What levels of competition exist in working equitation and what is expected at each?

Working equitation competition is structured in levels that progress from introductory through elite, with each level adding complexity in the dressage requirements and the difficulty of the ease of handling obstacles. Understanding the levels is important for competitors choosing where to enter and for trainers planning development programs. Introductory and Novice levels are designed for horses and riders new to working equitation. The dressage test is simple — walk, trot, and basic figures — and the ease of handling course uses a smaller number of obstacles executed at the walk and trot. These levels allow competitors to experience the sport's format without requiring the collection and lateral work demanded at higher levels. Elementary and Intermediate levels add the lope or canter, more complex dressage movements, and a larger obstacle course with more technical challenges. Lateral movements begin to appear in the dressage test, and the ease of handling course includes obstacles like the bull pen, the garrocha, and more complex gate configurations. Advanced and Masters levels represent the highest competitive standard. The dressage test includes shoulder-in, haunches-in, travers, renvers, and collected work. The ease of handling course is ridden entirely at the canter, with the speed phase also at the canter. Collection, self-carriage, and the horse's ability to perform precise lateral movements at all gaits are essential at these levels. The speed phase — a timed obstacle course — is typically not introduced until Intermediate level and above, reflecting the requirement that the horse be balanced and confirmed enough to execute obstacles at speed without losing correctness.