Our educational programs all have the same goal: to create happy, safe riders on happy, healthy horses!
We've created two sets of progressive Learning Levels to achieve this goal: one for Horsemanship (riding) achievement, and one for Horsekeeping competency. When students can demonstrate the knowledge and skills required for a level they are awarded colorful ribbons to celebrate their progress.
We're in the process of writing illustrated study guides for each level of each program -- click here to see our Study Guides page, or scroll down to see the guides that are available.
HORSEMANSHIP LEVELS
The horsemanship program is the foundation for all of our regular riding lessons. Nikki designed the riding curriculum to provide a solid base of knowledge and ability, with obtainable goals to help students -- and their parents -- track their progress from level to level.
Click here to download a printable copy of the Horsemanship Levels Program.
R A I N B O W L E V E L
The Rainbow Level is an introductory level for young riders aged 4 through 7, who are not yet able to ride and care for a pony independently. Rainbow Level riders should always practice their skills with the supervision and assistance of an instructor!
I take regular lessons - at least once a month - with a knowledgeable instructor.
I always wear boots and an ASTM-SEI approved helmet when I am working around horses. I can put on my helmet myself and show you how it fits correctly.
I can tell you how to dress safely for riding.
I can show you how to correctly approach a pony, and how to move around a pony safely - including walking around behind.
I can tell you why it is important to cool out my pony after hard work, and help take care of him after a ride.
I can name at least ten parts of the pony, and at least three grooming tools.
I can feed a treat to a quiet pony safely. I know why it can be dangerous to feed a pony too many treats, and always ask permission.
I have filled out the “My Pony” worksheet with the name, color, markings, height, and breed of the pony I usually ride. It is okay if my instructor or another experienced horseperson helps me to find this information and write it down.
I have helped an experienced horseperson clean out a stall. I know why it is important to clean out a pony’s stall and water buckets every day.
I can help to do a safety check on my tack and pony before I ride. I can pull down the stirrups, put the reins over my pony’s head, and help check the girth.
I can mount and dismount correctly and safely. Even if I have to use the mounting block, or have my instructor give me a leg up, I know it is important to get on and off a pony carefully.
I can demonstrate a basic balanced position while my pony is walking and standing still. I know that a bad position is dangerous for me and uncomfortable for my pony, so I always work hard to keep my eyes up, heels down, and “building blocks” in place!
I can tell you why you have to groom a pony and pick out his feet before every ride.
I can help my instructor or an older, more experienced rider prepare for a ride. I help with the grooming, cleaning hooves, and putting on the saddle and bridle. When I am a little bit bigger, I will be able to tack up a pony without any help.
I can show you the basic parts of a saddle and bridle, such as the bit, reins, stirrups and girth.
I can lead a pony safely, both with a halter and lead rope and with the bridle reins.
I can pick up the reins and hold them correctly, at a suitable length.
I can perform basic stretches and warm-up exercises at the walk, on the leadline. (This means someone is holding onto my pony to help me steer him.)
I can go Around the World.
I can demonstrate how I use my aids (my seat, legs, hands and voice) to ask my pony to walk, halt, and turn.
I can walk once all the way around the arena without a leadline.
I can ride in a balanced two-point position at the halt and the walk.
I can walk my pony over ground poles, showing a good jumping position, keeping my eyes up and riding straight over the middle of each pole.
I can ride the trot on the leadline. I can ride both a sitting trot and a posting trot, holding on to the saddle if necessary. I can keep up a steady rhythm at the posting trot, so it is comfortable for both me and my pony.
LEVEL ONE - RED
Brush, pick hooves, saddle and bridle, with assistance only if necessary. Show awareness of basic horse safety techniques.
Mount and dismount independently (with mounting block if needed).
Perform an emergency dismount at the halt and walk.
Demonstrate a pulley rein and a safety seat.
Halt by disengaging pony’s hips (“moving the tail”) from walk, once on each rein.
Perform warm-up stretches independently.
Shorten and lengthen reins correctly.
Drop stirrups and pick up again, without looking down, at the halt.
Ride a round circle at the walk in both directions.
Demonstrate three ways to change direction.
Perform walk-halt transitions, maintaining balanced position.
Ride in 2-point at the walk and over poles.
Ride on the rail at a posting trot, once around in each direction.
Click here to buy a Red Level Horsemanship Study Guide.
LEVEL TWO - YELLOW
Tack and untack independently, in less than twenty minutes.
