EQL Level 2 Certificate in Coaching - Western Riding

Level 2 Technical Definition

Topic / Areas to be covered.
Prepare to ride / Leading and turning. Check safety, suitability and adjust fit of tack, stirrups and reins.
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. Correct fit. When and how to use.
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.
Riding in the open / Balance and security in walk, jog & lope when riding over undulating ground. Correct application of aids when riding over undulating ground. Additional safety measures required.
Introduction to Trail obstacles / Gates, bridges, sidepass-pole; walk, jog and lope over poles, turn-around in box, backup, back through cones, serpentines
Lungeing and Round-pen work / Working horse and rider on lunge and in roundpen. 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, bridles and their actions.
Health & Safety / Safe riding in company. Rules for riding in enclosed areas with others. Arena etiquette. Rules for riding in the open alone, with others. Rules for riding on the highway alone, with others. Safe tack & saddlery. First aid procedures, reporting. Appropriate dress, working with horses, riding.
Showmanship Class / How to perform the required manoeuvres. Knowledge of class procedures and what judge is looking for.
Western Classes / Knowledge of class procedures and what the judge is looking for in horsemanship, trail, western riding, pleasure and reining.
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.
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.

G/exams/ukcc/western riding/ Western Technical syllabus Level 2