Several months (ok almost a year ago), I got the books so that I could do my rider levels. With a plan to do levels 1-6 all at once, I knew I had my work cut out for me. I started reading the books and while some of the information was really straightforward, others were quite specific and stuff that in my 20+ years of working with horses, I had not really thought about. Regardless, what I found most challenging in the whole program was figuring out how to actually get tested for the levels.

I sent a note to Equestrian Canada with a request that I wanted to take the rider levels in Ontario. I got a response a few days later with a list of a few emails leading to coaches in my area that could test to level 6. Yet, I still didn’t really know what I was supposed to do or how I was supposed to do the test. The tests were not offered at my barn and I couldn’t think of an easy way to get my horse to another. Also, I felt like monopolizing the arena for a whole day to get this done was unreasonable (and unattainable). Thus… I put it off. And off. And off. Months later, still no rider levels despite the fact that I had read all the books.

I got to the point where I had pretty much given up and resigned myself to the fact that rider levels were either for people in barns with coaches that could test or for people with lots of money that could trailer out or could rent a barn for a day. That was the case until I realized I could do them online…

The reality of the horse world is that everyone is very busy, and currently there are not a lot of coach evaluators and they are spread thinly across the country. Knowing I could do the whole thing online took a whole load of pressure off and I signed up immediately.

I worked with Kim, who was one of a few trained Equestrian Canada Coaches that was able to conduct online assessments. I sent her an email telling her that I wanted to do my rider levels. She responded almost immediately with a list of things that I would have to do, along with the fees and all of the requirements. I am not going to lie, I was a bit intimidated. But, I took a deep breath and told her I was ready.

To begin, I needed to write all the tests from the previous levels. The cost for this was $225 plus a $40 fee to Ontario Equestrian. We scheduled a time and I sat down to write tests 1-5. With my years of experience with horses and having read the books, I scored in the high 80s and 90s on every test. The pass requirement was 70, so I breathed my first sigh of relief.

Next, I needed to do the hard bit. I wrote the level 6 test (and passed). Next, I needed to put together some videos. There were many requirements, so I got started. I paid my second fee of $140 for the exam and the practical.

First, there was the lunging video. I had to lunge my horse and talk about my tack. I chose the Barnum method and positioned my camera so that Kim could see my horse and my tack. I talked a little bit about my boots on my horse’s legs, what I knew about lunging and then I got to work showing Kim that I could walk and trot my horse with and without side reins. Video #1 complete.

Then I had to do some stable management work. This included pulling a mane, talking about the fit of a martingale and wrapping a polo bandage. I also had to talk about restraint, so I talked as much as I could remember about chains and twitches, demonstrating as I went along. Video #2, done!

Then it got harder. I rode my flat work, which included a warm up, some movements, and a flat test. As my horse was quite young, I was a little bit worried about some of the transitions, but like a true superstar, my little guy put on a fantastic show and I finished the video with a smile. Another one down.

Finally, I had to do some jump work. I set up and rode a gymnastic. It was a trot in exercise, so I was able to navigate it with ease. Kim gave me all the measurements, so I just had to set it up. Then, the next day I set up a course. Once again, Kim gave me all the measurements and I rode my 2’6 course on a different horse (since my young horse was not quite up to the challenge). With all my videos done, I confidently sent them off to Kim and waited just a couple of days for her to review them

She got back to me and we met (on Zoom) for a debrief. She had a lot to say and she asked a lot of questions. I definitely second guessed myself and my riding. She showed me the videos I had submitted and pointed out all of my faults (many of which I already knew). By this point, I was nervous. Ultimately, she was happy with my performance and my videos and I passed. Weeks later I got my badge and certificate from Equestrian Canada.

The whole process was actually an enjoyable one. Unlike when you are in the moment, with a video you have to go back and watch it before you submit it, so I actually got to see my riding before Kim made her comments. This was really helpful. I also liked that there was less stress. With a young horse, I wasn’t quite sure how the gymnastic was going to go (or the flat test for that matter). Knowing that I could do it again if I messed up took a lot of stress off my shoulders. I also did it over the course of several days, rather than all in one go, which was good for me and for my horse(s) (I used three in total because we have an amazing school string!). If you are thinking about doing your rider levels, I would highly recommend doing it online (with Kim!) and hopefully you can learn something in the process.