In
the end, if you have trouble finding the "perfect" horse
you must look inward toward yourself and decide how much
stronger you can be as a rider. Once you have conquered your
fear, improved your strength and balance, and read books
and gathered information about successful training methods
you will find that more and more horses stand a chance of
being the "perfect" horse for you.
At
the bottom of each page you will find that each horse has been
evaluated for the minimum skill level its rider must have to
continue to progress in training. When a bad match is made
it is frightening for the rider but worse for the horse because
they can learn bad habits that are difficult to correct. I
want to leave room for you to
grow into your new horse but
still achieve a safe, lasting, match that will improve over
time.
The
evaluation strives to create a standard for comfort level
...
Walk-Trot
- those who are in their first or second year of riding with some
riding lessons (even if infrequently) and have had little experience
in any form of competition.
Walk-Trot-Canter
- those who have been riding for around four calendar years with
frequent lessons and participated in some local (unrated) competitions.
These riders may have ridden for a greater length of time but with
infrequent lessons.
Advanced
Walk Trot Canter – those who have been riding four
or more calendar years and have competed frequently in unrecognized
competitions. These riders are often still learning to jump and
may not be comfortable jumping on an unfamiliar horse.
Novice
– those riders who have lessoned for many years and competed
at both recognized and unrecognized shows. They may have jumped
up to 3' on familiar horses and should feel comfortable jumping
2'3"-2'6"
on almost any horse.
Intermediate
– those who have won more consistantly at recognized and local
shows up to the 3'6" level, have competed at 2nd level dressage
or higher, or have competed in a recognized combined training event
at the Training Level. They may also have achieved a Pony Club "B"
or "HA" rating. An intermediate level rider should be confident
riding and jumping up to 3' on a new horse.
Advanced
- riders who have won an USAE Medal or equivalent recognized 3'6"
equitation class or a Preliminary level Event in recognized competition;
riders who have competed in an Intermediate or Advanced level
Event, or competed in USET Medal or Young Rider competition, or
in recognized Dressage tests 4th level or higher; or A-rated Pony
Club Riders. They may also have won more than 2 blue ribbons over
fences 3'3"
or higher or more than 8 blue equitation ribbons on the flat in
recognized shows. Advanced riders are competent on green or seasoned
horses up to 3' or higher depending upon the horse's training. |