WEDU Inc. Levels
Working Equitation Down Under Inc. (WEDU Inc.) has 9 levels which progress horse and rider combinations from Lead Line to Masters, which is based on International Rules and Standards. The first four levels are unique to WEDU and integral to our "have a go" attitude and inclusiveness.
All WEDU Inc. levels and divisions (age and Encouragement) can be run at Affiliated Club competitions and are therefore eligible to be counted in all WEDU Inc. pointscore leader boards and awards.
Training a horse for Working Equitation is a little different from training for any other equestrian sport in that W.E. values the harmony between horse and rider above everything else. At the highest levels W.E. principally uses only two gaits: the walk and the canter. Allowance is made at the lower levels for the trot as a training gait to condition the horse and rider to ultimately progress to a well‐balanced, collected canter. The sport’s ideals of walk/canter and single-handed riding, as well as having the horse in a good frame with balance and collection, are always to be kept in mind. The foremost consideration is always the horse. Therefore judges will always have as their first priority the calm way the horse goes and the clear and visible harmony between horse and rider.
Level 1 Lead Line - 2 Phase, Dressage and Ease of Handling, walk and trot only, ridden predominantly with two hands. Horse or pony is led by an adult handler. Horse must be at least 3 years of age. Allowing combinations at this level to compete officially is unique to WEDU Inc.
Level 2 Introductory - 2 Phase, Dressage and Ease of Handling, walk and trot only, ridden predominantly with two hands. Adult assistant may be on course to help if necessary. Horse must be at least 3 years of age.This level and its requirements is unique to WEDU Inc.
Level 3 Preparatory - 3 Phase (Cattle with permission), walk and trot only, ridden predominantly with two hands. May enter the Cattle phase with prior approval. Horse must be at least 3 years of age. Allowing combinations at this level to compete officially and also complete Speed and Cattle phases is unique to WEDU Inc.
Level 4 Preliminary - 4 Phase, ridden predominantly with two hands, canter is introduced between obstacles and as a simple circle in the Dressage phase. Transitions are progressive. Horse must be at least 4 years of age. This level has been specifically designed as a step between walk trot Preparatory level and Novice level which is mostly canter and walk.
Level 5 Novice - 4 Phase, ridden predominantly with two hands, canter or walk is compulsory for most of the Ease of Handling, transitions may be progressive. Horse should be consistent in its contact and balanced more on its hind quarters. Horse must be at least 4 years of age. First level with equivalent international levels.
Level 6 Elementary - 4 Phase, rider may ride some obstacles one handed, more complex movements required in Dressage phase, simple canter lead changes and transitions. Beginnings of collection in trot and canter should be evident. Horse must be at least 5 years of age.
Level 7 Medium - 4 Phase, rider may ride some obstacles one handed. Flying changes and non-progressive transitions are required. Double bridles and Western shank bits are allowed from this level up. Collection and suppleness should be demonstrated. Horse must be at least 5 years of age.
Level 8 Advanced - 4 Phase, ridden one handed in all phases. Flying changes and non-progressive transitions are required. More advanced lateral movements are asked for in Dressage phase. Greater collection and impulsion than at Medium level. This level is to prepare the horse and rider for International standard. Horse must be at least 5 years of age.
Level 9 Masters - 4 Phase, ridden one handed in all phases. This is the highest level and equates to the WAWE International standard. Horse and rider should demonstrate harmony and coherence as a pair. This is only level that a horse and rider combination must qualify for. Horse must be at least 6 years of age.