ROLLING HILLS STABLE
RIDER CERTIFICATE SYSTEM
LEVELS 1 – 10
The horse is a wonderful animal, both noble and sensitive. Given the proper respect, he will reward you with tremendous enjoyment. The purpose of our rider program is to produce well-rounded horse people, who are able to care for and ride our horses in a positive, safe manner.
REQUIRED SKILLS FOR LEVEL 1 THROUGH 10
LEVEL 1
Lunge line / lead lone group
Leading the horse
Correct grooming procedures
Mounting and dismounting
Correct rider position
Basic use of leg and rein aids
Flexibility exercises
LEVEL 2
Approaching and leading the horse
Control at the walk and halt
Circles
Posting at the walk
Two-point position at the walk
Short intervals of trotting in a straight line
Improvement of the rider position and balance
LEVEL 3
Taking responsibility for grooming and tacking up the horse
Longer intervals of trotting individually using the entire ring
Advancement in application of aids – leg, rein and body
Increased emphasis on steering and control
Serpentines
Circles
LEVEL 4
Increased versatility to ride any school horse
Trotting as a group
Circles and changing direction at the trot
Poles on a straight line
Two-point position at the trot
Basic school figures
LEVEL 5
Improvement of trotting skills
Posting diagonals at the trot
Serpentines at the trot
Preparation for canter at short intervals
Arena and riding rules
Basic conformation and anatomy
LEVEL 6
Proper presentation of horse and rider to the ring –
Cleanliness, tack fitted correctly, neat attire
Emphasis on correct rider position
Canter a long side individually
Learn basics for jumping
Start jumping over cross rails
LEVEL 7
Improve effectiveness of aids
Canter individually using entire ring
Circles
Basic dressage tests
Jump small cross rails; graduating to verticals and multiple jumps
LEVEL 8
Prepare horse, tack up and mount independently for lessons
Canter as a group
Continuous canter over small course jumps
Warm up and cool down of horse
Proper fitting of tack and equipment
LEVEL 9
Increase of jump height to 2’6”
Improve sophistication of aids -rein, leg and weight
Horse management
- Lunging a horse
- Exercise level
- Digestive system
- Body language
LEVEL 10
Contact
Flexation of horse
Correct bending of horse’s body
Medium level dressage tests
Types of jumps, distances, stride control
Preventative medicine
Stable bandages
Fist aid
Unsoundness