WENZ Inc has recently updated our National Rules. These are clarifications and changes to ensure consistency. Please ONLY use WENZ Rules V1.3 Feb 2026. There is no longer an Addendum.

For a copy of the Rulebook, please click: WENZ RULES V 1.3 FEB 2026

For the WENZ Flat Work Tests, please click: WENZ Flat Work Tests 2025

For Score sheets, please click: Score Sheets

For educational videos, click here: Educational Videos

2025/2026 WENZ High Points series (Sponsored by Veterinary Behaviour Services NZ – https://www.vetbehaviour.co.nz/)

Information for entering the High Points Series: 2025/2026 High Points Information

Please complete: 2025/2026 High Points Entry

Note this series can only be entered by current WENZ financial members.

THE WORKING EQUITATION PHASES (full info is in the Rules)

There are four phases or tests that make up a Working Equitation competition. The first three, Flatwork, Ease of Handling and Speed, are compulsory for both individual and team competitions.  There is no Speed round at Introductory level, and at Preparatory the Speed may be substituted for a second Ease of Handling round at the discretion of the organising committee.

The fourth phase Cattle is only to be included at Advanced and Masters, where facilities allow. These competitions are run under WAWE rules.

FLATWORK

Prescribed tests are ridden at each level and are designed to evaluate the horse and rider and to be an assistance in training. The movements at each level build upon movements of the previous level and coincide with the type and difficulty of movements expected in the Ease of Handling and Speed phases at the corresponding levels.

Each movement of the test is given a numerical score between 0-10, and collective marks are given at the end for paces, impulsion, willing cooperation, the rider’s position and effectiveness of aids.

EASE OF HANDLING

Obstacles are set up to simulate the difficulties encountered by a horse and rider in the field. The goal of this phase is to negotiate the obstacles with accuracy, ease, smoothness and balance.

Each obstacle is given a numerical score, and collective marks are given for transitions/navigation, paces, impulsion, willing cooperation, and the rider’s position and effectiveness of aids. Obstacles are numbered and are ridden in order. A mark is also given for overall presentation.

SPEED

The obstacles as used in the Ease of Handling phase are ridden at speed with no evaluation of style or movement.

Individual scores are based on elapsed time through the obstacles with time penalties added for mishandled obstacles.

PERFORMANCE LEVELS (full info is in the rules)

All levels consist of compulsory Flatwork and Ease of Handling (EOH) phases. Speed is compulsory from Preliminary level onwards.  

Introductory and Preparatory may do a second EOH phase at the discretion of the event organising committee. 

Introductory 

This level is to Introduce the Working Equitation sport to children, Para-riders, green/young horses and beginner riders, in a safe environment.

At this level the rider is allowed to be assisted on course by their supporter who may lead the horse at any point, communicate verbally with the rider and assist with the obstacles. 

This level is ridden at walk and trot only. 

At this level a second Ease of Handling round may be performed at the discretion of the organising committee.

Preparatory

This level is designed to test the horse and rider combination’s competence at performing basic patterns and simple obstacles in walk and trot only. Canter is not allowed.

In the Flatwork phase working paces are required. 20 metre circles at trot, rein back and one-handed riding at walk are introduced. Transitions may be progressive and trot may be sitting or rising.

In the Ease of Handling phase obstacles are performed at walk, with trot to be shown between obstacles. This level must be ridden with the reins in two hands unless a ‘free’ hand is required to handle an obstacle. 

At this level the Speed may be substituted for a second Ease of Handling round at the discretion of the organising committee.

Preliminary

This level tests the rider’s ability to demonstrate correct basic training and geometry. The horse should move freely forward in a clear rhythm in all three gaits with a regular tempo, accepting both the rider’s aids and a consistent contact with the bit.

In the Flatwork phase canter is introduced, along with trot serpentine, stretching at trot, and rein back. Leg yield in walk is required and some one-handed riding at trot.  

In the Ease of Handling obstacles are performed at walk or trot, with some canter shown between each obstacle. Upward and downward canter transitions should be progressive through trot. All obstacles should be performed in trot with the exception of the jump and the bank which may be cantered. Ease of Handling phase is to be ridden with the reins in       two hands unless a ‘free’ hand is required to handle an obstacle.

In the Speed phases all obstacles are to be performed at walk or trot with canter allowed between, with the exception of the jump and the bank which may be cantered.

Novice

This level introduces the obstacles at canter. The horse should be supple, balanced (horizontally and vertically) and moving freely forward in all three gaits with a steady tempo and accepting a consistent contact with the bit.

In the Flatwork Phase the movements required are: ½ 10 metre trot circles, simple changes through walk or trot, 15 metre canter circles, leg yield/half pass, reinback and ½ turns on haunches are introduced. 

In the Ease of Handling phase canter is required both between and within the obstacles except for the slaloms, which may be trotted or cantered. Transitions are made at markers and are closer together. Transitions into and out of obstacles may be progressive. Changes of lead may be through trot or walk. 

In Speed, the single and double slalom obstacles may be cantered.

Elementary

This level is designed to prepare combinations to compete at the upper levels, and introduces flying changes and collected canter. The horse should be showing evidence of self carriage.

In the Flatwork phase: one-handed trot, simple changes (canter-walk-canter), leg yield/half pass at trot, 15 metre canter circles. Shoulder-in, medium and collected canter are introduced.

In the Ease of Handling phase, canter-walk transitions and simple changes should not include trot steps. 

This level is to be ridden predominantly with two hands, however riders may choose to execute an obstacle one-handed in preparation for higher levels. Counter canter is permissible.

Medium 

This level is designed to prepare combinations to compete at the higher levels. The horse should show an uphill balance and lightness, with clear engagement, along with evidence of self carriage.

In the Flatwork phase the horse is expected to show more collection and suppleness. Introduced are collected canter, collected walk and trot, medium trot, walk ½ pirouette, walk half pass, collected canter 10 metre circles, medium canter 15 metre circles, steeper collected trot half pass, collected trot ½ 10 metre circles, halt to canter and canter to halt. Rein back to canter, one-handed canter, flying changes of lead.

In Ease of Handling phase flying changes are required. Riders should ride one-handed between the obstacles and may do so in the obstacles in preparation for higher levels.

Advanced & Masters

Advanced and Masters levels will follow the World Association of Working Equitation (WAWE) rules.

Level Selection (see Rules for full information)

The rider may select the level they believe is most appropriate for the horse/rider pair. 

This allows for good welfare decisions for Horse and Rider.  WENZ recommends that the horse should be a minimum age of 4.