Are you matched with your horse?
Being overmounted is no fun and can become a real disaster in time. Check below to see how your riding level matches up with your horse's level of training. Consider a horse's temperament, training and age when purchasing a horse. If you are inexperienced, it would be wise to take a knowledgeable horse person or trainer with you to evaluate a horse before you buy.
|
RIDER Level 1: Beginner
New to horses, never owned a horse and has very limited riding experience. No knowledge of how to control a horse's gaits, direction or speed.
RIDER Level 2: Beginner/Novice
Some experience with tacking up a horse, able to walk, trot and stop a horse, knows how to direct a horse to the left and right, can control horse in a small pen or on a nose to tail trail ride.
RIDER Level 3: Novice
Knows how to saddle and bridle a horse confidently, controls horse at a walk, trot and lope in a large arena. Balanced rider- does not hang on with legs or depend on reins for balance. Controls horse at a walk and trot on a trail ride in open country.
|
HORSE Match for RIDERS Levels 1-3:
Beginner/Novice Horse Safest for beginners, an older well-trained horse, often termed "babysitter, kid's horse or husband-safe horse". Has a patient, forgiving nature. Not reactive or easily spooked, but fairly responsive and cooperative. Easy to catch and handle on the ground. Leads well, ties, stands quietly, picks up feet, respects handler's space, bathes, clips, and loads willingly on and off horse trailer. Temperament is confident, willing, curious and tolerant.
|
RIDER Level 4: Intermediate
Knows and applies cues to horse correctly and fairly consistently, uses direct and indirect rein for turns, understands and uses body weight and positioning, has good balance and timing, and able to easily control movement and direction of travel. Can request proper leads and is comfortable riding at any gait. Usually confident around horses both on the ground and in the saddle.
|
HORSE Match for RIDER Level 4: Intermediate
Well-trained mount with no intense training issues. Responsive, with good lateral flexion and able to turn on both forefeet and hindquarters easily. Picks up correct leads, front and back, on cue and does not require rider to firm up in requests. Backs softly and straight. Not easily spooked or excitable.
|
RIDER Level 5: Advanced
Rider has years of riding experience, grew up with horses or had many years of lessons. Rides balanced bareback or without stirrups, has "soft hands", and has the ability to control a horse in amost any situation. Able to handle all but the most challenging training issues. Competes or rides on a regular basis. Confident and relaxed
|
HORSE Match for RIDER Level 5: Advanced
Well started greenbroke horses needing more riding time, horses requiring retraining and colt training with professional guidance. This does not include explosive or dangerous horses.
|
RIDER Level 6: Professional
Teaches horses and their owners, may give lessons. Capable of colt starting, or retraining horses with serious issues. Evaluates horses to determine match with rider.
|
HORSE Match for RIDER Level 6: Professional
Horses with ongoing intense issues displayed such as rearing, bucking, bolting, striking, kicking, charging, biting, or other dangerous behaviors.
|
|
Services 