Portugal
WAWE representative
Antonio Frutuoso
Working Equitation in Portugal
The main aim of Working Equitation competitions is to combine the competitive spirit of an equestrian discipline based on the classical riding of each country with the preservation of its traditions, particularly in the use of costumes and harnesses.
The first competitions began in Italy with the "maremen" and in France with the Cameroonian riders, and soon reached Spain with the "Doma Vaquera" competitors and Portugal. In 1999 took place the first National Championship organized with 7 rounds. The growing interest that this sport has aroused, both among competitors and the public, forced the Portuguese Equestrian Federation to create three different classes at the time (Consecrated Riders, for those who have been competing for at least a year, Under-16 Riders and Debutante Horses for animals taking part in this type of event for the first time). In 2004, the number of classes was adjusted to five with the inclusion of the Under-20 and Masters classes (the highest level in dressage that requires Grand Prix exercises).
In 2009, the Regional Championships were also created, which have seen an increasing number of participants.These initiatives are of great importance in boosting the discipline locally and promoting its practice at a national level.
A consequence of the success of Working Equitation is its internationalisation to other countries. We would like to emphasise the importance of Portuguese judges, trainers and riders for the growth of Working Equitation around the world, as they have helped to pass on their knowledge of the sport. Nowadays we have around 100 combinations, which, along with the increase in the number of events on the calendar, makes Working Equitation the fastest growing sport on the Portuguese equestrian scene.
TITLES ACHIEVED
Seniors
World Champions
Teams 2002, 2006, 2011, 2014 and 2022.
Individually 2006, 2011, 2014, 2018 and 2022.
European Champions
Teams 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2016
Individually 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2016.
Juniors and Young Riders
World Championships collectively and individually 2023.
Collective and individual European Championships 2015, 2019
The first competitions began in Italy with the "maremen" and in France with the Cameroonian riders, and soon reached Spain with the "Doma Vaquera" competitors and Portugal. In 1999 took place the first National Championship organized with 7 rounds. The growing interest that this sport has aroused, both among competitors and the public, forced the Portuguese Equestrian Federation to create three different classes at the time (Consecrated Riders, for those who have been competing for at least a year, Under-16 Riders and Debutante Horses for animals taking part in this type of event for the first time). In 2004, the number of classes was adjusted to five with the inclusion of the Under-20 and Masters classes (the highest level in dressage that requires Grand Prix exercises).
In 2009, the Regional Championships were also created, which have seen an increasing number of participants.These initiatives are of great importance in boosting the discipline locally and promoting its practice at a national level.
A consequence of the success of Working Equitation is its internationalisation to other countries. We would like to emphasise the importance of Portuguese judges, trainers and riders for the growth of Working Equitation around the world, as they have helped to pass on their knowledge of the sport. Nowadays we have around 100 combinations, which, along with the increase in the number of events on the calendar, makes Working Equitation the fastest growing sport on the Portuguese equestrian scene.
TITLES ACHIEVED
Seniors
World Champions
Teams 2002, 2006, 2011, 2014 and 2022.
Individually 2006, 2011, 2014, 2018 and 2022.
European Champions
Teams 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2016
Individually 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2016.
Juniors and Young Riders
World Championships collectively and individually 2023.
Collective and individual European Championships 2015, 2019
Gallery from Working Equitation Portugal
Please click on one of the small images (thumbnail) to view a larger version
