If you are determining your ability level, we hope you find this guide helpful in your self-assessment. Please determine your level, before signing up for an evaluation lesson. The Galloping Guru teaches beginner, intermediate and advanced group lessons. Private lessons are tailored to the rider’s current level.

Ability Levels

Beginner - Level 1

You have minimal to no riding or horsemanship experience.

Novice - Level 2A

Secure foundation at the walk and trot. Can safely groom and tack up with light assistance, mount and dismount independently, and maintain a balanced position in the saddle. They can post on the correct diagonal, perform smooth walk–trot transitions, change direction confidently, and ride effectively at the posting trot.

Riders are able to safely control their horse in a controlled arena environment and on walking trail rides with a leader. They are beginning to learn the canter, developing confidence with canter departs and downward transitions while building balance and control.

Intermediate - 2B

Confident and in control at the walk, trot, and canter. They can independently groom, tack up, mount, and dismount, and use their aids effectively to maintain balance, rhythm, and control. Riders can perform accurate circles, pick up the correct canter lead, make simple lead changes, maintain a balanced half-seat.

At this level, riders are developing a secure jumping position. They remain at this level until they are proficient in all canter exercises and have the confidence to ride independently at all three gaits and begin jumping.

Experienced - 3A

Confident and independent at the walk, trot, and canter, both in the arena and in open spaces. They have a secure, balanced position, can control their horse at all three gaits, and are comfortable riding over uneven terrain and at the gallop. Riders can adjust the horse's stride length, maintain a balanced jumping position, perform accurate canter figures with simple lead changes, and demonstrate an emergency stop.

At this level, riders understand rein contact and basic lateral movements, ride confidently over poles and small jumps up to 2'3", and are comfortable riding a variety of horses.

Advanced - 3B

Confident, fit, and independent at all four gaits—walk, trot, canter, and gallop. They can safely and effectively ride a wide variety of horses, including forward or spirited horses, over uneven terrain and in open spaces. Riders have soft, tactful hands, can adjust their position and aids to suit the horse and terrain, and understand how to read their horse and adapt their riding accordingly.

At this level, riders demonstrate advanced control of pace, balance, and rhythm, including extension and collection at all three gaits. They ride confidently over cross-country obstacles and courses up to 3', can ride unfamiliar horses, and are capable of leading groups and assisting other riders when needed. Riders remain at this level until they are consistently proficient riding 3' courses in both the arena and open country on a variety of horses.

Evaluating your riding ability

Before joining our riding events, understanding your ability level allows us to better keep you safe so that you can have the best time on your ride. This guide will help you define what your ability level is. We consider the following areas of the sport to be important when reflecting on your ability level:

Basic riding abilities

Mount and dismount a horse without assistance
Hold reins between your ring and pinky fingers
Post at the trot
Take lessons
Have miles in the saddle
Own a helmet, riding boots and attire

Control

Ability to steer and stop at each of the horse’s gaits (walk, trot, canter, gallop)
Ask the horse to change its gait on your command
Ability to bring your horse back to a walk if the horse is out of control
Hold and use a crop, dressage whip and/or spurs

Horsemanship

Groom your horse (including picking out hooves and hosing off in the wash stall)
Tack your horse without assistance (includes boots and wraps)
Exercise barn etiquette with cross ties, manure clean up, keeping items off the ground etc

Confidence

Ability to determine what sort of horse you are comfortable on (a horse you need to push forward or slow down)?

Note: Despite years of experience and knowledge, your confidence level can be independent of skill set. For example, we have known absolute beginners to trot and canter on our horses. We make sure our riders understand that this does not mean they are experienced riders. The reality is that in a controlled situation, on a well-trained horse with a temperament to put up with a lot of mistakes by its rider, a beginner with the right mental and physical will can be comfortable at the trot and canter.

Setting and terrain

Ability to ride in an indoor arena with other lessons taking place and ensuring you are at a safe distance from other horses at all times
Know how to properly and safely pass another horse
Ability to ride outside in open spaces, even as horses can become excited and more difficult to control
Ability to ride through water crossings, uphill (forward half seat, give reins) and downhill (lean back, give reins)

Information with modifications, courtesy Alana Stotts/Manhattan Riding Club. The Galloping Guru reserves the right to; move riders to lessons or events at their appropriate ability level / match riders to their horse.