BHA Rider Competency Standards | Page 9

E1 E2 D1 I1 I2 A1 ASC Entry Stage 1 Rider Competency Standards( E1) Entry Stage 1 Knowledge

Riding • Checks to make before mounting from a block or leg up, including checking the girth and pulling down stirrups

• Reasons why it is important to keep the foot in the stirrup when adjusting length, when mounted

• Importance of checking and adjusting the girth once mounted

• Reins can be held singularly, in a single or double bridge and the reasons for doing so

• Neck strap is an important rider aid

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

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

• Horses have four paces( gaits) walk, trot, canter and gallop and the horses’ legs move in a set order in each pace

• Terminology used to describe the limbs of the horse: near / left, off / right, fore / front, hind / rear / back

Tack & Equipment

• Equestrian tack and equipment in common use

• Basic parts of the saddle and bridle

• Importance of fitting tack safely and comfortably

• Principles of putting on, taking off, cleaning and storing tack

RIDER COMPETENCY STANDARDS | ENTRY STAGE( E1) 09