Riding Instructor Examinations
Minimum Requirements

Entry to Level 1 by apprenticeship or exam. Examinations under the auspices of National Federation and/or Government

 
Level Riding Stable Management Teaching Notes(Riding)
1

Basic Dressage
Show Jumping
Eventing

Basic anatomy & physiology.
Recognise health & ill health
Care for horses in routine situations.
Lunge a horse for exercise.
 How to ride basic
dressage on trained horses. Jump to 85cms to establish balance &
security.
Stable Management
 Work a trained horse to basic dressage level
Show Jump – fences to 1m in good rhythm & style.
Cross Country – fences to 85cms in good rhythm & style.
2
 Train school horses to maintain a developing level of Dressage training.
Show Jump to 1m 10.
Cross Country to 1m.
 Further anatomy and physiology.
Recognise lameness and take suitable action. Develop and maintain fitness for competition work.
Plan routines for staff and students. Communicate well with others and inter-relate
 Groups and individuals.  Dressage relevant to the level of riding on trained horses. 
Show Jump to 1.05m to develop awareness of stride control.
Cross Country to 1m to develop good balance of horse and rider.
Stable Management – practical and theory.
 Including basic lateral work, counter canter, simple changes of leg in canter, rein back and improving collection .
Work a horse on the lunge to develop basic paces and balance. Show Jump–fences to 1.10m and Cross Country fences to 1m, showing effectiveness and awareness of going and terrain.
3
 Train and school horses to a more advanced level..
Show Jump to
1m 20.
Cross Country to 2 star

Able to manage a large stable with all the required skills. Manage people to enable progression and
efficiency. Manage horses to maintain health and fitness. Manage a business to maintain economic growth.

 Classes and individuals to the level of riding on trained and young horses.
Include further lateral work, demi-pirouette and flying changes.
Show Jump to 1.20m.
Cross Country to 1.10m.
Train others with young horses.
Pedagogic skills,
psychology of learning.
Communication skills

To include all lateral work, single flying changes and working pirouettes, showing awareness of competition requirements.

Understanding more advanced training issues in all disciplines.
Show Jump-fences to 1.20m
Including how to ride a course maintaining balance and
effectiveness. Cross Country-fences to 1.10m, understanding complex competition problems.
Work a horse on the lunge to develop self-carriage and enhance the paces.
Note:  In some countries Cross Country is not possible. Check passports for qualifications and endorsements.

RIDING INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS – MATRIX GUIDELINES

Level Activity May Include
work with: 		Status Workplace Recommended
Training Time
1
 Teaching with limited
responsibility, usually under the supervision of Level 2 or 3.
 Novice riders,
children,
recreational
riders.
 Basic instructor for:
Pony Clubs, Equestrian
Tourism,
Recreational Riders. Simple instruction in horse care and management.
 Club or Riding School
recommended or approved by the National Federation and/or Government.
 Minimum age – 18 years.
2 years training following full-time education, as appropriate.
2
 Independent instructor with responsibility for all aspects of teaching All. Training to Level 1. Coach for novice competitions.
Plan training
programmes.
Training others in horse care and management.
 Club, College,
Riding School,
recommended or approved by the National
Federation and/or Government.
 Minimum age – 20 years.
2 years further training from Level 1.
3
 Independent
Master Instructor
 All. Training to
Levels 1 & 2.
Coach competitive disciplines to Medium level.
Manage
equestrian centre.
Plan programmes for all levels.
 Travelling instructor.
Large Centre
 Minimum age – 22 years.
2 years further training from Level 2.

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