Adjust stirrups and girth while mounted.
Perform an emergency dismount at the trot.
Halt by disengaging pony’s hips from trot, once on each rein.
Drop stirrups and pick up again, without looking down, at the walk.
Ride a round circle, figure-8, and serpentine at the walk and trot.
Ride on the rail and through changes of direction on the correct diagonal.
Ride posting and sitting trot without stirrups, once around arena.
Ride at the trot on the longe without stirrups and reins.
Ride 7-7-7 exercise both along rail, in control, and on longe without reins.
Ride smooth walk-trot transitions, maintaining balanced position.
Ride USDF Intro Test A or B, showing knowledge of elementary dressage terms and figures.
Ride in 2-point at the trot on the flat and over ground poles.
LEVEL THREE - GREEN
Catch pony, tack and untack independently in less than fifteen minutes.
Reinback three steps.
Drop stirrups and pick up again, without looking down, at the trot.
Rate pony’s speed at the walk and trot.
Ride at the trot for five minutes without stirrups, alternating posting and sitting.
Ride at the canter on the rail in both directions, with an awareness of leads.
Ride a large circle at the canter.
Ride a figure-8 at the canter, demonstrating a simple change of lead through the trot.
Ride in 2-point at the canter, on the flat and over a single ground pole.
Ride ground pole course at the trot with correct circles at the start and finish, correct diagonals.
Trot over a grid of trot poles with reins knotted and arms outstretched.
Ride over trot pole grid, followed by small crossrail.
Ride bareback comfortably at the walk and trot, without gripping with hands or knees.
LEVEL FOUR - BLUE
Know and demonstrate four exercises that can be used to improve the seat.
Demonstrate an effective use of disengagement and pulley rein by stopping pony from canter.
Ride ring figures at the walk and trot, with correct diagonals, demonstrating a knowledge of aids and initiating bend.
Ride accurate trot/canter transitions.
Ride a 20m circle at the walk, trot, and canter, with correct diagonals and leads.
Ride at the sitting trot, without bouncing.
Ride at the walk, trot and canter without stirrups.
Ride USDF Training Level Test 1 with accurate transitions and ring figures.
Jump a course of 5-7 fences at 18”, at the trot, with good approaches, developing the ability to plan a course.
Ride basic gymnastic grid with solid jumping position, at 2’.
Trot into a related distance and canter out.
Ride in the open, up and down hills and over fences and natural obstacles at the walk and trot.
LEVEL FIVE - ORANGE
Demonstrate self-directed, progressive warm-up for flatwork and jumping.
Maintain light contact on the flat, demonstrating long and loose rein when asked.
Ride ring figures at walk, trot, sitting trot, and canter, with diagonals and leads, and pony correctly bending in each direction.
Demonstrate knowledge of 20, 15 and 10m circles and half-circles.
Ride ring figures at the walk, trot and canter without stirrups, with diagonals and leads.
Be able to pick up stirrups at all gaits without looking down.
Jump a course of 6 or more fences at 2’, at the canter, with smooth turns, good approaches and correct leads.
Ride small bounce grid, with and without reins and/or stirrups.
Ride basic gymnastic with solid jumping position at 2’6”.
Ride in the open in a group, at walk, trot and canter, maintaining control.
Demonstrate a galloping position at the walk, trot, and canter.
Jump 2’-2’6” in the open at the trot and canter.
Ride the hand gallop.
LEVEL SIX - PURPLE
Ride on the longe at walk, trot and canter, without stirrups and reins, performing balancing and suppling exercises.
Demonstrate a turn on the forehand.
Demonstrate a leg yield from quarter line to rail, at walk and trot.
Ride accurate trot/halt/trot transitions.
Demonstrate a walk to canter transition, returning to walk with three or fewer steps of trot.
Ride canter to halt in three or fewer steps.
Identify diagonals and leads through feel.
Ride accurate Novice Test A or B, showing rhythm, relaxation, balance and bend.
Jump a course of 8 or more fences at 2’6”-2’9”, to include spread and vertical fences, related distances, bending lines, and a combination.
Ride a variety of gymnastic exercises up to 2’9”, with and without stirrups and/or reins.
Know distances for trot poles and basic gymnastic exercises.
Maintain a galloping position at the walk, trot and canter, for a minimum of five minutes.
Jump a variety of Beginner Novice level cross-country fences, to include a coop, water pass-through, bank, and ditch.
