SPOTLIGHT ON RIDERS
Name: Kim Wilson
Level training at and/or competing: Preliminary - Competitive
Breed : Clydesdale x Quarter Horse
Age of horse: 8 years in August 2018
How it started: Originally, I lived in Mudgee and was extremely fortunate to be part of the team whom began MADWEQ. Four years ago, I moved to Tamworth and was encouraged by friends and fellow equitation enthusiasts to begin a club here. This came about due to a wonderful but small group of local people. TADWEQ has now been running for 1 year and is steadily growing.
What is your club and uniform? I belong to Tamworth and Districts Working Equitation INC. The club uniform consists of an orange, white and black polo shirt either long or short sleeve, black jodhpurs, and orange scarf, or white shirt with moleskins with black vest, orange scarf or tie.
Favourite and most challenging obstacle: At the present time my favourite obstacle would have to be the double slalom - Shanook and I are just beginning to sort our walk to canter changes, which I am very excited about.
The most challenging obstacle(s) for us at present is the garotcha line, progressing from trot to canter.
Attire you ride in: I ride in dressage attire for the dressage, manaebility and speed phase then Australian stock horse attire for the cattle phase.
Journey so far and where you want to go? Shanook is my second horse to compete in Working Equitation. We have ventured to two National competitions at which we successfully completed all phases at both, and even managed to bring home the reserve champion ribbon at the Nationals comp held in Mudgee a few years ago. My passion for riding and spending time with other Working Equitation enthusiasts assists me in my aim to progress up the levels. I attempt to be competitive (lol!) but really, I just love to have a go and see where the work I have put in takes me. Meeting new and interesting people and spending time with old friends is always on my agenda.
And any other relevant information rider may like to add. I love to be involved in helping to spread the news of how wonderful Working Equitation and the ANWE community is. I have involved myself in various ANWE committees, club committees, become a B level judge and am dabbling in course designing at present.
I have also tried my hand at making obstacles. This has included making quite a few bulls for friends, for MADWEQ and now for TADWE.
Level training at and/or competing: Preliminary - Competitive
Breed : Clydesdale x Quarter Horse
Age of horse: 8 years in August 2018
How it started: Originally, I lived in Mudgee and was extremely fortunate to be part of the team whom began MADWEQ. Four years ago, I moved to Tamworth and was encouraged by friends and fellow equitation enthusiasts to begin a club here. This came about due to a wonderful but small group of local people. TADWEQ has now been running for 1 year and is steadily growing.
What is your club and uniform? I belong to Tamworth and Districts Working Equitation INC. The club uniform consists of an orange, white and black polo shirt either long or short sleeve, black jodhpurs, and orange scarf, or white shirt with moleskins with black vest, orange scarf or tie.
Favourite and most challenging obstacle: At the present time my favourite obstacle would have to be the double slalom - Shanook and I are just beginning to sort our walk to canter changes, which I am very excited about.
The most challenging obstacle(s) for us at present is the garotcha line, progressing from trot to canter.
Attire you ride in: I ride in dressage attire for the dressage, manaebility and speed phase then Australian stock horse attire for the cattle phase.
Journey so far and where you want to go? Shanook is my second horse to compete in Working Equitation. We have ventured to two National competitions at which we successfully completed all phases at both, and even managed to bring home the reserve champion ribbon at the Nationals comp held in Mudgee a few years ago. My passion for riding and spending time with other Working Equitation enthusiasts assists me in my aim to progress up the levels. I attempt to be competitive (lol!) but really, I just love to have a go and see where the work I have put in takes me. Meeting new and interesting people and spending time with old friends is always on my agenda.
And any other relevant information rider may like to add. I love to be involved in helping to spread the news of how wonderful Working Equitation and the ANWE community is. I have involved myself in various ANWE committees, club committees, become a B level judge and am dabbling in course designing at present.
I have also tried my hand at making obstacles. This has included making quite a few bulls for friends, for MADWEQ and now for TADWE.
*Elly May Wade
* Level training at and / or competing:
Introductory. Hope to move into Preliminary soon. Working on our canter.
* Breed and age of horse :
Cowboy. Chocolate Bay 13yo Polish /Egyptian Arab.
* How it started:
A group of friends all looking to spend more horse time together, with a focus on improving and learning more skills with an emphasis on fun, learning and support.
* What is your club and uniform :
Bellingen Valley Working Equitation. Emerald, Navy and Fuscia polo shirts.
* Favourite and most challenging obstacle.
