In the U.S., competitive sports involving horses, such as rodeo and horse racing, are well-known, but then there is working equitation—a sport where a rider showcases riding technique while maneuvering his or her horse through a compulsory series of obstacles.
Agapito De La Cruz and Adrianna Silvestri own and operate A and A Equestrian in Santa Ynez, where they run working equitation clinics and train riders. On Sept. 24 and 25, Cruz and Silvestri will be hosting a benefit clinic for the Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program (SYVTRP).
Originating in Spain and Portugal, working equitation tests the rider’s communication and harmony with the horse as they move through a set of obstacles that include doing figure eights and 180-degree turns around barrels, picking up and dragging items, and jumping over small fences. According to De La Cruz, a horse must be obedient and has to be able to jump.
Riders are tested in four areas: dressage (the riding skill), ease of handling obstacles, speed, and cattle handling. Each test is combined into a final score.
Working equitation is considered an art as much as it is a sport by many equestrian enthusiasts. It’s a fairly new sanctioned competitive sport. The first world championships were held in 2002 in Portugal. Silvestri describes it as a “super fun” sport.
“The competition is meant to stimulate the skills they would need out riding on the range,” Silvestri told the Sun.
Originally from Jalisco, Mexico, De La Cruz came to California in 1989 at the age of 15 and landed a job at Etcetera Farm—also in the Santa Ynez Valley.
One day his boss asked him if he wanted to learn a little more about riding. De La Cruz took the offer and began riding Trakehner horses, which are highly prized for their riding skills. He started riding at 16 and now he’s a trainer.
“That was my dream because I always rode mules or donkeys in Mexico. I was hungry to learn,” De La Cruz said.
Originally from Utah, Silvestri has worked with horses all her life. She and De La Cruz together started A and A seven years ago. Their farm encompasses 20 acres and 20 horses.
Both Silvestri and De La Cruz have been working with the SYVTRP for five years through the clinic and consider it an important part of their community. According to the SYVTRP website, the organization provides equine assisted activities to children and adults with disabilities. De La Cruz said he’s seen miracles happen.
“The horses are very strong and helpful,” De La Cruz said. “They really help stimulate the brain. It’s a matter of connecting with the animal.”
The introductory clinic invites all breeds and riders of all skill levels. Private dressage lessons will be Saturday and group lessons involving obstacles will be on Sunday. Cost is $150 per rider and $25 per day per auditor. All proceeds will benefit the SYVTRP. A and A Equestrian is located at 586 N. Refugio Road. For more information, call 734-7323.
Highlights
• September is recognized as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and Marian Regional Medical Center is offering free prostate cancer screenings to men ages 55 to 69 without health coverage on Sept. 10 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Mission Hope Cancer Center located at 1325 E. Church St. in Santa Maria. Men 50 years and older whose immediate relatives have had prostate cancer should take particular note.
The screening is intended to catch cancer in its earliest stages and when it’s most treatable. Space is limited. For more information or to register for a screening, call 219-4673.
Staff Writer David Minsky wrote this week’s Biz Spotlight. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, email, or mail.
This article appears in Sep 1-8, 2016.
