Riding Levels

• Level E1a: Beginner, never ridden (except maybe on vacation), have not ridden in a long time, or have had minimal lessons.
• Level E1b: Have had some lessons, but need to work on balance and posting at the trot. Good for students switching from Western to English.
• Level E2a: Can post at the trot and remain fairly balanced. Ready to fine tune trot work figures, learn the canter, and establish independent seat and hands.
• Level E2b: Trot work is solid but refinement needed before proceeding. Have cantered a little, but need work or a refresher.
• Level E3a: Have cantered before, but need work on position and control. Preparation for Sr. Rider status.
• Level E3b: Knows canter leads. Fine tune independent seat and hands, as well as coordination of aids.
• Pre-Cavaletti/E3b: Introductory cavaletti for students riding at E3 level. Solidify 2-point position; learn poles and crossrails to solidify leg position and control.
• Intro to Dressage/E3b: Introductory dressage for students riding at E3 level.
• Cavaletti/Level E4: A prejumping class involving work with ground poles and raised poles. Previous cavaletti or jumping experience. Work with crossrails and small verticals to improve skill of rider and horse.
• Dressage/Level E4: Focus on training the horse to yield and bend correctly while increasing the rider's advanced equitation skills. Work in lateral movements, etc. for independent riders who are ready to work on training the horse.
• Advanced W/T/C: Beginning jumping with solid flatwork.
• Novice Jumping: Less experienced over fences, jumping up to 2'6". Have shown equitation at non-rated shows.
• Intermediate Jumping: Jumping up to 2'9" with emphasis on equitation. Have shown equitation on the B circuit.
• Open Jumping: Experienced riders on the flat and over fences; jumping up to 3'3 with emphasis on equitation. Have background in showing equitation on the A circuit.
• Trail Class: Riding level varies for this class. Explore the beautiful Hoofer property while you learn to control your horse out on the trail. Focus is on necessary trail safety and horse behavior issues. Build confidence riding outside the arena and work toward trail certification. Class will ride indoors in bad weather.