My favourite obstacle is the double slalom as it can almost feel like dancing (on a good day) and it is ever challenging as you go up levels. Canter flying change through the slalom is a vastly distant goal. Garocha is still a challenge but we are getting there.
* Attire you ride in:
Dressage saddle and snaffle, Joddys, club polo.
* Journey so far, and where you want to go?
Our journey so far has been amazing. As a horse and rider new to the discipline, we both felt out of our depth and challenged. My horse was so spooked by everything in the beginning that he was a total maniac, but with support of the club and lots of practise and fun learning he is now calm and cool on the course and in the dressage arena. I am working towards us becoming a calm and confident team that can enjoy all stages of Working Equitation as a dance.
* And any other relevant information rider may like to add.
Doing Working Equitation has helped to change my horse from a spooky, frightened animal to a happy and willing partner on and off the WE course and arenas. Our trail riding has benefitted from all the skills we have developed, like gate opening, and calmly accepting new and strange things.
* Level training at and / or competing:
Introductory. Hope to move into Preliminary soon. Working on our canter.
* Breed and age of horse :
Cowboy. Chocolate Bay 13yo Polish /Egyptian Arab.
* How it started:
A group of friends all looking to spend more horse time together, with a focus on improving and learning more skills with an emphasis on fun, learning and support.
* What is your club and uniform :
Bellingen Valley Working Equitation. Emerald, Navy and Fuscia polo shirts.
* Favourite and most challenging obstacle.
My favourite obstacle is the double slalom as it can almost feel like dancing (on a good day) and it is ever challenging as you go up levels. Canter flying change through the slalom is a vastly distant goal. Garocha is still a challenge but we are getting there.
* Attire you ride in:
Dressage saddle and snaffle, Joddys, club polo.
* Journey so far, and where you want to go?
Our journey so far has been amazing. As a horse and rider new to the discipline, we both felt out of our depth and challenged. My horse was so spooked by everything in the beginning that he was a total maniac, but with support of the club and lots of practise and fun learning he is now calm and cool on the course and in the dressage arena. I am working towards us becoming a calm and confident team that can enjoy all stages of Working Equitation as a dance.
* And any other relevant information rider may like to add.
Doing Working Equitation has helped to change my horse from a spooky, frightened animal to a happy and willing partner on and off the WE course and arenas. Our trail riding has benefitted from all the skills we have developed, like gate opening, and calmly accepting new and strange things.
Imala Whitlock
RIDER SPOTLIGHT
* Name : Imala Whitlock, 13 years old
* Level training at and / or competing: Preliminary
* Breed and age of horse :Tucker - Quarter Horse, 12 years old gelding
* How it started: I went to a training day with my mum and I liked it, the people were nice and inviting. My horse and I enjoyed working on the obstacles.
* What is your club and uniform : Bellingen Valley Working Equitation. We have just got new green and pink polo shirts.
* Favourite and most challenging obstacle: My favourite is the Garrocha because I am better than my mum ! It’s a challenge that involves a range of skills: pick it up, riding one hand, guiding my horse with my legs. Tucker is really good at it!
I find the gate challenging as usually rush through it, which doesn’t work! He gets fidgety and I can’t control him as much as I would like to.
* Attire you ride in: I am a bit mixed matched at the moment. I like riding in a bosal, but I don’t have a Western saddle. My attire is a work in progress.
* Journey so far, and where you want to go? I go to regular training days at Bellingen. My horse enjoyed the obstacles from day one which was a great start. After getting used to the obstacles in walk and trot, I am now starting to canter through some of them. Tuckers canter is getting more balanced. At home I practice a fair bit with mum, in addition to a few trail rides and a bit of jumping: it all helps with our working equitation training.
I just want to keep having fun and enjoy my horse riding!
* And any other relevant information rider may like to add: I am the youngest person in the club and I love it!! I love when we camp overnight with the team and the horses at the Bellingen show grounds : we have lots of fun and very interesting conversations.
* Name : Imala Whitlock, 13 years old
* Level training at and / or competing: Preliminary
* Breed and age of horse :Tucker - Quarter Horse, 12 years old gelding
* How it started: I went to a training day with my mum and I liked it, the people were nice and inviting. My horse and I enjoyed working on the obstacles.
* What is your club and uniform : Bellingen Valley Working Equitation. We have just got new green and pink polo shirts.
* Favourite and most challenging obstacle: My favourite is the Garrocha because I am better than my mum ! It’s a challenge that involves a range of skills: pick it up, riding one hand, guiding my horse with my legs. Tucker is really good at it!
