WENZ Inc has recently updated our National Rules. These are clarifications and changes to ensure consistency. Please ONLY use WENZ Rules V2.0 August 2026.
For a copy of the Rulebook, please click: WENZ RULES V 2.0 AUGUST 2026
For the WENZ Flat Work Tests, please click: WENZ FLATWORK TESTS V2.0
For Score sheets, please click:
Preparatory and above EOH Scoresheet
WENZ Constitution: WENZ CONSTITUTION JULY 2026
2026/2027 WENZ High Points series Sponsored by Leg Up Equine – LEG UP EQUINE
Information for entering the High Points Series: 2026/27 LEG UP EQUINE HIGH POINTS SERIES INFO
Please complete: 2026/27 LEG UP EQUINE HIGH POINTS ENTRY FORM
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 Horse Confidence & Calmness, Partnership & Cooperation, Accuracy & Understanding, and the Rider Position and Effectiveness (Intro Level). Collective marks for levels from Preparatory and above are for Gaits, Forwardness & Responsiveness, Calmness & Harmony, and Rider Position & Effectiveness.
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 Horse Confidence & Calmness; Partnership & Cooperation; Accuracy & Understanding, and the Rider Position and Effectiveness (Intro Level) Collective marks for levels from Preparatory and above are for Gaits, Forwardness & Responsiveness, Calmness & Harmony, and Rider Position & Effectiveness. Obstacles are numbered and are ridden in order. A mark is also given for overall presentation (not related to performance)
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. In Ease Of Handling, the Pole is not carried, and the Spear Ring and Knock Ball obstacles are ridden and judged as a straight line past the components of those obstacles, using one or two hands.
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 is designed to test the horse and rider combination’s competence at performing patterns and obstacles in walk and trot, with canter introduced.
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 can be progressive through walk or trot, or direct (ie canter-walk). 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 some obstacles at canter.
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. The single slalom must be ridden at trot, and the double slalom depends on which option is used (see Obstacle Rules). 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.
Elementary
This level is designed to prepare combinations to compete at the upper levels, and introduces flying changes and collected canter.
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.
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.
Working Equitation NZ 
