intense, there was a large, very supportive, crowd in the final round and this little 14hh mare was really brave to complete 3 rounds at her first ever stay away show and her first ever working equitation competition. Jolene was struggling with distractions and spookiness in the dressage and ease of handling. Sharlotte was complimented by the judges for riding Jolene very quietly and calmly in the first ease of handling round where Jolene was very unsure of the bridge and gate. Sharlotte and Jolene did a very correct speed round, Sharlotte took her time and incurred no time faults and had a time bonus after successful spearing the ring from the bull minus 5 seconds). Sharlotte and Jolene were 27 seconds faster than 2nd place. Sharlotte and Jolene had some fabulous results, 2nd in the dressage element, 3rd in the ease of handling, 1st in the speed round and 2nd overall with only 2 points behind the winner. This is an incredible result for a young horse at such a big national show in front of a large crowd. If you are interested in trying Working Equitation, Sharlotte has a clinic this Saturday at Crofton or every month throughout the colder and wetter months at Quob stables. Also watch out for her popular poles plus clinics at Crabbick Farm on the Meon Riding Club myridinglife or facebook page. If there is enough interest Meon could run a Working Equitation clinic? Please get in touch.. Click here to book