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Support the Team to get to the world championships 2026
This historic event marks Australia's first qualifying riders for Australian Working Equitation (ANWEL). Join us on our journey to the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre in Cádiz, Spain, from 10-13th September 2026, as we represent Australia at the World Championships organized by the World Association for Working Equitation (WAWE). We're also excited to announce fundraising efforts led by Tammy Patch to support our team.
WAWE World Championships 2026
ABOUT THE SPORT
As an international novel equestrian discipline, founded in 1996, the Working Equitation (WE) aims at promoting competition among horses in fieldwork related activities, while respecting the diversity of traditions of various countries in regards riding and harnessing. Therefore it constitutes a prime example of an ethnographic and cultural showcase, maintaining the traditional costumes and saddlery characteristic of each country (WAWE, 2022).
Each Working Equitation competition comprises four different phases: 1) Dressage; 2) Ease of Handling; 3) Speed and 4) Cattle phase. For the riders at international events it is mandatory for the riders to use only one hand on the reins.
REPRESENTING AUSTRALIA ON THE WORLD STAGE
Working Equitation is a sport that celebrates partnership, precision, and horsemanship. This opportunity allows us to showcase our abilities on the world stage and gives us the chance to bring that experience home. By sharing the knowledge, skills, and connections gained through competing at the World Championships we can strengthen and inspire the equestrian community here in Australia. Representing Australia overseas involves substantial costs, including return flights for our riders and their gear, horse flights or international hire of a horse, competition entries & fees, coaching & training, accommodation & transport in Spain, insurance, gear & logistics, as well as contingency & support costs.
ABOUT THE CHAMPIONSHIP
The World Championships brings together elite riders from around the world to demonstrate the art, athleticism, and versatility of the horse and rider partnership across four phases: dressage, ease of handling, speed, and cattle work. This event attracts global media coverage, sponsorship attention, and equestrian audiences worldwide. It is a unique opportunity to connect your brand with a sport that blends heritage, performance, and passion.
Australian National Working Equitation Team 2026 - About Us
Tammy Patch
Tammy is based in East Greenmount, just outside Toowoomba, Queensland, where she has spent the past 3 years developing her skills in Working Equitation at her local club Darling Downs Working Equitation. Prior to this, Tammy had extensive experience competing at National and international level. Tammy has been competitive across a range of disciplines including Eventing, Showhorse, Showjumping, Dressage as well as Pony Club and Interschool.
"This opportunity allows me, as a rider, to showcase my abilities on the world stage but equally, it gives me the chance to bring that experience home. By sharing the knowledge, skills, and connections gained through competing at the World Champs, I aim to help strengthen and inspire the equestrian community here in Australia."
Perry Nancarrow
As an accomplished rider and trainer based in Portugal, Perry has a wealth of experience in Working Equitation and classical Dressage. He is a regular competitor on the Portuguese national circuit where he is proud to represent his home country of Australia. Last year Perry also completed a major milestone of his first two international competitions, with his now seasoned competition partner H-Bacara. A horse Perry has trained since his purchase by Ulrike Pohlig in 2020. Their partnership has developed hugely over the last five years, which contributed considerably to their very successful season last year which was their first year at Consagrados level. The are now very much looking forward to the 2026 season, with the main aim of a successful run at the world championships in Jerez, in preparation they will continue their campaign on the Portuguese national circuit, where this year they are excited to step up to masters level.
Karen Yanik
Karen began her riding career on the trails of Hartley Valley, where her parents owned a share in a holiday farm. She later attended Pony Club, riding borrowed ponies and frequently travelling up to 10 kilometres each way over challenging bush terrain to participate. As an adult, Karen developed a strong interest in dressage before transitioning to Working Equitation during its early introduction to Australia. She is particularly drawn to the discipline for its ability to give classical training practical relevance, producing a well-trained, capable, and functional horse. Karen has undertaken the training of her horses herself, supported by a range of coaches and balanced alongside her professional career as a flight paramedic with the South Care helicopter service. She qualified for the World Championships on Gramayre Deon (affectionately known as “Ding”), a 16-year-old Friesian x Thoroughbred gelding she has owned since weanling age. Together, they have progressed through a journey of development and learning. Karen is currently focused on refining their skills in Working Equitation, with the aim of performing at the highest level as a dedicated, harmonious and kind partnership.
Mark Mason
Mark was Australia’s first rider to get a qualifying score for the World Championships, at the ANWE Ltd National Championships in November 2024. Mark has competed in Australian Stock Horse events and team penning, making the transition to Working Equitation in 2010. Since being introduced to working equitation, Mark was hooked, and it soon became his major interest in the equine world.
Mark's horse, an Australian Stock Horse, Condamine Prospect has proven to be very adaptable and a great partner.
Mark believes it is a great honour and privilege to be part of the inaugural Australian team, and wishes his fellow team mates and international competitors all the best for the world championships in Spain 2026.
Donate your used bottles and cans at Containers for Change
Darling Downs Working Equitation is raising funds through Containers for Change on behalf of Tammy Patch. Simply return your used bottles and cans and donate funds to the Darling Downs Working Equitation account.
