1. Have passed all previous levels.
2. Come to test with horse and rider demonstrating show-quality preparation.
See previous level for definition of “show quality.”
3. Oral quiz on all previous horsemanship/riding knowledge
Rider should be comfortable discussing tack care and fit, grooming
maintenance and riding theory. Subjects to include but not limited to
reasons for body clipping, sheath cleaning, daily grooming, types of lateral
movements and how they are executed…etc.
4. Perform USEF Training level test 3 with a score of 50% or better
Test may be read for student, Test will be judged using USDF guidelines for
horse and rider, including accuracy of movements, quality of gaits, riders
seat and hands and use of the aids
5. Canter a serpentine with simple changes through the walk
Serpentine will be judged on quality of the movement, riders ability to bend
the horse, and quality and balance through the transitions.
6. Jump a course of cross rails without stirrups cantering on the correct lead
with simple changes as needed
Student should be able to pick up or drop stirrups at any given moment, jump
course should be performed with control and very little loss of position.
Rider may be asked to perform both jumping position and full seat. Rider may
be asked to halt at any time.
7. Jump a grid with and without stirrups
Grid may be bounces, one strides or any combination of the two. Rider will
be expected to go through grid in both full seat and jumping position.
Rider should be in control, and exhibit minimal loss of position.
8. Jump a course of 2-foot 3-inch jumps at the canter simple or flying changes
(dependant on horse).
Be able to explain a flying lead change, and how to
ask for it. Rider to demonstrate control over their horse, ride to and from
the fences straight with an even pace, without extreme speed. Horse should
show even, correct distances to the jumps. Rider should demonstrate correct
equitation, both between and over the jumps.
9. Show a more complete understanding of having your horse on the aids
Rider will be asked to make their horse round, and ask horse to show some
self carriage at all three gaits. Some loss of frame is ok however rider
must demonstrate an ability to regain. Student will be asked to explain what
round is, what the difference is between the frame and the connection,
Student will also be asked to explain the steps to getting and keeping their
horse at the aids.
10. Be able to lengthen and shorten the stride of the horse at the walk and trot
Student must show a distinct transition within the gait as well as a
connection with the horse through the change in stride. They must also be
able to explain how they asked the horse to lengthen and shorten and why it
is an important skill for horse and rider.
11. Be able to walk, trot, canter, and jump 18” cross rails outside of a ring
(weather permitting)
Student must show ability to control mount and explain
basic safety rules for riding outside the ring, and be able to apply all of
them.
12. Be able to perform shoulder-in at the walk
Rider should be able to maintain shoulder in down a long side. In order to
pass this riding element, examiner must see the horse’s legs traveling in
three tracks. The outside hind leg in the first track, the outside front
leg and inside hind leg in the second track and the inside front leg in the
third track. Rider should be maintaining shoulder in with their inside leg
and outside rein.
13. Be able to perform any of the previous level tests on an unfamiliar horse.
Rider should be able to perform any of the previous riding elements
completely and correctly on a horse of the examiner’s choice.
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