Ride at the gallop in the open with control and a strong galloping position.
LEVEL SEVEN - TEAL
Discuss basic dressage theory, showing knowledge of the training pyramid and use of natural aids.
Discuss appropriate use of artificial aids and training devices.
Demonstrate a self-directed, progressive warm-up for flatwork and jumping, with consideration of mount’s strengths and weaknesses.
Ride various ring figures on the aids (on a horse with the appropriate level of training).
Ride accurate, balanced transitions, including halts and transitions between the walk and canter.
Demonstrate a leg yield at the walk and trot.
Demonstrate shoulder-in and haunches-in at the walk and trot.
Ride a simple change of lead through the walk or a flying change of lead, appropriate to the horse.
Demonstrate lengthening and shortening stride.
Ride an accurate equitation pattern on an unfamiliar horse.
Set up and ride over a variety of gymnastic exercises, with and without stirrups and/or reins.
Jump a hunter course, an equitation course, and a show-jumping course at 3’-3’6”.
Jump a variety of Novice to Training Level cross-country obstacles, showing a strong cross-country position.
Ride in a galloping position over varying terrain, showing a knowledge of pace up to 425mpm.
HORSEKEEPING LEVELS
We want all of our riders to understand that learning how to care for horses is just as important -- maybe more important -- as learning to ride. We also recognize that it isn't necessary to ride to have a fulfilling relationship with a horse. That's why we offer a Horsekeeping Levels Program that teaches both children and adults how to keep horses safe and healthy.
Students enrolled in the Horsekeeping Program have access to lots of helpful information as they progress through the levels: our unique Study Guides (as we write them!); HorseSense Clinics; a lending library of equine reference books; and our Working Student Program. We can also provide private HorseSense classes upon request.
Ribbons are also awarded at the completion of each Horsekeeping Level.
Click here to download a printable copy of the Horsekeeping Levels Program.
LEVEL ONE - RED
Know and discuss safety rules in barn, arena, and pasture.
Catch horse in stall and pasture, with safe technique.
Demonstrate safe leading from near side, both in barn and through doorways/gates.
Demonstrate basic grooming to prepare a horse for a ride.
Know names and functions of basic grooming tools.
Demonstrate picking out hooves safely, with knowledge of reasons for basic hoof care.
Tie horse safely, using an effective quick-release knot.
Know basic parts of the horse, to include: withers, poll, croup, hock, fetlock, etc.
Know basic parts and functions of saddle and bridle.
Know how to store tack correctly, and give at least two reasons for cleaning tack and equipment.
Demonstrate mucking and re-bedding a stall, cleaning stall thoroughly and efficiently.
Know basic feeding principles.
Be able to identify good and bad hay, grain, and water.
Know safe riding attire; demonstrate how to correctly fit a helmet.
Click here to buy a Red Level Horsekeeping Study Guide.
LEVEL TWO - YELLOW
Jog horse in hand, with safe technique, as though jogging for soundness.
Clean and condition a saddle, bridle, and girth, knowing reasons for each step.
Reassemble saddle and bridle without assistance.
Correctly apply splint boots, bell boots, and shipping boots. Know what each is used for and which vital areas are protected.
Blanket and remove blanket from horse safely.
Care for a horse after a workout, to include: cooling out, thorough grooming and inspection, feeding and watering.
Know normal TPR range for a horse, and discuss how to take TPR.
Know basic colors and markings.
now basic categories and breeds of the horse.
Know how to measure a horse for height.
Know feeding principles, to include difference between concentrates and roughage.
Know signs of colic and action to take.
Know which injuries can be handled with minor treatment and which need veterinary attention.
LEVEL THREE - GREEN
Fit a saddle, bridle (including bit), girth and halter to a horse.
Identify items in equine first aid kit, giving reasons for each item’s use.
Take and record TPR.
Measure a horse for weight and height.
Administer a paste or gel dewormer safely.
Apply a stable bandage.
Know signs of a hoof needing trimming or shoeing.
Know basic stall and pasture management practices to keep horse safe and happy, to include: water, salt, bedding, safe fencing, fly and manure management.
Discuss basic conditioning for horse and rider.
Create a simple calendar showing routine care needed for horse, to include: immunizations, shoeing or trimming, deworming, dental care and Coggins test.
Name five breeds in each of the following categories: sporthorse, draft, gaited, pony, color breeds.
Describe ten riding disciplines (English or Western).
