The Association

History

Three decades of Working Equitation — from the fields of southern Europe to a world stage.

Working Equitation was born from the everyday work of herding cattle on horseback. In 1996, Italy, France and Spain brought their field-riding traditions together as an international discipline, and in 1997 Portugal — whose riding culture remains central to the sport — joined them. These four founding nations still shape the rules today.

Timeline

Milestones

  1. 1996

    The beginning — Italy, France and Spain initiate Working Equitation as an international discipline; the first European Championship is held in Spain.

  2. 1997

    Portugal joins the founding nations.

  3. 2002

    The first World Championship takes place in Beja, Portugal.

  4. 2004

    The World Association for Working Equitation (WAWE) is founded to promote and regulate the sport under one shared rulebook.

  5. 2016

    The European Championship in Munich becomes the largest Working Equitation event held to date.

  6. 2019

    The first World Championship for Juniors & Young Riders is held in Ponte de Lima, Portugal.

  7. 2023

    WAWE expands its Executive Board to strengthen the management of the growing sport.

  8. 2026

    The 7th World Championship is hosted in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain — with 25 member federations and Working Equitation practised in more than 35 countries.

2004

Founded

4

Trials

25

Member federations

35+

Countries practising

7

World Championships

17

European Championships

“It is a deep satisfaction to see more than 35 countries practising Working Equitation and following the WAWE Rules.”

João Ralão Duarte — WAWE President

Tradition and welfare

Tradition and welfare

WAWE keeps the characteristics that made the sport unique — the traditional costumes and saddlery of each country make every championship an ethnographic and cultural showcase. At the same time, the association aligns its rules with FEI principles and enforces strict veterinary standards: the welfare of the horse always comes first, and any sign of blood leads to disqualification. WAWE promotes the sport worldwide through judge training courses and close cooperation with national federations on their path to official recognition.