Gallery: Working Equitation World Cup

It may not be an Olympic sport, but there is no doubting the skill required for the Working Equitation World Cup.

Ranch horses

The event, which started in 1996, is based on the daily activities carried out by ranch horses. There are four categories – dressage, ease of handling, speed, and cow trials – with horse and rider navigating obstacles ranging from bridges and gates, to jumps and poles.

The finals were held in San Palou, Brazil and welcomed teams from Belgium, Colombia, France, Holland, Italy, Mexico who competed on horses from Brazilian breeders.

French win

France won the team event, led by Claire Moucadel and the grey stallion Xaveco Interagro. Portugal was a close second, and the host nation came third.

Claire and Xaveco Interagro were also joint first in the individual rankings, alongside Luis Carlos Oliveira competing on home turf and Portugal’s Miguel Fonseca.

Natural gift

Xaveco’s performance was so impressive he has since been bought by Haras dos Cavaleiros riding school and stud in Magnolia, Texas and was exported to the USA this month.

The PSL (Pure Sangue Lusitano) breed excel at working equitation due to their natural gift for collection, willing temperament and intelligence.