Equine Canada Western Rider Level Program

Rider Level 1

Candidates will be taught:  Place and adjust a halter and tie the horse  Demonstrate proper grooming  Demonstrate proper horse handling on the ground  Saddle and bridle correctly  Mount and dismount in an acceptable manner  Maintain an acceptable position of: a.)The body, b.) The legs, c.) The hands  At the 3 gaits: walk, jog, lope  Demonstrate the proper aids for the three gaits and recognition of leads  Demonstrate properly the elementary method of stopping and backing up  Demonstrate and explain the rein effects of the direct and opening rein

Rider Level 2

Candidates will be taught how to:  The proper riding position with the use of one hand and two handed positions  How to post on the correct diagonal and change diagonals  Maintain a proper riding position of the: a) Body b) Legs c) Hands  Variations of speed at the lope  Execute transitions of the gaits  Name and demonstrate the effects of the indirect rein and the neck rein  Be able to identify the correct lead (within 5-6 strides)  Execute correctly all practical work referred to in Rider I

Rider Level 3

Candidates will be taught how to:  Explain the rein of opposition  Bandage four legs correctly  Name and describe three bits and explain their use  Rider turnout will include overall performance and attitudes, clothing, neatness and conduct  Name and demonstrate the effect of leg aids  Execute turn on the forehand  Execute turn on the haunches  Execute with proficiency all practical work covered in Rider I and II

Rider Level 4

Candidates will be taught how to:  Understand and explain basic collection  Execute a simple change of leads from both directions  Demonstrate proper lungeing procedures  Demonstrate and explain side pass  Demonstrate and explain two-track movements  Demonstrate all practical work referred to in Rider I, II and III

WESTERN INTERMEDIATE RIDER PROGRAM

The Western Intermediate Rider Program was developed for those individuals who wish to discover the many disciplines available in western riding at the competitive level, from Western Performance to Reining to Speed Events.

In order to participate in the Intermediate Rider Program, candidates must hold a current Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF) membership and a Western Level 4 certificate.

Please note that the general component section of the Intermediate Rider Manual is renamed "Basic Training". A passing mark in the Basic Training rider exam is a pre-requisite to the new Western Competition Coach Certification (which is still pending www.equinecanada.com)

The Western Intermediate Rider Manual covers the following rider levels:  General Component: consists of a horsemanship riding test, lunging the green or problem horse, bandaging (including first aid) and a written test  Western Pleasure  Western Horsemanship  Western Trail  Western Riding  Showmanship  Barrel Racing  Pole Bending

Reining Patterns are available in the Western Intermediate Rider Manual

The General Component must be completed first followed by any other component in any order.

The passing mark for each of the components is 70%. A certificate for each component is issued upon completion and the appropriate fees being paid, with a final certificate indicating completion of the entire program.

Any number of Intermediate Rider Tests may be taken at one time.

Candidates may use more than one horse during the examinations.

Candidates must be recommended in writing by a Coach 2 to take any Intermediate Rider Exams

Minimum ring sizes for all Intermediate Rider testing is 100’ x 50’ except for the Intermediate Western Riding test which is 120’ x 50’.

Oral and warm-up of every component will contribute to overall score.

GENERAL PERFORMANCE COMPONENT This component introduces the rider to all the different types of Western Riding:

Recreational Riding Trail Riding Horse Show Competition: Western Pleasure, Reining, Speed Events, Competitive Trail Cattle Events: Team Roping, Calf Roping, Working Cow Horse

Understanding the horse and psychology in competitions is also covered.

Equipment: saddle fitting for horse and rider; cinches-types and uses; breast collars; bridles and bits; protective boots

Bandaging: exercise bandage; first aid bandages (spider & figure 8), hoof bandage

Lungeing: location; the young horse; equipment; side reins purpose and types; lungeing to correct problems

Recreational Riding: equipment; the horse; what to take; safety; road riding safety; choosing a trail horse; training

WESTERN HORSEMANSHIP COMPONENT

The horsemanship rider is judged on seat, hands and the ability to control and show the horse. Results as shown by the performance of the horse are not to be considered more important than the method used by the rider. Areas covered are: Basic Position; Hands; Legs; Seat; Appointments; Class Routine

Riders will work individually and be required to:

- Walk, jog, trot and lope or gallop in a straight line, curve or circle, or any combination of these gaits and patterns, such as a figure eight - Stop - Back - Turn on the haunches, including spins and rollback or turn on the forehand - Sidepass - Simple change of lead through the trot, walk or stop, in a straight line, figure eight or any other pattern - Flying change of lead in a straight line, figure eight or any other pattern - Counter canter - Dismount and mount - Ride without stirrups

INTERMEDIATE SHOWMANSHIP COMPONENT Showmanship skills for this component concentrate on control/safety, accuracy and presentation of horse and handler. The handler should be capable of presenting a halter horse to be judged on conformation.

The following basic skills will be examined: 1. Turnout of Horse 2. Turnout of Handler 3. Equipment 4. Straight tracking of horses moving forward at Walk and Jog-Trot 5. Straight lines when backing 6. Proper setup 7. Accuracy of turns over haunches 8. Relationship of Handler to Horse and Examiner 9. The ¼ system 10. Transitions 11. Corrections 12. Safety

WESTERN PLEASURE COMPONENT This component will cover the basic requirements and conformation of the western pleasure horse, as well as rider faults and technique.

Riders will be asked to work both ways of the ring at all three gaits, and at the option of the examiner may be asked to extend the walk, jog or lope, one or both ways of the ring. They will be required to back, stand quietly and to reverse to the inside. They may be asked to reverse at either the walk or the jog.

TRAIL COMPONENT In this component the rider will guide the horse through and around a series of obstacles that could be encountered during a trail ride. The course will be set up to demonstrate the care and concentration of the horse. A walk, jog and lope will be included in the pattern and the rider must complete it using only one hand on the reins.

Prerequisites for the Horse: backup; turn on the forehand; sidepass; transitions; turn on the haunches; stop

Prerequisites for the Rider: patience; rapport with the horse; understanding horse psychology

The five mandatory obstacles in the Intermediate Rider Program are: gate; logs; back-through; bridge and sidepass

Optional obstacles: 360 deg. turn; carrying an object

WESTERN RIDING COMPONENT This component is judged on lead changes, movement, the horse’s response to the rider’s aids and his attitude while performing a specified pattern. Emphasis will be placed on smooth, even cadence of gaits and the horse’s ability to change leads precisely, easily and simultaneously both hind and front at the center point between markers. The horse should have a relaxed head carriage showing response to the rider’s hands with moderate flexion at the poll.

The Western Riding pattern includes the walk, jog and a lope over a log, several flying lead changes, two tracking, halt and rein back. SPEED EVENTS COMPONENT In the Intermediate Rider Program the speed events covered are Barrel Racing and Pole Bending.

Topics covered are: tack/equipment, choosing the Speed Event prospect, exercises, patterns and rider positions.

Both the barrel racing test and the pole bending test must be done in two hands; the bit is optional.

REINING COMPONENT This component teaches the Intermediate candidate, what features to look for in the Reining horse in regards to temperament and degree of ability. Other topics covered are: Conformation & Breeding; Reining Maneuvers; Stops; Spins; Rollbacks; Circles; Backups; Hesitate; Lead Changes; and Run Downs.