NORTHBASE RANCH Schedule

EC/ AEF Western rider levels 1-3 Horse Criteria

Equine Canada Rider 1

Horses that are used in the Rider 1 test should be suitable school mounts

Horses for this level must be safe sound. Horses can be the “traditional schoolie”, ridden in clean serviceable tack

you will be required to demonstrate the following:

The rider can wear clean well fitting riding cloths and a hard hat, if desired.
Mount
Dismount
Rail Work with 2 hands
Walk
Jog
Lope

Questions and be able to demonstrate:

Although still considered a “school type” horse, at the Rider 2 level horses must be able to work in an independent manner, away from the rest of the group of horses.
They should be able to complete a simple horsemanship pattern and be able to work on the rail responding (reasonably) to the rider’s use of the neck rein for direction.
The horse must be able to work off the leg with some ease, and be able to demonstrate the leg yield and increase decrease of pace on a circle.
The horse must be able to be ridden safely in both a snaffle, with two hands, and a curb bit with one hand.

List examples of desirable and undesirable points of conformation.
Identify and list 3 different characteristics of teeth used to age a horse.
Describe how to recognize front-end lameness in a horse.
Indicate location of and describe examples of unsoundness’s or blemishes.
List 4 effective parasite control management practices.
Name the three most important factors to take into consideration when purchasing a horse.
List the protective equipment a horse should always wear when trailering and describe the process of loading a horse onto a trailer.

The Rider at Level 2 must demonstrate a higher degree of stability in their rider position and an ability to demonstrate independence of rider aids when working the horse in a pattern.
Tack and equipment should be clean and serviceable.
The rider can wear clean well fitting riding cloths and a hard hat, if desired.
The rider will be assessed on the following:
- Hand position (on the rail, as a neck rein and in some exercise work with two hands in a snaffle)
- Transitions
- Rider position at walk, jog and lope on the rail riding one handed.
- Controlled change of speed at a lope on a circle
- Recognition of leads
- Indirect rein
- Diagonals – posting trot, changing diagonals and recognizing correct diagonals.
- Leg yielding
- Overall safety

At this level the transition occurs between the traditional school horse and a horse that would be suitable for the local show ring.
At Rider 3, the horse should be able to demonstrate the ability for a degree of “flexion” at the poll, when asked by the rider.
As well, the horse must respond well to the leg for more advanced lateral movements, and the rider asking for “bend”. To this end, the horse is not required to demonstrate “collection” but the horse and rider will be moving toward this level of riding for the next stage - Rider 4.
The horse should exhibit a higher degree of quality and western “type” (a typical horse showing at the local level).
The horse should be able to work independently and exhibit responsiveness to the rider aids.
The horse must be able to execute the maneuvers’ listed below, with ease.

Describe & explain proper procedure for cleaning a wound.
Describe causes, symptoms and first aid treatment of one horse illness (selected by Assessor).
List 3 characteristics of an unhealthy horse.
Normal range for a healthy horse at rest:
- Temperature (Celsius and Fahrenheit scales)
- Pulse
- Respiration
Demonstrate & explain a capillary refill test & skin pinch test.
Discuss 3 types of bits and their uses.
Demonstrate the following bandages:
- Stable
- Shipping
- Tail
  ( You will be expected to provide your own bandages that are suitable for the program.)

The rider must be turned out in suitable Western attire, including a suitable, traditional western hat.
At the Rider 3 level, the rider should be able to demonstrate the initial development of “seat” and more developed (than Rider 2) independence of aids. This rider could be considered a local level show rider.
Tack and equipment should be clean and serviceable.

For more information on these programs Contact us @ 780-624-5542

or visit the AEF website www.albertaequestrian.com