The discipline of Working Equitation (WE) was created with the objective of enhancing the equestrian techniques developed in countries whose riders use horses in different aspects of ranch and fieldwork. The aim is not only to preserve and perpetuate each country’s type of equitation, but also their various traditions, the dress, and tack comprising each nation’s unique cultural equestrian heritage. Working Equitation, therefore, provides an opportunity for the simultaneous comparison of sporting and cultural considerations.
Working Equitation was pioneered by four countries: Portugal, Spain, France and Italy, with the first International competition being held in 1996. In 2004, the World Association for Working Equitation (WAWE) was established to govern the sport. Since that time, the sport has continued to grow and is now well established in Europe and is gaining popularity in North America.
There are four trials, or tests, that make up a Working Equitation competition. The first three, Dressage, Ease of Handling, and Speed, are required for both individual and team competitions. The fourth trial, Cattle Handling, is included for team competitions. It is mandatory at national championship competitions and encouraged at all other competitions when facilities allow.
Imperador das Aguas JM, showing off the marcha batida gait for the fans. Ridden by Alan Villaca and owned by Claudia Bellandi
Manning the PBR Fan Zone Booth, Lynn Kelley and Karin Roberts.
Irana das Aguas JM on the left and Lo-Borges de Lazy T on the right.
After the PBR show one night, the group who was there from the US and Canada to support the clinic and the PBR!
We did sneak away one day for a great lunch at nearby 4 Seasons. Randy, Karen, John, Tresa Smith (MT breeder), and Lynn
At the PBR arena, 3 of the Future Foal breeders – Jeff Bosley, Lynn Kelley, Karen Livesay
Announcing the Marchador presentation with Chris, ringside.
Waiting to enter the ring with 4 Seasons Ana Raio and Lo-Borges de Lazy T.
Imperador, MM stallion who traveled from Bellandi Racing Stables to be there!
Setting up the booth – some of the US breeder banners. Rancho de los Cielos, Flying Oaks Ranch and Future Foal “do Summerwind”
Imperador das Aguas JM and Irana das Aguas JM
The PBR Fan Zone – some shows, some booths. We were there right next to the arena.
Lori Silcher of 4 Seasons Marchadores, MT rode her blue roan stallion Baluarte Piry demonstrating western riding, the marcha picada gait and some neat reining moves.
The PBR Fan Zone booth. We had TV, brochures, DVDs and people who could field any question – in English, Spanish and Portuguese!\
The official Marchador saddle of the ABCCMM with the horseshoe M brand on the pad.
The Fan Zone booth also held 4 stalls for the horses. Brazilian riders are Tiago Garcia and Alan Villaca
The fans got to meet the horses personally at the Fan Zone Booth.
The Brazilian Saddle Horse, the Mangalarga Marchador, was featured and shown during the PBR Finals week in Las Vegas! Many of the top ten professional bull riders are Brazilian and the sport is so big there, there is a PBR, Brazil! Thanks to APEX, Brasil who also support the PBR, the Marchador event came to life in Vegas, baby! Special thanks to APEX/ABCCMM Coordinator Ricardo Xavier who always has a full plate at events around the world and with his own wedding coming up in November! Congratulations Ricardo!
The Marchador is Brazil’s National Horse and so it was shown with much pride at the PBR FAN ZONE during the day and in the half-time show at the Thomas and Mack arena at night. The USMMA and the ABCCMM supported the APEX Brasil in manning booths in both locations too!
Many, many fans were interested in the breed and signed up to learn more. We gave away several hundred packets of DVDs, brochures, business cards and magazines about the Marchador breed! Not only was their literature, but some of the fans were lucky enough to test drive a Marchador at the PBR Fan Zone.
The horses were the stars of the show and they came long distances to participate!
From Ocala FL, Bellandi Racing Stables owner Claudia Bellandi came and shipped her imported Marchadors to Las Vegas! Imperador das Aguas JM, a grey stallion and Irana das Aguas JM, a grey mare. From MT, 2 Marchador breeders shipped 4 horses to Las Vegas. Lori Silcher, 4 Seasons Marchadors came with 3 horses — her blue roan stallion, Baluarte Piry, imported from Brazil, 4 Seasons Ana Raio, a buckskin mare, and 4 Seasons Lealdade, a chestnut mare. Dr. Tresa Smith came and shipped her grey gelding Lo-Borges de Lazy T.
Owners, breeders and support came from the U.S. Canada and Brazil with both USMMA President Rick Schatz of Flying Oaks Ranch and ABCCMM President Magdi Shaat of Haras El Far there.
And of course, Future Foal was there in almost full force – with me, Lynn Kelley, NC breeder Jeff Bosley and AZ breeder Karen Livesay. I was lucky enough to do some of the commentary during the Fan Zone presentations. That was almost as much fun as riding!
Long days, tired feet, but a great event. We hope to be out there again!
If you are looking for a personal horse or an investment opportunity, now is the time to learn more about this magnificent breed that is just getting started here in North America.
Here is a video of the event from MMTV in Brazil who covered the event. Forward to minute 38!
