Horsemanship Levels

Horsemanship Program - Mounted

Program Focus:
Balanced, effective riding across English and Western tack, with emphasis on correctness, communication, safety, and thoughtful progression.

Students must demonstrate competence in both English and Western tack at each level, unless otherwise noted.

RED LEVEL – Mounted Safety & Balance

Core Focus: Safe riding, basic balance, understanding the horse

Students demonstrate the ability to:

• Mount and dismount safely (English & Western)

• Ride at the walk with correct posture and balance

• Hold reins correctly in both English and Western styles

• Steer accurately at the walk

• Halt smoothly from the walk

• Maintain correct position on the lunge line

• Identify correct diagonals at the walk/trot (introductory)

• Ride safely in a group setting

• Understand basic arena etiquette

YELLOW LEVEL – Control & Consistency

Core Focus: Steering, rhythm, confidence

Students demonstrate the ability to:

• Walk and jog/trot independently

• Maintain correct diagonals

• Steer accurately through cones and basic figures

• Perform smooth upward and downward transitions

• Ride basic patterns (circles, figure-8s, serpentines)

• Maintain balance without relying on reins

• Ride over single ground poles at the walk and jog

• Demonstrate basic two-point position (English) and balanced seat (Western)

• Control speed and direction in a group

GREEN LEVEL – Balance & Independence

Core Focus: Coordination, accuracy, effectiveness

Students demonstrate the ability to:

• Walk, jog/trot, and lope/canter with control

• Pick up correct leads consistently

• Maintain balanced position at all gaits

• Perform accurate transitions within gaits

• Ride complex figures with correct geometry

• Ride over pole lines and simple pole courses

• Demonstrate independent hands and seat

• Ride without stirrups at the walk and jog

• Maintain rhythm and straightness

BLUE LEVEL – Precision & Planning

Core Focus: Refinement, decision-making, biomechanics

Students demonstrate the ability to:

• Ride with consistent contact or correct drape (English & Western)

• Execute precise transitions at designated markers

• Ride advanced figures (serpentines with transitions, shallow loops)

• Perform lead changes through transitions

• Ride raised poles with rhythm and balance

• Adjust stride length between poles

• Demonstrate understanding of correct bend and straightness

• Ride effectively in small group settings

• Maintain balance on different horses

ORANGE LEVEL – Complexity & Adaptability

Core Focus: Adjustability, responsibility, problem-solving

Students demonstrate the ability to:

• Ride complex patterns from memory

• Adjust pace and stride intentionally

• Ride multi-element pole courses

• Maintain balance over varied terrain (where appropriate)

• Ride effectively without reins at walk and jog

• Perform lateral positioning basics (leg yield concepts)

• Identify and correct common riding errors

• Warm up and cool down a horse independently

• Demonstrate thoughtful riding choices

PURPLE LEVEL – Refinement & Leadership

Core Focus: Consistency, polish, mentorship

Students demonstrate the ability to:

• Ride with consistency across multiple horses

• Maintain self-carriage in horse and rider

• Execute advanced patterns with accuracy

• Ride pole courses with precision and confidence

• Assist with warm-ups under instructor guidance

• Identify biomechanical strengths and weaknesses

• Ride independently with responsibility

• Demonstrate leadership in group lessons

TEAL LEVEL – Mastery & Stewardship

Core Focus: Teaching, stewardship, advanced understanding

Students demonstrate the ability to:

• Ride with subtle, effective aids

• Adapt riding to individual horses

• Demonstrate advanced balance and timing

• Teach lower-level riding skills under supervision

• Analyze movement, balance, and correctness

• Prepare horses and riders for public settings (shows, demos)

• Ride independently with full responsibility

• Model horsemanship values and safety at all times