The Working Equitation Training Manual - by Ali Kermeen (Paperback)

About the Book

"The Working Equitation Training Manual provides a one-of-a-kind progressive training system to those new to the sport. Lessons focus on developing confidence with the obstacle phases of working equitation while incorporating dressage principles. The elements of each obstacle are broken down and then brought back together in step-by-step exercises that: prepare horse and rider to perform an obstacle properly; introduce horses and riders to competition obstacles; and help improve and polish an obstacle's execution. With clear diagrams and color photographs, a helpful glossary of terms to help those unfamiliar with working equitation terminology, and variations and benefits for every exercise, readers are provided an appealing introduction to an exciting option for adding diversity to daily training, as well as showing and competing in other sports"--

Book Synopsis

The only book available devoted to learning and perfecting working equitation obstacles.

Working equitation is a competitive equestrian sport that originated in Europe, with the first European Championship held in 1996. It quickly gained a fanbase for its beauty and its focus on classical horsemanship ideals and developing handiness under saddle. In 2004 the World Association for Working Equitation (WAWE) was established, and today, many countries have their own national organizations for governing working equitation competitions, including the United States--the USAWE was formed in 2020. Heralding the advent of a brand-new way to pursue and demonstrate horse-and-rider connection, working equitation competitor and trainer Ali Kermeen has written a much-needed reference for preparing both horse and rider to participate.

The Working Equitation Training Manual provides a one-of-a-kind progressive training system to those new to the sport. Lessons focus on developing confidence with the obstacle phases of working equitation while incorporating dressage principles. The elements of each obstacle are broken down and then brought back together in step-by-step exercises that:

• Prepare horse and rider to perform an obstacle properly.


• Introduce horses and riders to competition obstacles.


• Help improve and polish an obstacle's execution.

With clear diagrams and color photographs, a helpful glossary of terms to help those unfamiliar with working equitation terminology, and variations and benefits for every exercise, readers are provided an appealing introduction to an exciting option for adding diversity to daily training, as well as showing and competing in other sports. "I started teaching these skills to all my students, regardless of their riding discipline," says Ali. "These working equitation exercises help my riders excel at dressage, endurance, trail riding, pony clubbing, eventing, jumping, gaited horses, groundwork, Cowboy Dressage, and breed shows." The
Working Equitation Training Manual promises to do the same for
you.

Review Quotes

"The Working Equitation Training Manual is essential
for both the novice and seasoned rider. Kermeen's book is packed with ideas and
exercises to expand your working equitation practice. The easy-to-understand
lessons and diagrams focus on developing confidence with the obstacle phases of
working equitation, while incorporating dressage principles. ...a valuable resource to be referenced time and
time again." --Cowgirl Magazine

"One of the beauties of the book is that it's
not just for working equitation fans. The exercises provide fun ways to spice
up schooling sessions and challenge the accuracy and basic flatwork skills of
horses and riders at any pace. ... I'm thrilled to have The Working
Equitation Training Manual in my tack room for easy reference when I
need exercises to focus my flatwork. ... Ultimately, this book is an excellent
resource for riders wanting to liven up their flatwork or excel at the sport of
working equitation." --Horse Journals

"Ali Kermeen's passion for Working Equitation is apparent
in this highly detailed body of work. Ali takes you step by step through a
strategic process for both horse and rider improvement that will be effective
no matter what discipline you pursue. And the exercises she shares, with their
diagrams and written clarity, are must-haves for anyone interested in the
discipline of Working Equitation." --Eitan Beth-Halachmy, Founder
of Cowboy Dressage and author of Cowboy Dressage and Dressage the
Cowboy Way

"A wonderful collection of exercises that breaks down each
task in to specific steps, this book offers fun and interesting ways to fulfill
a focused and precise ride!" --Jec Aristotle Ballou author of 101 Dressage Exercises for
Horse and Rider and 55 Corrective Exercises for Horses

"What
a fantastic book! I was introduced to Working Equitation a few years ago and
immediately fell in love. The Working Equitation Training Manual helps riders
of all stages--total newbies to the sport all the way to professional dressage
riders, like myself. Ali Kermeen breaks down the training process into
easy-to-follow exercises that build on one another. Working Equitation is a
great way to bond with your horse, challenge your dressage skills, and add some
fun obstacles to make training sessions more interesting. I have already been
adding Ali's unique exercises into my daily training. I highly recommend this
book to anyone that wants to try Working Equitation or just improve their
riding skills." --Sandra Beaulieu, USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist, Author of
Freestyle: The Ultimate Guide to Riding, Training, and Competing to
Music

"This title
offers a beautifully balanced approach to the increasingly popular discipline
of Working Equitation. Clear and concise instruction, graded in difficulty and
delivered with care and attention to details, all working equitation
aficionados will love this reference book.... Nicely
produced book with excellent layout, this is a great title that the sport
sorely needed." --Catskill Horse Magazine

About the Author

Ali Kermeen grew up riding at a top eventing barn in the East Bay of San Francisco, California. As a junior rider she developed a love for enjoying horses in all disciplines, including dressage, eventing, hunter/jumper, gymkhana, western, and trail riding. She has carried this love of different disciplines into her professional life, with the basis of all her training being dressage principles integrated with Tom Dorrance-style horsemanship. Ali is a Certified Horsemen's Association (CHA) Master Instructor in both English and Western, a United States Eventing Association (USEA) Certified Level 1 Instructor, a Cowboy Dressage Level 2 Recommended Clinician, a United States Dressage Federation (USDF) "L" judge program graduate with distinction, a USDF Silver and Bronze Medalist, and has been coach of Santa Clara University's dressage team since its inception in 2013. When Ali saw a video on the internet of a rider competing in a working equitation speed round, she noted characteristics of the sport that mirrored those in all the various disciplines she pursued. It was if she had been training for it her whole life without even knowing it. Since then, Ali has become a hub of working equitation activity in her area, offering lessons and clinics, and competing successfully at Intermediate B (level 5) in USAWE (United States of America Working Equitation) rated competitions. She also is a USAWE committee volunteer.