Know safe trail riding practices, including appropriate tack and equipment.
LEVEL FOUR - BLUE
Groom a horse to turnout inspection quality (no braiding necessary).
Know how to adjust different types of tack, including martingale, breastplate, curb chain, etc. Know how to cinch a Western saddle.
Identify different types of bits, to include both snaffle and leverage bits.
Apply a polo wrap and discuss its purpose.
Perform a safety check on a younger rider under supervision.
Perform a pre-trip safety check on a truck or trailer.
Safely load and unload a quiet horse, with assistance.
Know how to treat the following injuries: stone bruise, laceration, puncture wound, abscess, swollen tendon, injured eye.
Discuss internal and external parasites.
Know names and functions of farrier tools used in trimming and shoeing.
Know basic horse movement, to include number of beats in each gait, footfall pattern, faulty movement, and methods of detecting unsoundness.
Name five unsoundnesses.
Discuss reasons for longeing, safe longeing practices and equipment. Demonstrate how to hold and give aids with a line and whip.
LEVEL FIVE - ORANGE
Know elementary concepts of equine behavior theory and relate them to 1) riding and training practices, and 2) stable management practices.
Longe a quiet horse for exercise, showing safe technique and consideration of the horse.
Set walk, trot, and canter poles for a selection of three
different-sized horses.
Build a basic gymnastic grid for an average 15.2 hh horse.
Apply a shipping bandage.
Wrap a hoof.
Estimate the age of a horse using teeth as a guide; discuss number of teeth, growth, and dental care.
Evaluate a horse’s conformation, listing both good and bad points.
Know basic conformation traits specific to the following breeds: Arabian, Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, Morgan, Lipizzaner.
Know stable vices, causes and possible remedies.
Know specific immunizations needed for this area and at what frequency.
Identify different types of grains, hays, and supplements.
Discuss correct measurement of feed and suitable feed rations for horses in light, moderate, and hard work; increasing fitness; taking a day off; laid off with an injury; sick.
Create an eight-week conditioning schedule to prepare a horse and rider for a strenuous activity (i.e., horse trial, show jumping competition, fox hunt, etc.)
LEVEL SIX - PURPLE
Groom a horse to turnout inspection quality, to include appropriate hunt or button braids in the mane.
Longe a quiet horse and evaluate performance and movement.
Fit side reins.
Wrap a tail for travel.
Pull a mane.
Identify parts of the horse’s digestive system.
Identify different types of shoes and their uses.
Identify five toxic plants native to this area.
Know location, appearance and treatment of unsoundnesses: strained or bowed tendon, ringbone, sidebone, curb, thoroughpin, bog spavin, bone spavin, navicular.
Describe causes, signs, and treatment of laminitis, choking, thrush, skin conditions.
Name five diseases of the horse and describe symptoms and preventative measures.
Discuss different types and reasons for clipping.
Discuss stable and pasture management, to include: turnout schedules, parasite management, grass management, types of bedding, fencing options, routine facility maintenance, daily care of horses.
Create a budget for keeping a horse for a year, to include: feed and board, routine care, emergency care, tack and equipment, and showing and training expenses.
Know how to select and maintain a trailer and tow vehicle.
LEVEL SEVEN - TEAL
Teach a new student Red Level horsekeeping skills.
Wrap a knee and a hock.
Evaluate conformation of a selection of horses, discussing relationship to soundness, movement, and athletic ability.
Design a hunter, show jumping, or equitation course.
Judge a Training Level dressage test.
Give an intramuscular injection.
Thoroughly clean an udder and a sheath.
Know uses and dangers of common equine medications and sedatives.
Know basic equine anatomy, to include: musculoskeletal, circulatory, respiratory, and reproductive systems; know what diseases or health conditions affect each system.
Discuss basic disease prevention practices, including management of infectious diseases.
Draw a diagram showing the major bones, ligaments, and tendons in the lower leg.
Discuss methods of conditioning for different activities, such as dressage, eventing, games, endurance riding, etc.
Using a tag from a commercially prepared feed mixture and the Feed Ration worksheet, balance a ration for a horse.
Discuss methods of starting a young horse from the ground up, including ground exercises, longeing, backing, and progressive training.
Draw a diagram of a stable and pasture setup for 1) private 2-horse farm on 5 acres; and 2) commercial boarding and training facility on 20 acres.
Discuss equine disaster planning, to include: fire and storm emergency plans, supplies, and evacuation procedures.