SOME of the country's best riders are set to hit Tamworth for the Working Equitation National Championships this weekend.
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Held at the Australian Equine and Events Centre (AELEC) the annual show will put riders through their paces across a number of events.
Australian Working Equitation member Melissa Palviainen told the Leader the championships would test riders on a number of different fronts.
"The competition is actually made up of four phases, " Palviainen said.
"There's style, event-obstacles, speed and team cattle.
"To put it simply, Working Equitation offers similar disciplines to other horse breeds such as stock horse events and cattle penning."
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Originating in Portugal, Palviainen said Working Equitation was becoming increasingly popular in Australia.
"The beauty of Working Equitation is that virtually any horse breed can compete in it," she said.
"Unlike other competitions, it also allows you to dress how you like and bring your own style to the competition.
"It really is very expressive."
Held at the AELEC for the second year, the annual event is expected to draw in competitors from across the country.
"At this stage we will have riders coming from as far away as Victoria, as well as from across NSW and Queensland," Palviainen said.
"The other great thing is we will see competitors of all ages taking part in this year's competition.
"I think our youngest entrant is about five years old while the oldest is in his seventies.
"It really is a great atmosphere and a really inclusive competition."
The championships will run from May 3 to May 5 with different events set for the three days.
"We would love to see plenty of spectators come along and check out the competition," Palviainen said.
"It's something a bit different and best seen to be believed."