Awards Programme
Our awards programme recognises the achievements of our regular riders!
Riders will receive engraved plaques once they have completed the requirements of each level
Bronze Level
Focus on Foundation - basic, correct, and safe principles of handling and riding a horse. Bronze Level skills are the foundation for all levels and require basic skills at the walk and trot.
Handling
Approach and catch horse safely
Properly halter horse
Lead, turn, and back horse safely and correctly
Lead a horse into and out of a stall or pen
Practice safety rules when turning a horse loose
Safely tie horse using blocker tie rings AND quick release knot (correct level, length, location, knot, etc.)
Demonstrate simple grooming of the horse
Pick up feet and clean properly
Saddle horse—check fit and make basic adjustments
Demonstrate safety around the horse while handling, grooming and tacking up
Riding
Mount and dismount properly (use of mounting block permitted)
Adjust stirrups while mounted
Show correct, balanced seat, leg, and body position
Hold reins correctly, show how to shorten and lengthen reins and correct hand position at the halt
Ride at a walk showing correct balanced position and the correct use of natural aids
Ride halt to walk and walk to halt transitions
Show smooth balanced turns while walking and walk in both directions
Ride the shape of a figure 8 in walk
Ride at a jog or trot showing correct, balanced position
Ride walk to trot and trot to walk transitions
Show smooth balanced turns while jogging or trotting in both directions
Ride the shape of a figure 8 in trot
Quit and cross stirrups and ride in walk, and trot, showing correct, balanced position
Overall confidence, harmony, connection and consideration for the horse
Silver Level
Building The Skills - continuing to build the foundation of horsemanship skills both in the saddle and on the ground. Silver Level introduces lope or canter.
Handling
Must be proficient in Bronze Level skills
Show thorough grooming and reasons for grooming
Bridle horse - check fit and make adjustments
Have knowledge of basic horse first aid, and common illnesses and ailments
Know how to apply boots/bandages
Know reasons for lunging, lunge a horse in walk, showing correct and safe technique and changes of direction
Show groundwork skills: walk, trot, stop, turn on hindquarters, back, and set up
Demonstrate proper fit, adjustment, and safety of equipment
Show safety in handling skills at all times
Riding
Mount and dismount properly (may use mounting block
Demonstrate correct body position and upward and downward transitions using proper aids and maintaining an even pace
Ride walk to a jog/trot
Ride direct upward and downward transitions halt t0 trot and trot to halt
Ride at the canter/lope, know canter leads and understand the importance of correct leads
Show smooth turns while cantering and ride in both directions
Ride a circle both directions on the correct leads
Back 4–5 steps in a straight line
Leg yield at a walk—both directions
Walk and trot over 3–4 poles
Show correct care of all riding and lunging quipment
Overall confidence, harmony, connection and consideration for the horse
Gold Level
Becoming Proficient - Gold Level requires the rider to be balanced and confident. Gold Level moves towards an advanced level of horsemanship skills.
Handling
Proficient in Bronze and Silver Level skills
Understand fitting and turnout of the horse—high quality and appropriate for breed and type
Ground handling skills:
Show 360-degree turn on the hindquarters
Show 360-degree turn on the forehand—both directions
Display confidence, safety, and knowledge while working with and around the horse
Safely lunge a horse at a walk, trot, and canter in both directions
Practice safety in handling skills—at all times
Riding
Mount and dismount properly (may use mounting block) Using proper aids (hands, legs, seat, and voice), ride in good form form keeping the horse consistend and quiet.
Demonstrate upward and downward transitions -
from a walk—jog or trot and then halt
from a walk to lope or canter and then walk
Demonstrate use of reins at a walk and jog or trot -
on a loose rein
using a light rein
riding with contact
Quit and cross stirrups and ride at trot and canter in both directions
Leg yield at a trot/jog—both directions
180-degree turn on the forehand—both directions
180-degree turn on the hindquarter—both directions
Ride Counter canter in both directions
Overall confidence, harmony, connection, and consideration for the horse at all times
Platinum Level
The Advanced Rider/Owner - A balanced horse and rider exhibiting harmony, suppleness, confidence and coordination. An educated, knowledgeable owner who always puts the needs of their horse first.
Handling
Proficiency in Bronze, Silver and Gold Level skills
Discuss and describe trailer safety—loading, unloading, hauling safety, etc.
Identify and understand common causes of lameness and how to treat them
Know the signs of colic, laminitis, navicular, metabolic diseases and how to treat them
Know rules of feeding, know how to manage pasture, how to clean a stall, manage a barn and daily routine for keeping horses happy and healthy
Riding
Mount and dismount properly (may use mounting block)
Skills are to be ridden with light connection, bending and suppleness, calmness, lightness, rhythm, and coordination using quiet rein and seat aids
Demonstrate lengthening and shortening of gaits in walk, trot and canter
360-degree turn on the hindquarter—both directions
360-degree turn on the forehand—both direction
Jog or trot—depart from a halt
Lope or canter—depart from a halt
Shoulder-in in walk and trot - both directions
haunches in walk and trot - both directions
Perform simple OR flying lead changes in a figure 8
Understand and demonstrate the correct way of going of the horse
Overall confidence, harmony, connection, and consideration for the horse at all times
