Stage 1 Ride Syllabus

Stage 1 Ride

Learning Outcome Assessment

Learning Outcome	Assessment Criteria	Guidance on the breadth of content that may be covered during assessment	Assessment Method
1. Be able to position a horse in preparation for mounting	1.1 Position horse	Lead with or without a martingale to a mounting block in preparation for mounting	Observation
2. Be able to mount and dismount from a horse	2.1 Check the tack for safety before mounting	Saddle Bridle Girth Stirrups	Observation
	2.2 Mount and adjust girth and stirrups	Position horse at mounting block Let stirrups down Position hands and whip Adjust reins Swing into saddle landing lightly	Observation
	2.3 Dismount and adjust tack	Position horse in the centre of the school Remove feet from stirrups Adjust whip and reins Dismount to left Slacken girth, run up stirrup leathers Prepare to lead horse out of arena	Observation
3. Be able to ride horses in walk, trot and canter under supervision	3.1 State the reasons for warming up and cooling down a horse	May include: Allow for progressive physical movement Reasons for cooling down slowly to allow horse to return to normal	Discussion
	3.2 Ride in a balanced and secure position	May include: Riding with stirrups in walk, trot and canter showing respect and consideration for the horse and other users of the school Maintain control when riding as part of a group or independently Carry a whip, (75cm/30” or less) Maintain the rules of the school	Observation
	3.3 Ride showing respect and consideration for the horse and other riders	Use sympathetic aids riding walk, trot, canter Awareness of other users of the school	Observation
	3.4 Maintain a balanced position in walk and trot without stirrups	Seat central in saddle Heel, hip and shoulder in line Elbow, hand, rein and horse’s mouth in line	Observation
	3.5 Maintain a balanced position in trot and canter in a light seat	Shorter stirrups Position of upper body Balance independent to hands	Observation
	3.6 Maintain a balanced position over trotting poles	Single pole Three poles in line (straight line and on diagonal line) In light seat In rising trot	Observation
	3.7 Ride transitions between the paces	Upward and downward transitions: Halt Walk Trot Canter	Observation
	3.8 Ride a range of simple school figures	May include: Changes of rein Turns and circles Riding across the arena	Observation
	3.9 State the aids for riding transitions and turns	Leg Rein Whip Riding position	Observation and discussion
	3.10 Ride on the correct trot diagonal and change as required	Rising when outside shoulder moves forward Correcting and changing diagonal when needed and when changing the rein	Observation and discussion
	3.11 State the number of beats within the pace and the sequence of footfalls	Walk Trot Canter	Discussion
	3.12 Show where appropriate, how to use a short whip (75cm/30” or less)	Carry Change over Use if required	Observation and discussion
	3.13 Recognise correct canter leads	Recognise if the inside foreleg is appearing to lead	Observation and discussion