WHAT RIDING LEVEL ARE YOU?

We are starting our new accreditation program for our riding academy, starting October 1, 2014.  Our riders can expect that their riding skills will be reviewed every four and six weeks.  There will be a series of smaller "quizzes" that will be done during our rider's lessons to ensure that all topics are covered and that all riders are learning what they need to learn to advance to the next level.  This is how is works:

Every four weeks, there will be a series of "pre-quizzes" to test riders prior to the six week quiz.   Once the quiz is passed, the rider will then work on another set of skills that will be again tested in a four and six week plan.  After the weeks of quizzes, the rider will then have a much larger test which will be conducted every two months to earn their lapel pin and certification to move to the next level.  Below is a checklist of what skills are needed in the riding levels.  If  you cannot pass your pre-quiz, then ask your instructor for an additional private lesson to cover any materials that you may need additional help with.

When you are on a great horse, you have the best seat you will ever have........Sir Winston Churchill

The below list can also help you with determining what level summer camp week to sign up for as well


BEGINNER LEVEL.

  • master the walk, sitting and posting trot
  • steering basic maneuvers such as circles and reverses
  • standing up in the stirrups at the walk
  • walk without the stirrup irons
  • halt
  • reverse both on the wall and through the center of the ring
  • mount and dismount correctly
  • switch whip correctly
  • basic grooming skills
  • attend a youth group meeting
  • know basic colorings and markings of the horse
  • know how to lead a horse correctly

ADVANCED BEGINNER LEVEL.

  • demonstrate the changing of diagonals
  • stand up in the stirrup irons at the trot
  • perform a reverse at a trot
  • sitting trot without stirrups
  • adjust stirrups from the ground by measuring with your arm
  • saddle a horse properly
  • back up horse correctly
  • start to learn basic canter starts
  • attend a stable show

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

  • master the canter
  • identify the correct and incorrect diagonal
  • perform a serpentine at the trot
  • perform a posting trot without stirrup irons
  • address the reins
  • basic introduction to individual workouts
  • bridle a horse correctly
  • participate in a stable show
  • must wear jodphurs, boots, gloves and carry a whip during all lessons
  • clean equipment after rides

ADVANCED LEVEL.

  • canter without stirrups
  • perform simple lead changes
  • stand up at the canter
  • ride with one iron at a time
  • ride bareback
  • learn about headsets and collection
  • learn how to ride with the full bridle
  • advanced individual workouts
  • participation in academy/outside shows
  • own/lease a horse
  • continue youth group activities, as participation to better horse community


MASTER LEVEL.

  • can perform a serpentine at the canter
  • rider can perform a change of leads down a straight line
  • rider can master a small jump
  • rider can ride properly in a western saddle as well as a huntseat saddle
  • rider has ridden on the drill team
  • can put on a tailset
  • rider knows all parts of the English and western saddle and can identify all parts of a driving harness
  • rider has driven a horse or pony at least twenty times
  • rider has learned how to ride a gaited horse
  • rider has worked as a groom at an away show
  • rider has ridden all horses on the lesson roster
  • rides with constant improvement and is respected for his/her riding skills by his/her peers
  • rider has observed an "A" show
  • rider has worked with an equine veterinarian over a summer

CONTINUOUS CHECKLIST. 

  • are your legs steady?
  • are your knees tight?
  • do you sit up straight?
  • open shoulders?
  • steady hands?
  • spacing the horse properly in the arena?
  • headset/collection of horse?
  • bent elbow?
  • shoulders above hip?
  • is steering fluid, smooth and quiet?
  • toes in line with knees?
  • can the horse stay moving consistently?
  • heels down and toes out slightly?
  • riding centered?
  • seat in the back of the saddle?
  • is there give and take?
  • display a finesse when riding?
  • eyes forward, chin up?
  • correct use of aids and signals?
  • responsiveness to the horse?
  • listen attentively to the instructor?
  • firm and assertive with the horse without being abusive?
  • show improvement?
  • maximum effort in lessons?
  • always remember that the horse is first and foremost?