Gallatin Valley Working Equitation

Contact the business

Gallatin Valley Working Equitation Working Equitation fosters communication, trust, and training between riders and their equine partners. Riders of all disciplines welcome!

GVWE strives to provide learning opportunities and shows supporting the growth of the local equestrian community.

Yesterday, we made the difficult to cancel the remaining events we had planned and worked so hard to put on this year. T...
09/19/2026

Yesterday, we made the difficult to cancel the remaining events we had planned and worked so hard to put on this year. This includes both the obstacle practice on Sunday, September 20, 2026 as well as the show that was slated for next weekend, September 25-26. This was a difficult decision.

Unfortunately, as many of you are aware, Pigeon Fever (also known as Dryland Distemper, caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis) has been spreading in the Gallatin Valley for some time. While it is spread by flies that can travel miles on their own, there have not been cases outside of the Valley. As the contagion has worked its way north in our area, we ultimately decided that the risk was too great - particularly for those traveling here from Missoula, Billings, Helena or other areas. We do not want any other areas of Montana to end up with what we have had going on.

Our intention is to continue to plan for 2027 and our show will most likely be in August. Also, please save the date for the Amy Star clinic April 24-25, 2027. Amy is a fabulous Working Equitation Instructor, and we are soooooo happy to have her come kick off our riding season!

Please remember to thank our Sponsors and Donors - without them we would never be able to put on any of these events:

Northwestern Mutual, Andrea Wass
Bridger Animal Nutrition
Murdoch's Ranch & Home Supply
Hardaway Veterinary Hospital
Four Corners Saddlery
The Spur Line
Triple Crown Feeds
Rocky Mountain Supply
Béquet Confections

We would also like to thank Saddle Peak Equestrian Center for opening up their facility for our clinics, practice days, and our show! They have been wonderful, kind, and generous in every way!

Please let us know if you have any questions, concerns, or feedback. We really do want to continue to grow the fun sport of Working Equitation in the Gallatin Valley, and we depend on your participation to do so. Thank you again for your understanding.

Stay well,
Stacie & Tamara

09/07/2026

Obstacle highlight: The Jug
The example in this video received a 7/10 in competition. We would have scored higher for a smoother down transition and if my horses was not looking around (not immobile)

The Jug consists of a handled jug sitting on an elevated surface. There must be obstacle markers to indicate which direction to execute the obstacle.

The rider should approach the obstacle at the prescribed gate and halt when the riders leg is even with the table. An immobile, square halt is required and the horse must remain immobile while the rider picks up the jug, lifts it over their head, and replace the jug on the table. Then the horse departs at the same gait they were in when they approached the obstacle.

If the jug is dropped, at L1 a ground crew member will pick it up and and had it to the competitor. At L2/3 riders must dismount, pick up the jug, remount and complete the obstacle or they may request to pass and take a zero on the obstacle. At L4 and above if the obstacle is not completed the rider will be disqualified. If the table is knocked over the same rules apply as above.

And jarring movement or knocking into the table will result in a lower mark.

Ria’s advice for the jug:
Prepare for your halt a few strides before. Practice shifting your seat in the halt. If your horse moves when you lean over to pick up the jug you will get lower marks. If your horse is used to your weight shifting and staying still already they will be less likely to shift at the show.
Practice smooth down transitions away from the obstacle before practicing them next to the obstacle.
Practice standing without picking up the jug the first few times. Use the jug as a resting point and safe space so your horse is comfortable standing there.
After halting, if your horse will stand, count to 3 before picking up the jug.

09/07/2026

As the show date approaches we would like to take a moment to thank all of our wonderful, generous sponsors who are making it possible for us to put on a great show! Major thanks to Andrea Wass and her family for providing housing for our esteemed judges among other things! We are so thankful for your generosity. And shoutout to our other sponsors who have donated funds and prizes! This includes but is not limited to: Bridger Animal Nutrition, Murdoch’s Home and Ranch Supply, Four Corners Saddlery, The Spur Line, Rocky Mountain Supply, Bequet Carmels.
We would also like to thank Saddle Peak Equestrian Center for opening up your facility to us for our practice days as well as our show!

08/26/2026

Obstacle highlight: The Pen
The example in this video received a 7.5/10 in competition

The pen is performed at a walk at the lower levels and a walk or a canter at levels 5, 6, 7. The horse should enter the obstacle at the prescribed gait in one direction, exit the obstacle, and re-enter the obstacle going the opposite direction. The rider may choose which direction to go first unless specified on the course map or by the judge. A higher score will be given if the obstacle is entered straight at a perpendicular angle (this is required at L6). If cantering, a lead change is required.
In the speed trial, the pen is prescribed in one circuit only and rider may choose direction unless specified by the course map or the judge.

