Midwest Horse Fair Working Equitation Challenge
With USAWE Judge Doreen Atkinson
Top USAWE competitors display timeless versatility and precise horsemanship skills as they compete in three trials!
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 11-13, 2025
Watch as advanced riders from diverse equestrian backgrounds demonstrate their expertise in the exciting sport of Working Equitation; a new discipline that quickly growing in popularity across the US!
Midwest Horse Fair is proud to present the 2025 Working Equitation Challenge with USAWE Judge Doreen Atkinson, showcasing proven W.E. riders as they compete in three separate trials and are evaluated for classical precision, traditional ranch versatility, and the test of speed. The timeless tradition of ranch work across all nations, ethnicity, and breeds, are honored in the sport of Working Equitation.
Don't miss this chance to witness the Top 10 selected riders as they compete to win $3,500+ in Cash & Buckle Prizes!
Join us throughout the weekend to watch these top competitors demonstrate their skill in each of the USAWE Working Equitation trials!
- Friday, April 11th - Dressage Test
- Saturday, April 12th - Ease of Handling Trial
- Sunday, April 13th - Final Speed Trial followed by Awards Presentation
Coordinated by USAWE Affiliate Organization, The Sunshine Ranch. To apply for the 2025 Midwest Horse Fair Working Equitation Challenge, contact Adrienne Dymesich at: Thesunriseranch@gmail.com.
Applicants must be members of USAWE and horse/riders have record of skill for consideration and acceptance in this USAWE Challenge.
WORKING EQUITATION IN THE US
The levels of Working Equitation are a progression of skills from simple walk/trot expectations that are ideal for beginners, youth, and green horses, but the seven level progression leads directly to masters where FEI skills are required and the Grand Prix rider can be challenged.
This sport honors the heritage of the working ranch horse in countries around the world by the chosen tack and attire of each rider and their horse.
While the sport officially emerged relatively recently here in the US, it has ancient roots based on traditional horse-riding practices from the Mediterranean basin. Today the USAWE competitions are modeled after the World Working Equitation standard, evaluating the combined scores of Dressage, Ease of Handling, and Speed, with the addition of a fourth trial, the Cattle Trial. The last test of sorting and penning cattle as a team is the cumulative application of skills and maintains the tradition of the sport, ranch work.
Modern working equitation prides itself on its inclusiveness, welcoming riders from all disciplines and horses of all breeds. By maintaining close ties to its traditional roots, this sport has brought old-world horsemanship values to modern riders across the globe.
Would you like to know more about the sport of Working Equitation? Visit the official USAWE website for details on the objectives of Working Equitation and how you can engage in clinics and shows in your area.
Learn more at the USAWE.org website.
The 2025 Midwest Horse Fair Working Equitation competition is open to spectators with the purchase of a daily general admission ticket. Purchase General Admission tickets at any Blain’s Farm & Fleet location throughout the midwest starting early November!
Competition times to be published in the Midwest Horse Fair online schedule by March 1, 2025.