Equestrian Rider: Level 6 : Horse Riding: Kings Equestrian

Teacher

Equestrian Rider: Level 6

Riders at Level 6 will demonstrate the ability to ride forward from leg to hand. They will be able to ride the horse forward with impulsion while maintaining rhythm, regularity and evenness of pace. The contact demonstrated will not impede the horse’s desire to move forward and is beginning to create a “round” outline, particularly at the trot. Overuse of the hand and lack of leg will be penalized. The evaluator should give consideration to a candidate who is riding a horse as forward as the horse’s ability allows without excessive speed. Riders at Level 6 will complete a flat test and jump fences at a height of 2’6″ (0.75m) in addition to a flat test and a lunging phase. Written and practical portions also tested at this level. The option continues at Rider Level 6 to take either the full riding component or only the flat component.

Riders at Level 6 will demonstrate the ability to ride forward from leg to hand. They will be able to ride the horses forward with energy (impulsion) while maintaining rhythm, regularity and evenness of pace. The contact demonstrated must not impede the horses’ desire to move forward. The rider is beginning to create a “round” outline, particularly at trot. Overuse of the hand will be penalized. Riders should be able to maintain canter approaches on the jumping course, recognize the lead and execute changes of lead through trot in the recovery zone. Riders can hold a contact to the fence, release over the fence and regain contact after landing.

Horse turnout for Rider Level 6 must be as for a competition. Horse is to be braided (by the candidate) and must also be trimmed (i.e. ears, muzzle, fetlocks and bridle path) as applicable to the breed. In the case of a horse that is dangerous to clip, the candidate must realize that although they will not fail because it is not done, it will affect their turn out marks.

Rider turnout for Rider 6 is a well-ﬁtted shirt with collar and sleeves. The shirt should be tucked neatly into breeches. Riders should wear a visible belt. Breeches and tall boots or jodhpurs with jodhpur boots and knee straps may be worn. Well-ﬁtted half chaps are acceptable. Conservative traditional attire is expected however a hunt coat and riding shirt are not required.

Rider Level 6 will jump fences of 2’6”(80cm).

Disobedience of a horse i.e. refusal or run out, is not penalized, so long as the error and cause are identiﬁed by the rider and the rider is able to correct the disobedience. A fall of a rider and/or horse may or may not be penalized. If the fall is due to disobedience of the horse, a slip or a horse tripping, then it is not penalized. If the fall is due to rider error, either in judgment or lack of balance and/or position, then the evaluator may penalize the appropriate category.

Rider 6 – Stable Management requirements

Turnout for stable management should be neat and workmanlike. Paddock boots, work boots, or riding boots and neat sweat pants or slush pants over breeches are acceptable. Loose, baggy jeans or shirts are not acceptable. Hair should be tied back. Ball caps that cover the eyes are discouraged.

Candidates will be expected to demonstrate:

The proper ﬁt of equipment e. running martingales.
The procedure for pulling a mane.
Stall care and horse handling.
Knowledge of bits, their effect and uses
The ﬁtting of boots.

Rider 6 – Riding Requirements (Flat)

The candidate’s horse must be braided for this and all successive levels, as applicable to the Braids should be neat and uniform.

Riders will be required to demonstrate:

Consistent bend, and pace (15m and 20m circles at canter). Care should be taken to avoid a marked increase in the speed of the horse after riding the circle and returning to the straight line
Correct position with and without stirrups at all paces
Simple changes through walk
Correct shape and deﬁnite changes of bend in the The horse should be working forward and the rider should be able to recognize if some impulsion has been lost and be able to discuss this with the evaluator if required.
Smoothness and accuracy in the execution of the transitions
1/4 turns on the haunches and ensure that they know there should be a “pivot” They should know the application of aids and recognize the more common errors of executing the movement.
An understanding of the difference between bend and ﬂexion.

Rider 6 – Riding Requirements (Jumping)

Riders will be required to:

Build and set the stride of a gymnastic line
Trot to a cross rail, 18’(5.5m) to a 2’3 (70cm) – 2’6”(80cm) oxer and 21’ (6.4m) to a 2’3”(70cm) – 2’6”(80cm) Distances may be adjusted to suit the length of the stride of the horses in the test. It is not mandatory that candidates bring animals with full 12’(3.6m) strides to the exam.
Demonstrate correct position, control of the approach and recovery
Trot a cross rail, 18’ (5.5m) to a 2’(60cm) – 2’3”(70cm) vertical without stirrups. Demonstrating stability of position and effectiveness. A mane release may be used.
Jump a course of 2’6 (80cm) jumps. The course should be ridden at canter including canter approach to the ﬁrst fence. Rider should be able to recognize leads soon enough to be able to change the lead through trot in the recovery phase and not have it run over into the approach phase for the next fence.
Hold a contact to the fence, release over the fence and regain contact after landing.
Be aware of the importance of the shape of the turn and the balance of the horse in the turns

Rider 6 – Riding Requirements (Flat)

Rider 6 – Gymnastic

Rider 6 – Flat Test

Number	Markers	Movement	Work Space
1	A	Enter sitting trot
2	X	Halt. Continue at rising trot
3	C	Track left
4	A-C	3 loop serpentine rising trot – sitting middle loop
5	C	Canter left lead
6	E	15m circle left
7	FXH	Change rein simple change through walk
8	B	15m circle right
9	F	Walk
10	A	Halt, cross stirrups and continue at the walk
11	K	Trot rising
12	E	15m right circle sitting
13	H	Trot rising
14	MXK	Change rein
15	F	Trot sitting
16	B	15m circle sitting left
17	M	Trot rising
18	H-B	Change rein
19	F	Sitting trot
20	A	Turn down center line
21	X	Halt. Leave arena on long rein