International Level 2

RIDING

The candidates will ride two horses on the flat and be able to:

Demonstrate a secure, well established, effective, supple position in all three gaits.
Demonstrate the ability to ride with feel and knowledge to assess the horses and then develop their work with regard for any basic faults in the way of going.
Demonstrate the confidence to work constructively to improve aspects of the horse’s way of going.
If appropriate demonstrate work to include shortening and lengthening of stride within the gait, transitions in all three gaits, the development of lateral work to include shoulder in. Show counter canter and simple changes and the development of walk pirouettes.
Be able to discuss the way of going of the horses showing understanding of the scales of training.

The candidate will ride two horses over show jumps and one horse over cross-country type fences.

They must be able to show:

Confidence and effect in riding trained and young horses.
Good judgment of speed and pace according to conditions.
Good balance, depth, security and harmony in their riding.
The ability to discuss any problems or training issues and what they did about them.

The candidate will demonstrate in practical tasks and oral discussion their ability in the following:

Practical:

Fitting tack for all aspects of competition.
Applying specialist bandaging for both work and injury.
Assessing the conformation and action of the horse.
Assessing the soundness of the horse.
Assessing the good and bad aspects of stable yard design.
An ability and confidence to effectively lunge a horse to assess its way of going and then work to improve it, with an ability to use poles if required.

In discussion:

The candidate must be able to teach an individual or groups of riders to an elementary standard of dressage and jumping. This would include:

All the teaching criteria from Level 1 would be more consolidated.
Teach individuals or groups to an elementary level of dressage.
Work towards the development of lateral work including shoulder in.
Work towards counter canter and simple change.
Work towards walk pirouettes and shortening and lengthening of gaits.
They must demonstrate confidence and familiarity with the use of jumps (to 1m 10) and the appropriate use of distances between fences.
They must show knowledge and understanding of how to vary distances and use distances that help improve the way of going of horse and rider.
Show the ability to train over natural or cross-country type fences.
They must be able to discuss aspects of teaching technique including dealing with problems on the flat and over fences.
Be able to motivate and plan for riders, then assess, appraise and develop appropriate goals giving relevant feed back and praise.