REGION 1

Sara MacKenzie  — Region 1 Director

“Sit like a queen!” commanded Gilberto Filipe. USAWE Professional Instructor Kimberlee Barker responded by lifting her chin, reaching a little taller in her trunk, and sitting lighter in the saddle. She looked regal indeed aboard Nairobi, her 7-year-old Lusitano gelding. 

Barker and Nairobi were invited to attend the Canadian team development seminar organized for riders hoping to represent their country in international competition. To prepare them, Working Equitation Canada brought the best: two-time World Champion and current European Champion Gilberto Filipe.  

Over three days in early April, Filipe assessed each combination, usually starting with elements of the dressage test and then using those movements to school obstacles in the ease of handling course. 

Among other guidance, Filipe offered the following tips relevant to all levels: 

• Sit like a queen! 
• Always count strides for every obstacle to make sure your figures are even. 
• Always give with your hands so your horse can have his neck. 

He gave these suggestions to upper-level riders:

• Ask for the flying change only with your legs, not with your body. 
• When you’re riding one-handed, if the reins are flopping, they are too long. 
• Use your hand like a joystick when the reins are only in one hand. 

While they share Portuguese heritage, Filipe met Nairobi for the first time at the seminar in Canada.  He was impressed with the quality of Nairobi’s gaits, caliber of training, and presence in the ring. Filipe congratulated Barker on her choice of Nairobi as her partner while trying for a spot on the American team. 

The event was held at Lochside Lane Equestrian on Vancouver Island, a 12-hour drive — including a two-hour ferry ride — from Barker’s homebase in Corvallis, Oregon. While she initially worried about crossing the border because of uncertainties with new tariff rules, she sailed right through into Canada. 

At the time, Nairobi (Rubi AR x Wembley) had been in the U.S. for less than six months and had only entered two shows here; his only outing in Portugal was the FEI 4-year-old test. He handled the new environment like a seasoned pro. While he had solid dressage basics and a good mind, it’s his natural athleticism and Barker’s patient training with obstacles that is turning him into a true WE horse. 

Excitement is building for the WAWE World Championships scheduled to be held September 10-13, 2026 in Spain, where the United States will send its first ever team for international competition. USAWE riders at all levels can benefit.  Auditing team training events helps riders at all levels understand training concepts and acquire pearls for riding obstacles with greater precision and timing. The three U.S.A. WAWE International Qualifier shows scheduled for 2025 can be another opportunity to watch and learn. You might just want to plan a trip to one of the following: 

• October 17-19 at The Meadow Event Park in Doswell, PA;

November 6-9 at The Texas Rose Horse Parker in Tyler, Texas; 

October 10-12 at The California Ranch Company in Temecula, California.