I find the gate challenging as usually rush through it, which doesn’t work! He gets fidgety and I can’t control him as much as I would like to.
* Attire you ride in: I am a bit mixed matched at the moment. I like riding in a bosal, but I don’t have a Western saddle. My attire is a work in progress.
* Journey so far, and where you want to go? I go to regular training days at Bellingen. My horse enjoyed the obstacles from day one which was a great start. After getting used to the obstacles in walk and trot, I am now starting to canter through some of them. Tuckers canter is getting more balanced. At home I practice a fair bit with mum, in addition to a few trail rides and a bit of jumping: it all helps with our working equitation training.
I just want to keep having fun and enjoy my horse riding!
* And any other relevant information rider may like to add: I am the youngest person in the club and I love it!! I love when we camp overnight with the team and the horses at the Bellingen show grounds : we have lots of fun and very interesting conversations.
Jenny
Level training at and / or competing: Preliminary
Breed and age of horse: Jassehr is an Egyptian Arab and he is 10 years old
How it started-- I bought Jassehr as a four year old green broke Arab off a stud in Clybucca. After retraining and getting him out to various events trying different things we both decided show jumping was not his ideal vocation. I was looking for something that included desensitising and dressage. A friend suggested Working Equitation, perfect for a young horse that tends to get over excited and needs work on his ground skills.
What is your club and uniform: We attend Bellingen Valley Working Equitation and our uniform colours are emerald and fuschia
Favourite and most challenging obstacle: My favourite obstacle is the double slalom . The most challenging is still the side pass pole!
Attire you ride in-- I ride English style, dress and tack
Journey so far, and where you want to go? I am really happy with how my boy is going, he has calmed down so much since we have been going to working equitation over the last 3 years. We aim for more consistent canter collection and control to enable us to do a full obstacle course at the canter!
Joanna Dockerty
I began riding as a child in England, learning at a riding school and then being lucky enough to have my own horse to compete on. I rode in local shows, Gymkhanas, Cross Country and Show Jumping. I also joined the local royalty in their hunts which was exhilarating. I lived about 2 km from the beach and rode there with friends most days. We would pack a backpack with some food and drinks and be gone all day during the holidays. Horses have been my life ever since. When I travelled to Australia my first task was to find a place to ride. I found work mustering and have tried out hundreds of trail riding centres all over the world to get my ‘horse fix’! After I married I began the task of finding my own horse again and found a lovely TB called Murphy. My instructor encouraged me to try dressage and I was quickly addicted. I was never brilliant but mostly competitive and always had a fantastic time with a wine and a few giggles at the end of the day!
Five years ago, I had a massive road accident. I broke my spine, skull, ribs, scapula, collarbone, and much more. I was told I would have to have my right arm amputated and my damaged body would cause me pain for the rest of my life. The compartment syndrome I suffered from in my right arm caused massive damage but thanks to some very clever doctors I still have it. I was told I would never ride again, I would never work and was stuck at home from continuous vertigo and severe pain.
I decided not to give up, I was a qualified hairdresser and, as I would never do this job again, I popped myself in a chair and completed a degree in primary teaching online. It was a tricky process, but UNE made adjustments for me as a disabled student. I am now working as a teacher full time. I have taken a lot of trial and error, making adjustments, to enable me to work. It has been a long and gradual process, but I absolutely love my job.
All along I was thinking about horses, I found, through a friend, a 7-year-old quarter horse gelding that can be ridden using my voice as my main aid. He was competing in reining and has some training in dressage. He is very quiet (most of the time) but can be a little cheeky. He is a fidget and likes to play, losing his two front teeth is one magic trick we can’t work out! I began riding again very slowly, 5 mins in walk to begin with increasing super slowly. I quickly found I could not sit in my dressage saddle without extreme pain, so the dressage queen left and the western cowgirl (very deeply hidden) was found. I rode him intermittently depending on my pain levels over a few years until I saw Tamworth and District Working Equitation (TADWE). I saw a few dressage friends had joined and I decided to have a go; at least I knew some dressage and I was allowed to ride in my western saddle.
I arrived at TADWE to be surrounded by lots of other WEq virgins and met Kim Wilson, TADWE’s president who is incredible. We all received so much help and instruction, a welcome pack and mostly met some wonderful new friends.
