The club welcomes riders from all backgrounds, with lessons suitable for everyone. To ensure riders get the most out of their lessons and are safe, the following guidelines will help you to sign up for the right ability. If you are unsure whether you are a beginner or pre-novice/novice and would like some advice, please contact the Springhill or Hilltop rep.

Riding standards for Springhill

Beginner- from never having sat on a horse to ability to walk trot canter and steer independently. There is more flexibility in the beginner lessons to adapt to individual needs. If in doubt, sign up for beginner and wait for Fiona to tell you to try the novice lessons.

Pre-novice- ability to walk, trot, canter and steer independently, suitable for those lacking in confidence and/or those wishing to see if novice lessons are more suitable.

Novice- Confident in walk, trot, and canter and steering independently, with an without stirrups (sometimes even without reins!) Some knowledge of, or desire to learn, lateral movements like leg yield and shoulder in.

Jumping- Knowledge of jumping position and confidence over poles and small jumps. If in doubt ask Fiona at a beginners lesson if you should try the novice lessons.

Riding Standards For Hilltop

Transitional:

Dressage – Confident in walk, trot, and canter and steering independently. Some knowledge of, or desire to learn, lateral movements like leg yield and shoulder in.

Jumping – confident over poles on the ground, single fences, and combinations. The height of the jumps can be set to what you are comfortable with, but usually from poles on the ground up to a metre.

Intermediate/Advanced:

Dressage – Confident in walk, trot, and canter, and steering independently. Confident in lateral movements like leg yield, shoulder in, and turn on the forehand.

Jumping – confident jumping courses around a metre in height.