What are the governing bodies for working equitation in the United States and internationally?

Working equitation in the United States is governed primarily by Working Equitation USA (WEUSA) and the Working Equitation Organization of the Americas (WEOA), which oversees competition at the national and international level across North and South America. These organizations set the rules, define the obstacle requirements and scoring standards, and sanction competitions that count toward national rankings and international qualifying. Internationally, the World Association for Working Equitation (WAWE) is the umbrella organization that oversees working equitation globally, including the World Championship held every two years. WAWE member countries compete under standardized rules that ensure consistency across national federations, and the USA's top competitors qualify for international team competition through the national federation's selection process. The sport has grown significantly in the United States since approximately 2010, with regional clubs and affiliated shows now operating in most states. Riders seeking competition should look for WEUSA-affiliated shows in their region, as the sanctioned show system provides recognized results for national qualification purposes. It is worth noting that working equitation in the US is open to multiple breeds and disciplines — western stock horses, Iberian horses, Lusitanos, Andalusians, Morgans, and various others all compete, and the sport's cross-disciplinary appeal has driven its rapid growth. The rules have been adapted from the European tradition to accommodate the North American horse culture while maintaining the core elements that define the discipline.