BHA Rider Competency Standards | Page 13

E1 E2 D1 I1 I2 A1 ASC Entry Stage 2 Rider Competency Standards( E2) Entry Stage 2 Knowledge Riding

Tack & Equipment

• Safety factors to consider when mounting and dismounting

• Recognise and describe signs of discomfort in a horse associated with mounting, ridden exercise and dismounting

• Importance of riding at an appropriate length of stirrup, to maintain balance and control at walk, trot and canter

• Importance of riding with an appropriate level of contact through the reins

• Importance of riding using the neck strap as an aid

• Subtle aids( cues or signals) the rider can give to ask the horse to walk, trot, canter and halt including leg, hands, voice and seat

• Identify and report faults and defects in tack and horse clothing

• How to recognise if the tack is likely to cause discomfort to the horse, or be unsafe for the rider

• How to assess whether a horse can track up in walk

• Walk is a four-time pace( beat) the legs move independently in a set order. Near hind starts the pace, then near fore, off hind, off fore

• Trot is a two-time movement, and the horse moves two diagonal pairs of legs at the same time

• Canter is a three-time movement leading with either a left or right lead

• Gallop is a four-time movement with the legs striking the ground in quick succession

• How to care for tack and equipment to ensure safe and fit to use

RIDER COMPETENCY STANDARDS | ENTRY STAGE( E2) 13