In the past I had been in many committees, so I went to the TADWE general meeting and offered my help with the website, my gorgeous husband was roped into making a bridge and I became TADWE scorer continuing to run our first competition. I love learning and competing so also joined MADWEQ and completed the accredited Judges course in April.
Having a goal to work towards is important so after I had completed one practice day I entered the Nationals. I completed 1 days cattle clinic then I entered the cattle phase (what could go wrong?). My goal was set and I made a plan to do my best. My doctor is supportive and wrote a letter for the committees of event explaining the adjustments I required. I have special reins with grip handles attached to my reins, as I have no feeling or grip in my right hand. My left shoulder has continuous pain and little strength, nothing can help my vertigo and pain in my injured back. I use my voice as an aid and have my own guaracha which has a rope handle and a larger diameter, so I have more grip.
The Nationals were fun, I ran 6th on the primary dressage. My horse was a little excited in the indoor and this became too hard on my body so I choose to trot most of the maneability and stay away from the big E! Running 9th, the next day we were both exhausted and speed was renamed ‘slow’ so I finished 15th. I was thrilled with 15th after 5 months back in the saddle and a new sport.
I am very proud of TADWE, we assisted in the organization of the Nationals. Our uniform, black and orange shirts and scarfs are bright and they stood out from the crowd. We have incredible members who, after the Nationals, are like me, even more addicted. We are all beginning to travel to other clubs to compete and our friendly club is growing fast.
I am competing Competitor Preliminary and hope to move up a level before the Nationals next year. I have a lot of work to do to achieve this goal, the hardest obstacle being the Guaracha line. When I look down for the pick-up I struggle with vertigo, I can’t feel the pole and struggle with controlling the speed of my horse with one hand. I have heard using your seat works too (yet to succeed here) so I’m learning. My journey is full of fun, friendships, and challenges. I can’t wait to ride and compete but mostly I have met some incredible people who are truly inspirational. I believe my disability has given me the ability to find answers and to succeed in challenges where others may give up. I am a better rider and horseperson now than I was in the past.
I have volunteered to assist in the Nationals 2018 and will continue to help TADWE in any way I can. One dream is to fly overseas to watch the Working Equitation World Championships and another is to have a lesson or two with Pedro Torres. I couldn’t do any of this without my wonderful husband Mat, he is a great horseman, groom, driver, mechanic, float designer, and so much more.
Joanna Dockerty
Five years ago, I had a massive road accident. I broke my spine, skull, ribs, scapula, collarbone, and much more. I was told I would have to have my right arm amputated and my damaged body would cause me pain for the rest of my life. The compartment syndrome I suffered from in my right arm caused massive damage but thanks to some very clever doctors I still have it. I was told I would never ride again, I would never work and was stuck at home from continuous vertigo and severe pain.
I decided not to give up, I was a qualified hairdresser and, as I would never do this job again, I popped myself in a chair and completed a degree in primary teaching online. It was a tricky process, but UNE made adjustments for me as a disabled student. I am now working as a teacher full time. I have taken a lot of trial and error, making adjustments, to enable me to work. It has been a long and gradual process, but I absolutely love my job.
All along I was thinking about horses, I found, through a friend, a 7-year-old quarter horse gelding that can be ridden using my voice as my main aid. He was competing in reining and has some training in dressage. He is very quiet (most of the time) but can be a little cheeky. He is a fidget and likes to play, losing his two front teeth is one magic trick we can’t work out! I began riding again very slowly, 5 mins in walk to begin with increasing super slowly. I quickly found I could not sit in my dressage saddle without extreme pain, so the dressage queen left and the western cowgirl (very deeply hidden) was found. I rode him intermittently depending on my pain levels over a few years until I saw Tamworth and District Working Equitation (TADWE). I saw a few dressage friends had joined and I decided to have a go; at least I knew some dressage and I was allowed to ride in my western saddle.
I arrived at TADWE to be surrounded by lots of other WEq virgins and met Kim Wilson, TADWE’s president who is incredible. We all received so much help and instruction, a welcome pack and mostly met some wonderful new friends.
In the past I had been in many committees, so I went to the TADWE general meeting and offered my help with the website, my gorgeous husband was roped into making a bridge and I became TADWE scorer continuing to run our first competition. I love learning and competing so also joined MADWEQ and completed the accredited Judges course in April.
