Riding 201
Student getting tips prior to cantering for the first time on BAILEY
A person registering at this level will have had a history of riding lessons in the past, consistent riding camp experiences multiple years running, or have passed both New to Horses and Riding 101 in this program. Riders in this level must have passed the criteria for all the required badges and have their Bronze medal. This means riders at this level should be able to catch, handle, groom, tack, and mount a horse preparatory to active riding with no assistance. Riders at this level have demonstrated the ability to independently ride at a walk and have the beginnings of an independent posting trot. Riders should be able to understand the concept of diagonals in preparation to perfecting the posting trot. Ages accepted from age 7 and up.**
Note: at this time, we are unable to accomodate riders over 230 lbs for mounted lessons. If you wish to participate over that weight limit, we are happy to teach you all about horses in unmounted lessons. There is so much more to horses than riding
Students at this level can expect to learn:
Posting trot independently
Working on steady hands
Diagonals
Trotting figures, like figure 8s and serpentines
Refining walk/halt halt/walk transitions
Beginnings of nice trot/walk, walk/trot transitions
Refining steering signals
Emergency dismount at a walk
Being more confident in control of the horse, including spooking
More intensive work on the longeline at a trot (dropping reins and posting, some no stirrup work)
Cantering introduced on longeline
A student who has all these skills may try for their Silver Medal
(Must have all Badges, Bronze Medal, and Silver Medal to pass to Riding 301)
A student working on independent posting trot on FORREST who has a huge trot!
**The student must have the physical ability to handle and ride a horse. This means being able to stand and walk independently, stand on one foot, move quickly out of the way in case of a sudden movement by the horse, have good balance both while on the ground and while mounted, be able to hear and understand verbal instructions given by the teacher, be able to see well enough to guide the horse, and have the fitness to stand in the stirrups and mount as well as lift a saddle. Horseback riding is a physical activity requiring a moderate level of fitness at the minimum. An obese or unfit rider will be harder for the horse to carry and effectively balance, as well as have difficulty balancing themselves in the saddle. Every effort will be made to accommodate unfit riders in unmounted activities, but be aware that fitness level may impact your ability to participate in mounted lessons. **