Our thanks to the Upper Midwest’s premier equestrian event, the Midwest Horse Fair in Madison, Wisconsin, who featured Working Equitation as a central competition at their 2025 event. This highly anticipated fair annually draws over 62,000 attendees eager to experience top clinicians, captivating entertainment, thrilling performances, extensive shopping, opportunities for participation, and a stunning array of horses from all breeds and disciplines. What an incredible opportunity for Working Equitation.
The WE Challenge was conducted as a schooling show under USAWE rules It ran over three days with one trial each day. The Midwest Horse Fair noted outstanding anticipation and attendance at the trials. Throughout the weekend, a steady stream of visitors frequented the Working Equitation stall row and booth to learn more about the sport and local opportunities. Each rider and their horse were highlighted in meet-and-greet sessions with the public, including autograph signings.
The WE Challenge was conducted as a schooling show under USAWE rules It ran over three days with one trial each day. The Midwest Horse Fair noted outstanding anticipation and attendance at the trials. Throughout the weekend, a steady stream of visitors frequented the Working Equitation stall row and booth to learn more about the sport and local opportunities. Each rider and their horse were highlighted in meet-and-greet sessions with the public, including autograph signings.
To ensure a display of exceptional horsemanship within the tight time constraints, only ten entries were accepted for the WE Challenge. This carefully selected group comprised six experienced USAWE Master riders and three professional riders new to Working Equitation. The aim was to attract accomplished riders from other disciplines and demonstrate their potential for success in WE which was well-illustrated by the competitive performances of Elliot Holtzman and Dan James. Both riders are enthusiastic about fostering the growth of the sport in their region, and with their significant followings in Liberty and Versatility within the Upper Midwest, they are well-positioned to promote WE within their networks.
USAWE S Judge Doreen Atkinson officiated the Working Equitation events, providing daily WE clinics, judging the three trials of the WE Challenge, and offering insightful commentary during the speed trial and awards ceremony. Her engaging Texas personality and Master’s level expertise made her a natural!
Congratulations to Seth Marshall and his Andalusian stallion Vozarron AR for their overall first-place victory, Dan James and Don Magnum for securing second place, and Miguel Undabarrena and Valentino MABU for their third-place finish. The other talented contestants included Amy Star, Seth Marshall (riding Poppy), Elliot Hotzman, Mario Contreras, Kim Deters, Matt French, and Marcelo Guzman. Each trial was closely contested, maintaining a high level of competition until the very end. The evident camaraderie and exemplary horsemanship among the riders highlighted their enjoyment in participating in this unique WE event. The diverse representation in background, discipline, breed, ethnic heritage, gender, size, and presentation style truly reflected the classic nature of Working Equitation in the United States.
Special thanks are extended to R5 AO The Sunrise Ranch for providing all their Ease of Handling course obstacles, as well as to the numerous R5 volunteers and sponsors. Coordinating the Working Equitation Challenge within this large venue was a significant undertaking. However, Adrienne Dymesich,, her family, and the local SRR crew felt most rewarded by the opportunity to connect with the individual riders and spend time with them and their remarkable horses. They did an incredible job. The public’s response to the event was overwhelmingly appreciative of the demonstrated skill and showed considerable interest in learning more about Working Equitation.
The Working Equitation Challenge proved to be an effective means of attracting elite riders to experience this demanding yet versatile sport, while simultaneously providing individual recognition to the riders and a compelling public demonstration of advanced Working Equitation as seen in rated USAWE competitions. Something to consider in other regions.
Again, thanks to the Midwest Horse Fair for both the opportunity and the support.
View the final speed round!
