A brief guide to horse riding ability levels
Riding ability is a somewhat relative rating, but it does help when matching horse to rider.
The author Tom Cole, when asked if he could ride, would respond that he could ride a good, quiet horse. He was a horse breaker in the Kimberley and the Northern Territory back in the 1920s and 30s, but found that if one said too much about one’s abilities, that person ended up with the broncs. The point of this story is that a rider should describe their abilities best they can, but it’s always better to lean a bit towards understatement rather than overstatement:)
Here’s a general guideline to consider:
Beginner: A rider with limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter.
Novice: A rider who can mount and dismount unassisted, is capable of applying basic aids, is comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting trots, and short canters.
Intermediate: A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces, including rising trot, two point canters, and gallops, but does not ride regularly.
Strong intermediate: An intermediate rider who rides regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day.
Advanced: All of the mentioned abilities, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and a desire to handle a spirited horse in open country.
