2. Perform USEF Training level test 4 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 gates, riders seat and hands and use of the aids

3. Counter canter the long side of the ring
Rider should be able to hold counter canter with true and/or counter bend. Horse should not swap leads at any time unless asked to do so.

4. Show two simple changes of lead on a straight line
Examiner will be looking for the rider to achieve a lead change by changing the bend and not by turning the horse and making the line crooked. Transitions should be balanced and thoughtfully executed.

5. Show a lengthening and collection of the horses stride in the walk, trot and canter
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.

6. Gallop cross country over a 2-foot course (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.

7. Compete in one in-house horse show, hunter pace, or two phase
See previous level for definition of “show quality.” Formal attire will be required if rider is entered in equitation or hunter classes. Formal attire includes a velvet or GPA helmet, hair neatly tied up with hair net, fitted show shirt with embroidered collar, navy, gray or brown hunt coat (no green or black please), black gloves, Tailored Sportsman breeches or jods, belt, tall boots or paddock boots with garders and jod straps.

8. Jump a course of 2-foot with simple or flying lead changes without stirrups
Rider should be able to pick up and drop stirrups at any given moment. 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.

9. Be able to jump a course of 2-foot, 6-inch cantering with correct simple or flying lead 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.

10. Be able to perform a turn on the haunches
The horse’s front legs make a circle around the hind legs. Hind legs should stay in one place in order for this movement to be correct.

11. Be able to perform shoulder in at the walk and trot
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.

12. Be able to perform haunches in at the walk
Rider should maintain haunches in down a long side. In order to pass this riding element, the examiner must see the horse traveling in three tracks. The horses outside front leg should be in one track, the outside hind and inside front should be in he second tack and the inside hind should be in the third.

13. Be able to perform any of the previous 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.

Go to next level