What makes an intermediate rider?

S

Sunlark

Member
Joined
10 April 2014
Messages
12
Visit site
What would you say separates a beginner rider from an intermediate and an advanced rider? What should you be capable of doing to stop being considered a novice? I'm trying to figure out what level I'm riding at for loans. Thanks :)
 
Generally speaking, if you're riding at a riding school in group lessons, you're still a beginner or at a push a novice with the right loan horse.
 
I'd say when you are no longer a passenger. I have been trying to put my mare up as a share and there are people who are trying her who are classed as 'intermediate' or 'advanced' in the riding school but cannot actually ride her. She is well schooled but you have to ask in the right way - if you use the outside rein to try and stop her cutting the corner you get counter shoulder in...
 
I consider myself intermediate. I've owned horse for 25+ years but have never gone beyond riding club/ low level BE. I jump up to 90 (horse could do a lot more but I know my limit) and compete at novice (unaffiliated) dressage - aiming to give elementary a go this winter. I'll hack anywhere and this is where I am most comfortable. I've never had a youngster although I possibly could bring one on - on the flat if not jumping - but feel that I'm not confident enough in my own ability and therefore I shouldn't. I'm also happy to pay a premium for one I can get on and go with as I don't have a huge amount of time to be spending riding every day bringing a baby on and I enjoy getting out and about. I can handle a tricky horse although the ones I have now aren't. A has his moments of dancing and pulling but never does anything nasty.
 
I think at best I'm a novice then, although I could still be a beginner I suppose. I've only been riding 3 years, highest I've jumped is 0.6m on lessons because we don't often get the jumps out thanks to the weather. I'm used to horses that don't do as their told because I've not been thrown off so I normally get the less behaved ones, but I am still developing my seat fully, so I can sometimes lose them at canter. Would you say that was beginner or novice? Or would you need more info? :)
 
I'd say if you aren't established in your seat and you 'lose them' in canter then you are still a beginner. I would expect a novice to be on their way to be able to correct a problem like this.
 
I've been riding for 45 years, backed loads of horses, jumped newcomers and fox hunter and would class myself as an intermediate rider. I don't compete anymore, I'm a happy hacker :)
 
Fair enough, I sort of expected as much XD I think I may be able to loan one of the yards horses to practice keeping them out when I'm at canter, so hopefully I can fix that soon :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top