Sorry, another WE question. I have read the (Canadian) rules on tack/clothing, but still moderately unsure how to judge the collective mark for “presentation”. Last time I judged the dressage portion of WE I just gave everyone an “8” because they all had clean horses and were wearing clothes. I want to be a bit more discipline specific this time round, but I am having trouble understanding what makes an 8 vs a 6. Just a dirty vs clean horse? Or are their points for being “authentic”?
Cant speak for Canada, but the US Rules discuss “tradition” and say that tack and clothing must be of consistent tradition: So, for example, a western type bridle with a dressage saddle not good. Western saddle and tall boots, not good. Perhaps braiding style or lack thereof could also be considered. Bling is discouraged. The problem is that this is still pretty vague here and the concept of tradition may be more relevant in europe where different countries are represented.
Just found this: http://wswea.memberlodge.org/page-1268687
Getting an 8 for having clothes on!
Ahahahaha!
Sorry I’m not being more helpful.
Ahahahaha!
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That link is interesting, albeit somewhat confusing: dressage tack means you can use any dressage legal bit, but hunter tack means a double bridle/Pelham for higher levels? I didn’t see anything regarding western bits. The link varies from the Canadian rules a bit, but still helpful, so thank you!
Can’t help with the question but I know there is a WE clinic close to Calgary in early June.
P.
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I’ve wondered about this as well. If your riding Dressage do they expect full show attire turnout? It seems I’ve seen some that use a colored pad and breeches, no jacket, etc and others wear full show attire. Does this affect score?
The ERAHC site has the rules for the consolidated entities promoting WE in the United States…, eg., Working Equitation International Association for the United States of America (WEIAUSA), WE United, and the U.S. Federation of Working Equitation Organizations (USFWE).
https://www.erahc.org/working-equitation.html
The Tack and Attire Section is in section 1.9 of the general rules…and is pretty wide open.
Appendix D is specific to Tack and Attire, but does not further define the criteria [INDENT]One of the goals of international WE competitions is to preserve and perpetuate the type of equitation in each country, including the riding attire and tack that constitute part of their cultural tradition. There are many cultural traditions with respect to riding styles, tack, and attire in the United States. Designation of one tradition style to represent the U.S. in national and international competitions will be determined at a future date, and will take into account the views of the WE community across the country.[/INDENT]
Here is Section 1.9 on Tack and Attire
1.9.1 Tack and Attire
The responsibility for correct tack, attire, and equipment rests with the competitor. At this time, no prescribed tack and attire is specified for entries at B rated, A rated, or regional championship shows (see Section 2 for a definition of competition level.
However, the following requirements must be met:
a.Tack must include a saddle, stirrups, and a bridle or bosal.
b.Bitted bridles, bitless bridles, and sidepulls are allowed. Natural or authentic bosal hackamores are allowed.
c. Any cavesson/noseband must be adjusted to allow room for the width of two fingers placed sideways.
d. Any allowed bit can be used regardless of tradition or discipline. The following bits are
not allowed: [INDENT]•Mechanical hackamores
•Gag bits
•Twisted or wire bits
•Elevator bits
•Combination bits
•Shank bits that exceed 8.5 inches in shank length as measured from the top of the shank where it attaches to the headstall to the bottom where it attaches to the rein
•Any bit with a port higher than 3.5 inches, including Spade bits
•Any bit considered inhumane by the Judge.[/INDENT]
e. Riders must wear long pants, breeches, or riding skirt; a long-or short-sleeved shirt with collar; and a hat or helmet. No sleeveless shirts or tank tops are allowed. Additional attire such as jackets, vests, gloves, chinks, armitas, half chaps, and scarves are permissible.
f. Riders must use footwear appropriate for showing in the tradition in which they are dressed. Heeled boots are the norm, although use of a different type of footwear that may be mandated by a specific tradition is acceptable.
g. Tack and attire must be neat and orderly. It should be of consistent tradition and will be reflected accordingly in the Presentation mark. Embellishments (silver, sequins, gems, etc.) should be minimal, and will not count over a good working outfit.
h. Entries must use the same tack and attire in all trials. Changes in clothing are allowed provided the attire remains of the same tradition and style throughout the competition.
i. There is no penalty for use of protective headgear or a protective safety vest for a rider in any trial. All competitors under the age of 18 must wear an ASTM/SEI-approved safety helmet.
.
According to the Canadian rules, no, you don’t need full show attire, but you do need a sleeved shirt with a collar, but I agree: should someone score higher on presentation if they have full show attire? the rules are too ambiguous (in the Canadian rule book anyway). Overall though, I think this is supposed to be a “working” class, so a jacket doesn’t seem overly appropriate, so I don’t plan to add points for show attire unless I learn otherwise.
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The British version of WE uses hunting as the basis for attire so at lower levels it is a tweed jacket, white shirt, stock, cream breeches and black tall boots or short boots and leather chaps. Moving up, the jacket may be black or blue show jacket.
I believe the most important aspect is that you stay consistent during all phases - you use the same tack and attire during dressage as during your ease of handling / speed test, and cattle (if applicable). I plan to show in English dressage fashion… and will be wearing recognized-show appropriate gear.
By the way, if you are in Maryland, northern VA or DC area (USA), my dressage barn is going all-in for Working Equitation and has an ease of handling course, clinics scheduled, and small group practice sessions available. https://www.keepstables.com/2019/03/21/working-equitation-in-md-dc/
Rules;
Tack and attire must be neat and orderly. It should be of consistent tradition and will be reflected accordingly in the Presentation portion of collective marks. Embellishments (silver, sequins, gems, etc.) should be minimal, and will not count over a good working outfit.
http://workingequitationcanada.com/files/rules_tests/2019-rules.pdf
