LEVELS OF HORSEMANSHIP

---

Advanced Beginner level riders must show proficiency and confidence at Beginner I, Beginner II and Beginner III work prior to starting the Advanced Beginner curriculum.

Skillsets: Introduction to steering at the canter, one rein stops at the canter, half halts in canter, and reverse and learning pattern work over poles integrating all three gaits with upward and downward transitions with shortening and lengthening stride. Introduction to trail riding.  

Advanced Beginner II level is for riders showing proficiency and confidence at the Advanced Beginner level.

Skillsets: Introduction to groundwork training, lunging, group riding at walk, trot and canter in the arena and on the trail, simple changes in canter, leg yielding, sidepassing and hand-gallop, proficiency at one rein stops in canter on uneven terrain and emergency dismount at all gaits.  At this level, riders are starting to participate in lease rides, which are independent horsemanship sessions that are not supervised.  Riders are expected to do everything, including some groundwork exercises and under-saddle work, with warm-up and cool down competently on their own.

Riders must be proficient and confident at all beginner level work, in walk/trot/canter on a loose rein or on soft contact, in an arena or on the trail.  

Skillsets: Introduction to discipline training, such as dressage tests or jumper patterns over poles with shortening and lengthening of strides, or training on the trail or introduction to horse training on the ground and under-saddle.  

At this level, it's expected that the rider has accumulated 100's of hours in the saddle and on the ground, and has worked with and ridden a minimum of 30 horses of various ages and training levels and is ready to learn how to start young horses or work with problem horses.