The pen consists of a round enclosure, 6 meters or 20 ft in diameter with an entrance between 5 and 8 ft wide. Inside the round enclosure is a smaller round fenced enclosure 10 ft in diameter meant to simulate a livestock pen. The corridor should be 5 ft wide. It must be able to fall down easily when hit by horse or competitor.

Now Ria’s advice for the pen!
Admittedly, the pen is not my strongest obstacle but I can give some advice based on the things I have struggled with.
1. Have a plan so you don’t forget which way you have already gone. I tend to go the same way first each time so I don’t forget which way to go. I still practice both ways at home but in competition I usually go the same way first
2. There is only one change of bend in the pen! If you enter tracking right first, you exit with a right bend, change directions to the right and change bend to reenter the obstacle tracking left with a left bend.
3. When introducing a new horse to the pen, it can be helpful to start out in hand or following another horse. I like to start by walking circles around the outside of the pen to give my horse a chance to see the obstacle out of both eyes before entering the enclosure.

As always, the explanation of these obstacles was paraphrased from the rule book at usawe.org

08/22/2026

Obstacle highlight #2: Figure 8
The example in this video received an 8/10 in competition.

The figure 8 demonstrates a horse and rider’s ability to produce symmetry in circles and a fluid change of bend. The approach must be straight. The change of bend must be centered between the drums. The horse must be responsive to aids and have correct posture. Your circles must demonstrate correct shape, symmetry and precision. There should be clear, correct bend in both circles.

The figure 8 consists of 2 drums set 3 meters or 10 feet apart from each other.

Ria’s advice:
While walking the course, pick out landmarks around the drums to help guide where you need to be in both circles to make them the same size and shape. While you are practicing, count your strides around the drums. Each circle should have the same number of strides.
Pay attention to your horse, choose the path that will show off your horse the best!
This description was summarized fromhttps://usawe.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-Appendix-B-Obstacles-v9.1-February-26.pdf
Please see the rule book at this link for more information!

08/20/2026

Obstacle highlight: Bridge
The bridge obstacle consists of entry/exit markers and a bridge that may be arched or angled in its rise and must be built solidly and not slippery. If side rails are used they must be easily removed without the use of tools and recommend 3-4 ft in height.
The rider must break to a walk before the nose of the horse crosses between the entry marks and the transition to trot(L1) or canter must be made just after the tail crosses the exit markers. The bridge may be crossed in both directions as long as there is at least one obstacle between the first and second crossing. In the speed phase, the bridge may be crossed in any gait and at least one hoof must land on the bridge.

“The transition to walk should demonstrate elasticity of contact; the quality, amplitude, and regularity of the walk; straightness of horse going over bridge; and the confidence of horse and rider navigating the obstacle.
A higher mark will be given if the horse extends the walk and uses the neck. Points will be deducted if a horse shows any awkwardness, hesitation, or irregularity. Stepping off the side of the bridge is a course error.”
Serious mistakes
Not performing the obstacle at a walk
Destruction of the obstacle
Severe resistance or hesitation or irregularity
Changes in rhythm
Difficult transitions

This explanation was summarized fromhttps://usawe.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-Appendix-B-Obstacles-v9.1-February-26.pdf

Now, my advice for newcomers!
It can be helpful to introduce your horse to a new obstacle in hand before attempting to ride over it!
Make sure you keep your eyes up and looking beyond the bridge when riding over it!
The example in the video scored a 7 out of 10 in competition.
-Ria McCarthy

Thank you so much to everyone who came out and rode with us today! It was such a fun day and an awesome, diverse group o...
08/17/2026

Thank you so much to everyone who came out and rode with us today! It was such a fun day and an awesome, diverse group of rider & equine partners, including a few brand new to working equitation! We can't wait for the 2nd annual WE in the Valley show September 25th-27th.

Here are some photos of the morning group of riders 😊

Thank you to everyone who came out today to obstacle practice!! These are a perfect time to get babies exposed and to ge...
08/17/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out today to obstacle practice!! These are a perfect time to get babies exposed and to get ready for our upcoming USA Working Equitation - Region 1 licensed show

(Next time I’ll start getting some pictures earlier — )

Address

Bozeman, MT

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Gallatin Valley Working Equitation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Gallatin Valley Working Equitation:

Shortcuts

Share

Category