Equestrian Canada Rider Level Program

At Kuruka Equestrian

WHAT ARE THE RIDER LEVELS? 

The Equine Canada Learn to Ride program is a national program based on current standards of riding and the Canadian Long-Term Equestrian Development model. The English Learn to Ride program includes levels 1-10. 

It is designed to be guided by a Certified Instructor, to ensure that the concepts are clearly understood before the rider progresses to more challenging levels. The program provides an opportunity for riders to progress, demonstrating their skills through a series of increasingly complex written tests, interviews and over fences along with flat tests. Once riders are ready, they are evaluated by a certified Equestrian Canada Evaluator.  

The purpose is to give riders an opportunity to learn not only how to ride but also learn everything else there is to know about horses. It is a way to ensure that all across Canada students get the opportunity to learn a standard form of knowledge and get recognized for their achievements. It is a great first step to future work in any equine related field, great on a resume for those students who hope to work in an equine related field , and the first part of being able to someday get your coaching license. 

OUR PROGRAM

At Kuruka Equestrian’s we encourage and support our riders who wish to test for the Equestrian Canada’s Learn to Ride program. The program is open to riders of all ages who would like a formalized evaluation of their skills and progress. This is non-competitive, non-compulsory evaluation meant to offer tangible levels and goals to riders interested and it is intended to produce riders who are competent, safe, and knowledgeable horse people. Levels are progressive and spans from Level 1 to 10. .  

This program is based on the following manuals that outline the basic horse and stable management knowledge as well as expected riding skills for each level of certification:  

  • Equestrian Canada English Rider Handbooks  
  • Stable Management in Canada book  
  • Additional resources (such as the Developing Equestrians Guidebook) 

 

 

To prepare we support our testers equally and ensure all riders are well prepared, as such our instructors spend weeks incorporating the level requirements of the flat test or jumping components in their lessons. Students are also able to participate in a variety of mini clinics hosted during the fall and winter that are hands on with stable management bandage wrapping and tack knowledge.   

 

Along with those, Angela also offers in person or online classes thru google class room, this is offered for those who would like to learn independently through manuals and research but wish to have some feedback on how they are progressing in their comprehension of the material. Angela will also provide a guide for review materials required for written, oral and practical for each rider level component, along with the study guides for the level they are testing for. At Kuruka we are fortunate that many of our school horses have helped countless riders achieve their rider levels. 

 

The Rider Levels are standard across Canada, so once certified a rider can hold their accreditation across the country. Our rider level prep clinics run through the Fall and Winter months, with testing taking place each Spring. We also offer a rider level week long summer camp that focuses on all elements of the level you will be tested for, elevation taking place on Friday.  This program is open to Kuruka students that are in our lesson program. 

 

Rider Levels 1-3

  • The Rider 1 evaluation is comprised of a written test, a practical horse knowledge component and a flat riding component.
  • The Rider 2 evaluation is comprised of a written test, a practical horse knowledge component and a flat riding component.
  • The Rider 3 evaluation is comprised of a written test, a practical horse knowledge component, a flat riding component as well as a jumping component.

Rider Levels 4-6

  • The Rider 4 are expected to complete a flat test and ride jumps at a height of 2′ (0.6m) at a gymnastic phase and course phase. Written and practical portions also tested at this level.
  • The Rider 5 will be jumping fences at a height of 2’3″ (0.7m) at a gymnastic phase and course phase, in addition to a flat test and a lunging phase. Written and practical portions also tested at this level.
  • The Rider 6 will complete jump fences at a height of 2’6″ (0.75m) at a gymnastic phase and course phase in addition to a flat test and a lunging phase. Written and practical portions also tested at this level.

Rider Levels 7-8

  • The Rider 7 will complete a flat test and jump fences at a height of 2’9″ (0.88m) in a gymnastic and course phase, in addition to a lunging component. Written and practical portions also tested at this level.
  • The Rider 8 will jump a medal type course of 2’9 – 3’ (0.85- 0.90m), with confidence and authority. The rider should be able to influence the horse in a positive fashion and improve its way of going. In addition to this there is a flat test and lunging and gymnastic component presented. Written and practical portions also tested at this level.

Rider Levels 9-10

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  • The Rider 9 will compelete all riding and lunging componets as previous levels but with a height of 3′-3’3 fences. All while with confidence and authority, then will critique their rides at each test and identify strengths and weaknesses. (Large emphasis on ability to identify weakness and strengths). A high level of written and practical knowledge portions also tested at this level. This level will require show attaire. 
  • The Rider 10 will ride a horse unknown to them but suitable to the level of testing, in all riding phases of levels before. Will  discussion of horse’s abilities, temperament, responsiveness, stage of training. based on how the ride went. Also while being able to outline and implement immediate plan to school weaker areas.