Equine Canada English Rider Level Program
The Equine Canada English Rider Level Program is a national program with national standard. The program provides levels of achievement for all riders: Youth and adult, beginners and recreational riders, and also those that choose to compete in equestrian sports.
The program is based upon learning theory (classroom component), stable management (including hands on, unmounted lessons), and riding instruction. Further progression in the Rider Level program is also part of Equine Canada's certification program for Instructors and Competition coaches. This program is designed to foster the horsemanship skills and knowledge for riders of all ages in a fun learning environment with targets.
During this program, riders will get one theory/horsemanship lesson along with one mounted lesson each day of the program (Saturdays, as per the schedule). Homework and review assignments will be assigned as part of the learning program. At the end of the 8 week program, participants will have the option to put their new skills to work and complete an evaluation for an achievement level, at Levels 1-6. The program is designed to allow any rider (adult or youth) to start at any level and progress at their comfort and enjoyment.
Summaries are below:
| LEVEL 1 |
This is the start of a rider's journey, and focuses on safety and basic horse and stable knowledge. Safe concepts in horse and riding equipment handling will be practiced, as well as a review of the basics of horsemanship (knowledge of grooming, basic care and use of horse tack, knowledge of horse colours, markings, and breeds, basic care and feeding). Knowledge of body language and how horses show their mood and intentions. Riders completing this level can walk, trot, and halt their horse, and have control of their direction. A rider at this level of achievement can post their trot but may use a neckstrap when needed. Correct posting diagonals at all time are not required for this level, but riders should be able to change diagonals when asked. Riders at this level can safely handle their horse (haltering, leading, trying, and tacking up) with some assistance (and can direct that assistance as needed). The focus at this level is a willingness to learn, and safe horse handling and riding skills. |
| |
|
| LEVEL 2 |
Includes the basics of Level 1, and progressing into more detailed introduction of horse identification/description (markings, colours), feeding, grooming, and tack. Basic horsekeeping concepts of hoof care and farriers are introduced. Further discussion of riding theory and basics of arena riding. Riders are starting to become more independent at this point, and should be able to handle and tie a horse without assistance. More in-depth theory building on the concepts introduced at Level 1. Tacking up can be done with very little or no assistance from the Instructor. While riding, riders are now more balanced and do not require the use of a neck strap while at the trot. Riders at this level can walk, trot, and beginning to canter. Knowledge of canter leads is not required at this level. Riders can drop stirrups at a sitting trot and regain them at a walk. Skills with circles are improving. Riders will be able to trot a course of poles (no jumping) with acceptable control and steering. Riders have the beginning of a forward / jumping position, and are correct with diagonals. |
| |
|
| LEVEL 3 |
Further progression and refinement from the expectations at levels 1 and 2. Review provided. More detailed knowledge and skills with tack, as well as other horse equipment such as blankets and blanketing and part of this level. Further details of feeding, including the skills to be able to feed a horse appropriately and the use of equipment and tools (buckets, etc) as part of this. Progression into further basic vet/horse care information for routine issues/tasks, and more skills with grooming. Accuracy and balance continue to improve, and the riding portion will now consist of some basic flat work, a walk/trot/canter dressage test, and a basic gymnastic and crossrail jumping course. The rider is showing a safe manner of rider with appropriate control and conduct, and more theory of riding and horsemanship is introduced. Skills as an independent horse person continue to grow, such as being able to properly cool out their own horse and use coolers or blankets as needed. Jumping is optional. |
| |
|
| LEVEL 4 |
Continued progression from the earlier levels (review provided). Horsemanship continues to develop further into details of horse care and equipment, such as grooming to adequately prepare a horse for show, and introduction to different types of bits and how they act on the horse. Detailed description and identification/markings of horses is expected and taught, including how to measure a horse. More detailed knowledge of riding theory and how a horse moves and different types and issues with particular gaits of movement of the horse is discussed. Ground handling will advance to include skills needed to show a horse in a breed class, or jog a horse for inspection such as in a hunter class. Riders at this level more consistently have a soft contact with the horse's mouth, and are starting to feel how the horse is reacting to the bridle (relaxed or not relaxed). Riders can detect and correct an incorrect lead in a timely fashion, and can change leads through a trot. Accuracy with circles increases, including different sizes. For the optional jumping phase, the height is now 2' and still includes a gymnastic and basic course. |
| |
|
| LEVEL 5 |
Further building upon basic horse knowledge introduced in earlier levels (review provided). At this level, particular attention to horse health, including the ability to take the temperature of the horse and other basic health care skills, as well as knowledge of horse teeth and their care. Potential health issues and management thereof are discussed. Discussion of horse feeding includes understanding how that feed is used by the horse for nutrition. Riding theory and jumping terminology and mechanics are introduced and riders encouraged to begin to plan and analyse their own rides, from warmup to cooldown. Riders at this level will be able to describe lungeing equipment and will be able to lunge a horse safely and effectively. Riders will learn to turnout a horse as if for competition. Riding skills now add the basics of lateral movements, more work with transitions, a jumping height of 2'3, and more self awareness while jumping (leads, placement before a fence). Riders can trot a cross rail without stirrups at the completion of this level. Flat riding has more skill with bend and ability to ride more complex arena figures, with more awareness of rhythm. Jumping phase is optional. |
| |
|
| LEVEL 6 |
Riders have a strong, well rounded fundamental knowledge of horsemanship skills and theory. All topics already introduced will be reviewed with additional details. Riders can fit and adjust a variety of horse equipment (martingales, breastplates, boots, etc) and have knowledge of their uses. More detailed knowledge of different types of bits and bridles, and the skills to look after a stabled horse including cleaning stalls. Overall horse handling skills are developed to be strong at this level. Presentation for the evaluation day is near show quality for grooming, and the rider has learned skills to prepare the horse (including pulling manes and basic trimming) as well as braiding. While riding, the rider has increased awareness of themselves and their horse and have good skills with bend and pace. More smoothness and balanced is developed and tested, and additional proficiency at arena maneuvers. A rider at this level has been taught the skills to change the canter lead / rein through the walk, and can perform a basic set of arena figures without stirrups. Jumping height increases to 2'6, gymnastic is done both with and without stirrups. More awareness of leads and placement for jumps while doing a course, and after completing this level a rider can describe using correct terms and theory how they did during a flat ride or jumping session. Jumping phase is optional. Overall, a rider at this level of the program has learned to consistently ride leg to hand. |
Overall this program will "keep it fun", and deliver a goals-based learning program through the fall and finishing in December. Adults and youth all welcome!
More information on Equine Canada Rider Levels and the Learn to Ride are available on the Equine Canada Website.
