Levels of riding?

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Lissie2

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I know this can be very subjective but how would you classify the levels of riding ability from beginner, novice, intermediate through to advanced? Really try to focus on actual riding (not whether you compete or own etc.)
 
I'll have a go, in the gaps between watching dressage tests! I think it depends a lot on the rider (i.e. some beginners are keen to jump before they can walk; other very good riders only want to hack gently!)

Beginner = on the lead rein. Still learning and being reminded of how to hold reins, heels down, general position and basic aids. Probably not cantering yet, and trot would involve some bouncing.

Novice = off the lead rein (maybe on the lunge for faster work). Remembers how to maintain position without too many reminders. Capable of asking a horse to walk forward and stop, and learning about transitions. Basic rising trot, and some canter.

Intermediate = this seems too big a category so I will split it.
Intermediate1: capable of walk, trot and canter on an amenable horse. Hacking comfortably. Low level jumping if it suits them.
Intermediate2: understanding some aspects of dressage, working towards the way the horse goes and not just the basic aids, paces and transitions. More capable on a more difficult or naughty horse. (probably competitive at RC level)
INtermediate3: higher level of training, whether it be dressage or jumping. Stronger, stickier seat, and capable of (say) riding a young or green horse. (probably competitive and affiiliated)

Advanced: professional standard in whichever discipline
 
Based on that I'd say intermediate 1, pushing through to intermediate 2 but I'd only really call myself a novice usually x
 
Abacus said:
I'll have a go, in the gaps between watching dressage tests! I think it depends a lot on the rider (i.e. some beginners are keen to jump before they can walk; other very good riders only want to hack gently!)

Beginner = on the lead rein. Still learning and being reminded of how to hold reins, heels down, general position and basic aids. Probably not cantering yet, and trot would involve some bouncing.

Novice = off the lead rein (maybe on the lunge for faster work). Remembers how to maintain position without too many reminders. Capable of asking a horse to walk forward and stop, and learning about transitions. Basic rising trot, and some canter.

Intermediate = this seems too big a category so I will split it.
Intermediate1: capable of walk, trot and canter on an amenable horse. Hacking comfortably. Low level jumping if it suits them.
Intermediate2: understanding some aspects of dressage, working towards the way the horse goes and not just the basic aids, paces and transitions. More capable on a more difficult or naughty horse. (probably competitive at RC level)
INtermediate3: higher level of training, whether it be dressage or jumping. Stronger, stickier seat, and capable of (say) riding a young or green horse. (probably competitive and affiiliated)

Advanced: professional standard in whichever discipline
Click to expand...

I really like this way of putting it. Im much happier to be an intermediate 1 than a novice!
 
I think of it a little differently

Beginner: walk, trot, canter. Can ride a sensible, well established horse out hacking.

Novice: as above but can go for a gallop, sit a buck and can ride a more flighty complicated horse.

Intermediate: Can ride a range of horses well. Understands how to ride properly; how to ask the right questions to get the most out of the horse.

Advanced: can break and bring on a youngster and educate them to a high level.
 
Peter7917 said:
I think of it a little differently

Beginner: walk, trot, canter. Can ride a sensible, well established horse out hacking.

Novice: as above but can go for a gallop, sit a buck and can ride a more flighty complicated horse.

Intermediate: Can ride a range of horses well. Understands how to ride properly; how to ask the right questions to get the most out of the horse.

Advanced: can break and bring on a youngster and educate them to a high level.
Click to expand...

I don't necessarily disagree with this - it's a different way of seeing it. My version was perhaps a view because I am teaching my small children - so I see clearly the stages of a very young green child.

BUT what happens in this scheme before beginner? Because I think it takes about a year to get to the point of 'walk, trot, canter. Can ride a sensible, well established horse out hacking.'
 
Well your a beginner leaning to walk
Then your a beginner learning to trot
Then your a beginner learning to canter
Then your a beginner going out on some hacks on a dobin
 
Peter7917 said:
I think of it a little differently

Beginner: walk, trot, canter. Can ride a sensible, well established horse out hacking.

Novice: as above but can go for a gallop, sit a buck and can ride a more flighty complicated horse.

Intermediate: Can ride a range of horses well. Understands how to ride properly; how to ask the right questions to get the most out of the horse.

Advanced: can break and bring on a youngster and educate them to a high level.
Click to expand...

By these definitions, I'm still a beginner, I can't sit a buck to save my life. 😂

I like the other definition, with intermediate split up, under that I'd be int 2. That definition makes real sense to me.
 
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