EQL Level 3 Certificate in Western Riding

(Reining)

Topic / Areas to be covered.
Prepare to ride / Leading and turning. Check and adjust tack, stirrups, reins correctly.
Mounting/ dismount / Preparation for mounting. Mounting. Preparation for dismount. Dismount.
Riding position / Correct position in the saddle. Basic suppleness as required in the riding position. Rhythm and balance through turns and circles. Hand/rein position. Balance, security, straightness with and without stirrups in all three gaits. Co-ordinated aids when riding with the reins in one hand. Knowledge of correct rein carriage with various bits and bridles.
Warm-up for horse / Free Walk, jog and lope in straight lines and large circles. Suppling exercises to include control of hip and shoulder movement and lateral and horizontal flexion.
Natural aids / Leg, hand, seat, voice. Co-ordinated aid application. Preparation for transitions. Forward riding. Correct and appropriate rein contact.
Artificial aids / Spurs. When and when not to use spurs and the effective use of spurs.
Effective riding / Recognise correct sequence of footfalls in walk, jog and lope. Fluent, unconstrained work of the horse. Recognise leads in lope. Correct shaped circles. Riding patterns accurately. Transitions. Turn on forehand. Turn on haunches. Lateral movements. Speed control in all 3 gaits. Correct stop and back up. Flying lead changes. Sliding stops, rollbacks, spins. Troubleshooting and corrections.
Lunging and Round-pen work / Working horse and rider on lunge and in round pen. Correct use and fitting of equipment. Handling equipment. Procedures and method. Safety.
Cool/Warm-down horse / Stretching down in trot. Free walk. Recognising signs of recovery, respiration rates, cool and dry horse.
Tack and saddlery / Tack up and untack. Safety checks on tack. Fitting various nosebands, martingales, breastplates, protective boots and training aids. Fitting lunge tack. Fitting saddles, pads and blankets. Knowledge and use of various western bits and bridles and their actions.
Health & Safety / Safe riding in company. Rules for riding in enclosed areas with others. Arena etiquette. Safe tack & saddlery First aid procedures, reporting. Appropriate dress, working with horses, riding.
Reining Competition / Knowledge of class procedures and what the judge is looking for. Legal equipment, bits, etc. Knowledge of rules relating to various classes, ie snaffle bit.
First aid procedure / Awareness and basic knowledge of what to do in the case of a fall, wounds, shock, sprains & strains, fractures, head injuries, internal injuries, spinal/ pelvic injuries. Burns. Poisons. Asthma, Anaphylactic shock.
Basic knowledge of equine behaviour/ psychology / Natural lifestyle. Indications of nervousness, excitement. Safe methods of handling. Recognising and dealing with anti social behaviour when ridden in company. Caring for and dealing with stallions both ridden and in hand.
Equine anatomy/ physiology / Knowledge of the points of the horse, digestive system, muscular/skeletal system, external structure and function of the horse’s foot. Recognising the well-shod/maintained foot, signs of distress, lameness and ill health.
Suitability of horses / Type, fitness and condition, equine behaviour. Suitability for purpose.
General Knowledge / Member bodies of the BEF their function and purpose
Sports coaching methodology. History and evolution of western riding. BR Handbook, NRHA Rulebook.

G/exams/ukcc/western riding/western technical syllabus (reining)

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