Riding Skills Level 1
Pony or horse will be tacked up ready for the assessment and assistance may be given with the adjustment of girth and stirrups.
- Tell the assessor the name of your pony and its colour.
- Show that you know where the girth is, what it is for and how you check and adjust it before riding.
- Show that you know how to adjust your stirrups – before riding.
- Get on your pony from a mounting block (assistant may hold the pony).
- Show that you know how to hold your reins correctly.
- Show that you know how to shorten and lengthen your reins.
- Show that you know how to sit correctly on your pony.
- Using the correct voice commands and aids, ride from halt to walk.
- Ride away from the assessor at walk and then ride back again when called.
- Ride at walk making turns to both sides as directed by the assessor.
- Ride from walk to halt using the correct voice commands and aids.
- Show the assessor some of the exercises that you can do while mounted.
- Show how to get off your pony safely, put up the stirrups and get ready to lead in hand after your ride.
- Tell the assessor how you reward your pony after a ride.
- Show that you know how to lead your pony safely in hand to the arena entrance.
Stable Skills Level 1
- Show how to approach a pony safely in the stable.
- Tell the assessor some things that a pony needs in the stable for comfort and well being.
- Tell the assessor some of the things that might frighten a pony in the stable.
- Point to and name three parts of a pony. (three from: nostril, forehead, eye, ear, muzzle, forelock, crest, neck, mane, shoulder, wither, back, loins, rump, tail, hock, knee, fetlock, hoof)
- Point to the bit on a bridle and say what it is for.
- Point to the stirrups and tell the assessor what they are for.
- Pick out two items from a grooming kit and tell the assessor their names.
Equestrian Experience Level 1
- Ride on a short trek or hack with a helper leading you if needed.