TEMECULA — Three incredible days of Working Equitation competition took place in the beautiful wine country of southwest Riverside County. From Canada to California, riders and horses of all kinds came together to showcase their skill, heart, and partnership in the arena. Lifelong friendships were forged, milestones were reached, and the spirit of camaraderie filled the air as everyone celebrated the sport they love and cherish.
When Amanda Latta and Cheryl Croasman of Wine Country Classic Horse Shows set out in 2021 to host their very first Working Equitation Regional Show in Temecula, they never looked back.
Now entering their fifth year of competition, they host the largest amount of Working Equitation shows across Southern California and have helped foster a vibrant community of riders who come together not only for the love of the sport but also for the camaraderie and support it inspires.
When they secured the honor of hosting the 2025 Region 2 Championships, Amanda and Cheryl, true to form, set out to make it one for the record books. With the Working Equitation community buzzing about the 2026 World Association of Working Equitation (WAWE) Championship in Spain, they applied to host a WAWE Qualifier.
To be considered for Team USA, Masters Level 7 riders must compete in WAWE Qualifiers held throughout the nation. The duo immediately set their sights on making the Region 2 Championship an International Qualifier as well. Little did they know their event would become the largest WAWE Qualifier in North American history.
The competition proved to be an extraordinary display of equestrian excellence. Riders from all corners of the horse world came together for three packed days of breed and discipline diversity, hosted at the beautiful California Ranch Company in the heart of Temecula. From elegant Dressage riders in traditional Portuguese attire to Californio Vaqueros rooted deep in Western tradition, all came together to celebrate what Working Equitation is truly about- harmony, versatility, and respect for the horse.
Throughout the day, riders competed across multiple levels, from Walk-Trot Introductory to Advanced Level 6, under the expert eyes of USAWE Judges Kim Roe, Doreen Atkinson, and International WAWE Judge Fiona Price-Jones. They demonstrated their horses’ manageability and precision through the Dressage and Ease of Handling phases, navigated timed obstacle courses in the Speed phase, and optionally tested their teamwork with cattle in the Working Cattle phase.
Each evening, the spotlight turned to the Master Level 7 riders, who competed in both the Region Championship and the WAWE Qualifier. Riders traveled from as far as Canada for the opportunity of a lifetime. The atmosphere was electric – each ride filled with precision, heart, and high emotion. In the end, Sarah Bradley of Canada and her warmblood mare Holly Golightly claimed the WAWE Qualifier Championship title. The Masters Level 7 Region 2 Championship went to Seth Marshall of Oklahoma aboard the Lusitano stallion Lord D’Ornellas, who also earned a qualifying WAWE score.
The beauty of the West Coast Working Equitation community shone brightly throughout the weekend. Across every level, riders found victory and growth.
Youth competitor Bella Podsiadlo and her Connemara gelding, just beginning their journey in Introductory Level 1 earlier this year, won their division. Meanwhile, professional rider Kathleen Elliot and her APHA Paint gelding LW Champagne Ice continued their steady climb through the ranks, capturing the Level 6 title and setting their sights even higher for 2026.
Countless other stories echoed the same message – Working Equitation challenges, unites, and inspires all who take part.
As the dust settled, one thing was clear- this was more than just a competition. It was a celebration of partnership, progress, and passion. From the newest youth rider to the seasoned Masters competitor, every horse and rider left a mark on the arena and on the hearts of those who watched. The 2025 Region 2 Championship and WAWE Qualifier didn’t just make history- it strengthened the foundation of a community that continues to grow, inspire, and redefine what it means to ride with purpose.
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Seth Marshall and Lusitano stallion Lord D’Ornellas compete in the Master level 7 and WAWE qualifier. Their winning speed phase would help them win the Masters Level 7 for Region 2, and place fourth in the WAWE qualifier. (Brooke Louise Creative photo)
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