Categorizing rider skill levels is far from
a science, but the following will give you an idea of how you
might view the different levels. Most people will find that
you'll fall somewhere between these levels:
BEGINNER
If you have ridden very little or you ride infrequently (i.e. a
few times a year) you would consider yourself a beginner rider.
You may not yet have mastered your balance and often have
difficulty moving in synch with your horse ( you bounce or
wobble a lot). You mainly ride at the walk, and trot or gait
infrequently. You may feel like a passenger, rather than an
active participant. A beginner rider often lacks confidence
around and on horses.
We encourage beginner riders to take lessons and put in the
riding time to reach the advanced beginner level. Our horses are
gentle and well trained, and a number of them may be perfect for
some beginners, but young horses are often not suitable for the
true beginner simply because the young horse may lack confidence
and require yours.
ADVANCED BEGINNER
When you are an advanced beginner rider, you understand the
basics of horsemanship and you are starting to build your
skills. You are confident at the walk and trot, or quick gait
(flat walk, slow rack) in the arena and out on the trail. You
are starting to get more in synch with the horse ( you bounce or
wobble less) and to become a more active participant. You still
tend to use mainly your reins (rather than your seat and legs)
to communicate with their horse.
We like to match advanced beginner riders with horses that are
quiet, tolerant ( some bouncing, wobbling, and heavy hands
doesn’t upset them, less impulsive (more whoa than go), and less
sensitive ( they won't take your inadvertent weight shift as a
cue to turn or accelerate).
INTERMEDIATE
An intermediate rider has good balance, an independent seat, and
quiet hands. You have ridden a lot and are confident at the
walk, trot, fast gait (running walk, fast rack) and canter in
the arena and out on the trail. You are able to communicate with
your horse (go, stop, turn, etc.) using your seat and legs, and
do not rely solely on your reins. When using your reins, you
have what are described as "soft" hands. You are able to ride a
variety of different horses.
We can match intermediate riders with horses that have a bit
more energy, and sensitivity.
ADVANCED
An advanced rider rides with optimal balance between their seat,
legs, and hands. You are in synch with your horse and can
communicate with subtlety. You understand when to be soft and
when to be firm. You can handle less confident and sensitive
horses.
We can match advanced riders with horses that require more
knowledge and riding skill.
