1. Have passed all previous levels.
2. Perform USEF First Level Test 2 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 all 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.
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.
4. Be able to jump a course of 3-foot with flying lead changes
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
5. Be able to make a circle of any size at any gait (walk, trot, canter)
Horse should maintain forward with a steady rhythm. Rider should be able to
perform either true or counter bend without any loss of size, shape or
forward.
6. Be able to perform half pass at the walk and trot
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.
7. Gallop a cross country course of 2-foot, 6-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.
8. Be able to do a series of in house horse shows and at least one outside
show, two-phase or hunter pace.
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.
Go to start page of Levels.