REGION 1
Sara MacKenzie — Region 1 Director
WE made history—twice! In September, more than one hundred riders and horses gathered at the Oregon Horse Center for the 2024 Western Zone Championship and concurrent licensed competition. The championship itself was four days long and was one of the largest WE events in the history of the sport in this country.
In addition, the first World Association for Working Equitation (WAWE) international competition ever held in the United States took place that same weekend at the same venue, with four US Masters riders, one Canadian Masters rider, and one US Junior rider (who competed with two different horses)! All seven horse/rider combinations impressed the crowds with their dressage musical freestyles, performed EOH at the canter with flying changes, and tore up the field in speed. They have now joined the ranks of official international WAWE competitors, another step toward gaining recognition on the world stage for North American WE riders.
The events that week showcased both the versatility of the horse and the diversity of our sport. I observed capable riders in every style of tack and attire under one roof. A posse of eleven youth horse/rider pairs competed across all three shows and hung out together all week. By my count, 39 different horse and pony breeds were represented, as well as six different states: Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, California, and South Dakota.
With so many participants, two show rings ran almost constantly. The two panels of judges included USAWE S judge Nicole Chastain, WAWE international judge Charlotta Ström (Sweden), and USAWE R judges Amy Star and Barbara Price. TDs Val Pearson and Kim Shinn, in addition to all the generous volunteers, show manager Kristine Strasburger, and scheduling wizard Julie Alonzo, kept the multiple arenas running smoothly all week.
There are still a few competitions left this year, but it was a joy to conclude the summer show season with such a positive gathering of friends. The camaraderie among competitors is always inspiring; we stick together, whether celebrating a win or bemoaning a DQ.
—Emily Callihan
2024 Western Zone Championship Show Committee
