What’s Involved in Our Level One Certificate?
All our riders in pony groups work towards certificates. These help our riders build solid foundations, confidence and essential skills both in the saddle and on the ground.
Our Level One Certificate is an exciting milestone for riders in our pony groups! Designed to be achievable for all riders in these groups. Whether riders want to ride long term, own their own pony, compete in the future or just like ponies our pony groups are a great way to learn.
Here's a detailed look at what's involved:
Riding Skills
The riding component of the Level One Certificate focuses on fundamental skills that set the foundation for independent riding. Riders will learn how to:
Mount and Dismount Safely
Learn to mount using a block, with assistance, or via a leg-up, ensuring safety for both rider and pony.
Hold the Reins Correctly
Learn the correct way to hold the reins for effective communication with their pony.
Ride Independently at a Walk
Practice steering and guiding their pony by themselves at a walk.
Rise to the Trot on the Lunge Line
Develop balance and rhythm to be able to rise to the trot with support from the instructor.
Learn the cues for:
Walk on and halt
Transition between walk and trot
Turn at the walk
Play Fun Games
Enjoy practicing skills through easy games that make learning fun and interactive.
Ride in a Paddock with a Leader
Gain confidence riding in an open paddock environment while supported by a leader.
Horse Management
These are all important skills to learn to set our riders up for success:
Catch and Halter a Pony
Learn how to approach a pony safely and catch them with a halter.
Tie Up a Pony Correctly
Practice tying up a pony using a safe and secure knot.
Feeding Knowledge
Understand what horses eat and why.
Safe Training
Learning correct feeding positions (R+) and the importance of protected contact.
Lead a Pony Safely
Demonstrate how to lead a pony safely and with confidence.
Grooming Basics
Learn the purpose of grooming and how to use brushes such as a hoof pick, dandy brush, and body brush.
Paddock Care
Describe what ponies need in a paddock to stay healthy and happy.
Horse Behavior and Communication
Show a basic understanding of how horses communicate, helping riders stay safe and build trust with their ponies.
Recognize Colours and Markings
Identify different horse colours and markings, an essential skill for describing horses.
Anatomy Knowledge
Be able to identify different parts of the horses.
Parts of the gear Be able to identify parts of the gear we use with the horses.
Covering a Pony
Safely demonstrate how to put on and remove a pony’s cover.
Safety Knowledge
Safety is at the heart of everything we do. Riders will demonstrate their understanding of:
Moving Around Horses
Show awareness of safe practices for approaching and working near ponies.
Feeding Safely
Learn the proper techniques for feeding hay and hard feed to avoid accidents.
Why Sit the Level One Certificate?
This certificate is a fantastic way for riders to measure their progress, gain a deeper understanding of horse care, and build the skills needed to become more independent. It also provides a sense of accomplishment and a foundation for further learning in our riding school.
Encourage your young riders to give it a go! Whether they’re working toward their first trot or mastering grooming, our Level One Certificate is designed to set them up for success.
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