Having a goal to work towards is important so after I had completed one practice day I entered the Nationals. I completed 1 days cattle clinic then I entered the cattle phase (what could go wrong?). My goal was set and I made a plan to do my best. My doctor is supportive and wrote a letter for the committees of event explaining the adjustments I required. I have special reins with grip handles attached to my reins, as I have no feeling or grip in my right hand. My left shoulder has continuous pain and little strength, nothing can help my vertigo and pain in my injured back. I use my voice as an aid and have my own guaracha which has a rope handle and a larger diameter, so I have more grip.
The Nationals were fun, I ran 6th on the primary dressage. My horse was a little excited in the indoor and this became too hard on my body so I choose to trot most of the maneability and stay away from the big E! Running 9th, the next day we were both exhausted and speed was renamed ‘slow’ so I finished 15th. I was thrilled with 15th after 5 months back in the saddle and a new sport.
I am very proud of TADWE, we assisted in the organization of the Nationals. Our uniform, black and orange shirts and scarfs are bright and they stood out from the crowd. We have incredible members who, after the Nationals, are like me, even more addicted. We are all beginning to travel to other clubs to compete and our friendly club is growing fast.
I am competing Competitor Preliminary and hope to move up a level before the Nationals next year. I have a lot of work to do to achieve this goal, the hardest obstacle being the Guaracha line. When I look down for the pick-up I struggle with vertigo, I can’t feel the pole and struggle with controlling the speed of my horse with one hand. I have heard using your seat works too (yet to succeed here) so I’m learning. My journey is full of fun, friendships, and challenges. I can’t wait to ride and compete but mostly I have met some incredible people who are truly inspirational. I believe my disability has given me the ability to find answers and to succeed in challenges where others may give up. I am a better rider and horseperson now than I was in the past.
I have volunteered to assist in the Nationals 2018 and will continue to help TADWE in any way I can. One dream is to fly overseas to watch the Working Equitation World Championships and another is to have a lesson or two with Pedro Torres. I couldn’t do any of this without my wonderful husband Mat, he is a great horseman, groom, driver, mechanic, float designer, and so much more.
Joanna Dockerty
Maddie Dale
Level -Prelim
Warrior my horse 20 Year old paint
Why I started Working Equitation- wanted to move onto something new and my sister was going to Working Equitation
Club Name - Mudgee & District Working Equitation
Favourite Obstacle - Bell Tower
Most Challenging Obstacle - side pass right & reverse gate
Attire I wear - Mudgee & District Working Equitation Shirt with white moleskins / jeans with club saddlecloth & stock saddle
I love Working Equitation & watching other members in upper levels & their horses & catching up with my friends & I hope myself & Warrior can progress to upper levels one day. I am positive we will as when I first started I couldn’t shut the gate and couldn’t sidepass so we have come a long way so anything is possible !
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Monique Dale
Monique Dale
Level -Prelim
Cruze my horse 11 Year old Bay
Why I started Working Equitation- Change of discipline and to try something new - looked exciting and fun to do with my horse
Club Name - Mudgee & District Working Equitation
Favourite Obstacle - The Bell Tower and The Bridge
Most Challenging Obstacle- Knocking off the ball and picking up the ring in canter
Attire I wear - Mudgee & District Working Equitation Shirt with black jodphurs with dressage saddle for dressage and style etc and white moleskins with club shirt for the cattle phase with stock saddle. We also have a club saddle cloth.
Loving Working Equitation in all aspects and hope to proceed in levels. The best is when we have all 4 phases. It’s great to compete not only with children my own age but also with adults and have meet so many new people and have made wonderful friends at my club. Everyone always helps each other and gives guidance and each comp we have always makes me feel excited and wanting to accomplish more each time. Every Working Equitation Day / Comp is a new beginning for myself & Cruze.
Level -Prelim
Cruze my horse 11 Year old Bay
Why I started Working Equitation- Change of discipline and to try something new - looked exciting and fun to do with my horse
Club Name - Mudgee & District Working Equitation
Favourite Obstacle - The Bell Tower and The Bridge
Most Challenging Obstacle- Knocking off the ball and picking up the ring in canter
Attire I wear - Mudgee & District Working Equitation Shirt with black jodphurs with dressage saddle for dressage and style etc and white moleskins with club shirt for the cattle phase with stock saddle. We also have a club saddle cloth.
Loving Working Equitation in all aspects and hope to proceed in levels. The best is when we have all 4 phases. It’s great to compete not only with children my own age but also with adults and have meet so many new people and have made wonderful friends at my club. Everyone always helps each other and gives guidance and each comp we have always makes me feel excited and wanting to accomplish more each time. Every Working Equitation Day / Comp is a new beginning for myself & Cruze.