Safety, Confidence, and Control

Riding Level 3:  Safety, Confidence, and Control of Pace This is the final checklist item on your Riding Level 3 test.  In some ways 'safety, confidence and control' seem like nebulous criteria, and it is true that the final mark in the this category is based on an overall impression generated from your whole ride. …

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Stepping up the Single-hand Reining

Riding Level 3: Cantering Single-handed For Riding Levels 1 and 2 you have already been asked to demonstrate single-handed reining at walk and trot respectively, so the next logical step at Level 3 is 11. Single hand reining: walk, trot and canter. The mechanics are the same, so first go and review these posts on…

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Drill Teamwork

Riding Level 3: Drill Manoeuvres From Roman cavalry, to mediaeval heavy lance, to early modern light horse, mounted warriors have needed the ability to ride in organized formations, and exercises for training groups of riders have existed since Xenophon.  You can still see the modern equivalent in drill team exhibitions and our own RCMP Musical…

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Shifting Gears

Riding Level 3: Effective Transitions As a beginning rider you drove with an automatic transmission.  You knew 'go' and 'whoa', and, if you were lucky, somewhere in there was 'slow'.  As your riding has improved you have gained the ability to use at least three different gaits and make accurate transitions between them. At level…

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Losing the Stirrups

Riding Level 3: Riding without  Stirrups At all levels of riding we ask you to drop your stirrups periodically.  There are two main reasons for this: You never know when you might lose your stirrups when riding.  It's good to be able to keep your seat without them, and regain them on the fly. Riding…

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Effective position

Riding Level 3: Position It's one of the first things we teach you when you start riding, and something your instructors will continue to adjust throughout your riding career.  Your position in the saddle is far more than just a matter of aesthetics.  Good position is the foundation of effective riding.  At level three we…

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