LEVEL ONE 

OBJECTIVES: To understand the correct riding position, elementary aids and be able to control your horse when riding as part of a group.  To be aware of the correct way to handle horses and to understand their natural instincts and their reactions to situations. 

Riding

The emphasis will be on safety and on building a good technique for the future.  You will be examined as part of a group training hack.  You will need to show that you have a good basic position and a proper understanding of how to control a horse on a hack and ride safely down the road. 

Horsemanship

With further emphasis on safety, you will learn about horses’ natural instincts and use this understanding to begin to learn how to handle horses correctly.  You will need to show that you have a good general knowledge of basic horsemanship.

LEVEL TWO 

OBJECTIVES: To be working towards developing a balanced seat, independent of the reins.  To begin to understand how to ride the horse independently in walk, trot and canter.  To improve your knowledge in all areas of horsemanship in preparation for practical experience. 

Riding

Building on what you have learnt in the previous test, you will use this knowledge now to learn more about what is required to ride the horse successfully in the schooling ring.  You should be riding with a deeper seat and should have a greater knowledge of the way the horse moves and a good understanding of the rider’s natural aids.  You should be riding with greater awareness when out hacking and on the roads.

Horsemanship

You will improve your knowledge by learning more about what is involved in a horse's daily care.  You will increase your general knowledge in all aspects of horsemanship in preparation for gaining practical experience in Level 3.

LEVEL THREE 

OBJECTIVES: To ride with balance, depth and security of position, with a greater knowledge of the aids and their application.  To ride intelligently and with due regard for others on the roads and, with a knowledge of pace, distance and discipline, whilst out hacking in a group.  To improve confidence in handling horses and develop practical experience of handling and looking after horses. 

Riding

At this level we are looking for riders who are able to work as an individual in the ring, showing a good balanced seat in all paces.  You should have the ability to ride accurate school movements and smooth transitions.  You should have a secure, safe position when hacking and be able effectively to influence your horse’s pace and direction.

Horsemanship

You should understand the basic principles of horse care and, working under supervision, show some knowledge and practice of looking after a well-mannered horse in the stables.

LEVEL FOUR 

OBJECTIVES: To attain an effective, balanced seat and show an ability to ride different horses tactfully and effectively.  To be able to work towards improving the horse’s way of going both out hacking and in school work.  To improve practical experience and further develop knowledge in all areas. 

Riding

By Level 4 you should be able to demonstrate effective independent work in the schooling ring and be able to show co-ordinated aid application whilst maintaining  good rhythm and balance with and without stirrups.  You will start to work on lateral work.  You should show a greater awareness out hacking and also be able to ride in a forward, yet balanced, position.

Horsemanship

At this stage you should have a broader knowledge of all standard horse equipment in normal use and be able to fit and explain the use of such items.  You should be able to carry out all tasks in relation to the care of a stabled horse safely and efficiently. 

LEVEL FIVE 

OBJECTIVES: To become an educated and practical horseman.  To have practical experience and knowledge in all aspects of horsemanship. 

Riding

At this level you should have a balanced, deep, secure seat and a proper understanding of the use of aids to carry out all school movements including lateral work.  You should be an educated rider capable of training and improving horses in their work on the flat.  You should ride intelligently and with due regard for others on the roads and on the tracks, anticipating horses’ reactions and be able to provide assistance to other riders if required.  

Horsemanship

You should have a greater depth of knowledge of the horse in sickness and health, all stable routines, including the care of both the grass and stable kept horse and normal seasonal variations in their care..