1. Have passed all previous levels.
2. Perform USEF First Level Test 1 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.
3. Hold the counter canter three quarters of the way around 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. Perform a walking turn on the haunches
The hind legs make a small half circle, and the front legs make a larger one
around them. The outside front leg crosses in front of the inside one.
There is no halt and the rhythm of the walk must be maintained.
5. Compete in at least one horse show, two phase, or hunter pace off the farm
Rider will be expected to prepare horse to show quality standards.
Preparation must occur the day before the event to the staff on duty’s
satisfaction. This includes all grooming maintenance, tack preparation, and
entry form organization. Formal attire will be required if rider is entered
in equitation and/or hunter classes. See Previous levels for definitions of
“show quality” and “formal attire.” Please note: Preparing for an off farm
horse show may take days or weeks, rather than hours or minutes.
6. 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.
7. Be able to jump a course of 2’9” with correct simple changes
(flying changes preferred)
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.
8. Be able to perform half pass at the walk
Horse should move diagonally forward and sideways on to tracks. Examiner
will be looking for the horse to be bent toward the direction of the
movement, horse’s legs crossing with each step, and that the horse is just
about parallel to the wall with the shoulders slightly leading.
9. Be able to perform haunches in at the walk and trot
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.
10. Gallop a cross country course of 2-foot, 3-inch (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.
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