Unicorns

Ages 3 to 5

Unicorn Playtime is for the tiny ones.

These are normally children around three to five years old who are being introduced to horses through play, movement, confidence, simple pony care, and a little riding.

They work mainly with small ponies.

At the beginning, riding may be only a small part of the experience. As the child develops, more riding can gradually be added.

More advanced Unicorn students may:

• Ride on the lead line or lunge line

• Walk and trot

• Practice posting trot and sitting trot

• Ride in a regular saddle or with handles

• Develop basic balance, coordination, and confidence around the pony

The goal is not yet to produce an independent rider. The goal is to create a confident young child who enjoys horses, understands basic safety, and is physically and mentally ready for more structured riding education on the lunge line.

When does a Unicorn move to Level B?

When the child is mature enough and ready to begin real lunge line education, they can move toward Level B after passing the Unicorn Badge.

We will explain how the Badge works later.

Important: Unicorn is not the starting point for every beginner.

A seven year old who has never ridden does not start in Unicorn. That rider starts in Level B.

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Level B

The Older Beginner Rider

Level B is where structured beginner riding education begins.

This is the appropriate starting point for an older child who is new to riding.

Level B students receive a strong lunge line foundation while also learning to ride freely in the arena.

On the lunge line, they learn:

• Walk

• Posting trot

• Sitting trot

• Canter

• Balance and position

• Correct basic use of the body

• Riding both in a saddle and with handles when useful

At the same time, they begin learning to ride independently.

They should gradually learn how to:

• Walk freely around the arena

• Steer

• Stop

• Maintain direction

• Trot independently

• Control the horse without depending on the trainer holding the lunge line

Before moving into Level E, the rider should be able to walk and trot safely and independently in the arena.

Ideally, the student also has some independent canter experience. At minimum, canter should already be familiar and established through lunge line education.

When does a Level B rider move to Level E?

After passing the B Badge, the student moves into Level E when they are ready to ride safely with other students.

A rider does not become Level E simply because they have cantered on the lunge.

Ask yourself:

• Can this student walk and trot independently?

• Can they steer and stop reliably?

• Can they control their horse while other riders are in the arena?

• Do they already understand canter from the lunge line?

• Are they ready to learn in a small group?

If yes, they are beginning to look like a Level E rider.

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Level E

The Developing Rider

Level E covers a much wider range of ability.

Lessons are taught in groups of up to three riders.

The lowest Level E rider should already be able to safely walk and trot independently in a group lesson.

That student may not yet be able to canter independently.

They should, however, already have canter experience from Level B lunge line work. One of the first major goals in Level E may be learning to canter independently in the arena.

From there, Level E develops significantly.

A more advanced Level E rider may already:

• Walk, trot, and canter independently

• Ride accurate figures and easy Dressage patterns

• Understand rhythm, position, steering, and basic influence

• Ride poles and gymnastic exercises

• Jump small jumps and educational courses

• Take more responsibility for preparing and caring for the horse

There can therefore be a big difference between a new Level E rider and a student who is close to graduating from Level E.

That is intentional.

Jumping in Level E

Level E is not simply a jumping level.

Dressage and correct flatwork remain the foundation.

A Level E student should only be allowed to jump if they ride at least twice each week.

The rider needs enough regular riding time to develop the balance, control, position, and feel required to make jumping educational rather than simply surviving a course.

When does a Level E rider move to Level A?

After passing the E Badge, the student moves into Level A.

That is the point where the riding school pathway becomes considerably more performance and competition focused.

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Level A

The Advanced Riding School Student

Level A is for students who have completed Level E and are ready for more serious riding.

Level A riders train at least three times each week in group lessons.

They should already have a solid independent foundation.

A Level A student should generally be able to:

• Walk, trot, and canter independently

• Ride Dressage patterns

• Understand basic accuracy, rhythm, transitions, and influence

• Ride independently without constant trainer assistance

• Jump courses around 65 cm and above, depending on their stage of development

• Prepare for shows or already attend horse shows

• Take considerably more responsibility for the horse

Level A becomes more competitive, but it is still an education level.

The goal is not simply to jump higher or collect ribbons. Riders should become more accurate, effective, independent, knowledgeable, and useful horse people.

Riding Ability Is Only Part of the Placement

Do not place a student into a higher level because of one impressive thing they can do.

A child who has jumped 80 cm once is not automatically Level A.

A rider who can canter on a lunge line is not automatically Level E.

Years of riding do not automatically determine the level either.

Look at the whole student:

• Riding ability

• Independence

• Balance and control

• Confidence

• Understanding

• Responsibility

• Horsemanship

The question is not:

What is the biggest thing this rider has ever done?

The question is:

What can this rider consistently and safely do today?