Level 1 General Riding Course
The Introductory Riding course is a pre-requisite for all potential EA coaches as well as being of huge benefit to ANY person wanting to develop their equine riding knowledge.
This course delivers the knowledge necessary for all potential coaches to be able to ride the movements required for the Coaching component of the Introductory Coaching qualification plus all the theory necessary to teach these movements.
Our course is provided online covering the 5 necessary units with 10 hours of video education. To participate in the assessment a further 20 hours is recommended. This time frame can be different from person to person.
We offer a Live Zoom Question and Answer session which is held on the evening of the first Tuesday of each month, here we work through any queries you may have regarding the course and its topics.
There are optional practical sessions available to practice your skills under guidance prior to assessments, held on the first Sunday of March, June and September. Bookings are essential to attend.
For participants wanting to take part in the Equestrian Australia final assessment a manual will need to be purchased from Equestrian Australia.
We will be offering these assessments to take place on the same days as our specified practical sessions. Bookings are essential. Alternatively, you can book an independent Equestrian Australia Coach Educator (perfect for our interstate students).
A horse is required for the assessment. If you do not have your own horse, we do have school horses available for hire -please let us know if we need to provide one for you for the duration of your assessment.
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This course covers the theory component of the Equestrian Australia Introductory Riding Course. This is an internationally recognized qualification. To move forward, a manual is required to be purchased from Equestrian Australia national office by following this LINK.
Once you have completed the theory component of the Introductory Riding Course, your practical skills will need to be found competent. We provide face-to-face practical sessions throughout each year for anyone wanting to get 'hand-on' experience to test there riding and lunging skills before undergoing the riding assessment.
Click HERE to view upcoming dates. To fulfill the EA Introductory Riding qualification, an assessment by an EA qualified educator is required. Please follow this LINK to a list of coach educators.
We can also provide assessments for candidates.
This is a foundational module in our course, covering essential topics that every rider must understand for both safety and performance. This unit delves into the importance of a proper warm-up and cool-down routine, ensuring that both horse and rider are prepared for a ride and recover effectively afterward. Self-analysis techniques are introduced, helping riders assess their own position, balance, and effectiveness in the saddle. The module also covers tack and protective gear, emphasizing the significance of properly fitted equipment for safety and comfort. Understanding these principles is crucial for every rider, as they not only improve the riding experience but also ensure the well-being of both the horse and rider.
Our dressage unit offers a comprehensive exploration of the key skills needed to excel in this precise and disciplined sport. The course covers essential topics such as developing the upright seat, which is crucial for maintaining balance and effective communication with the horse. Riders will also learn how to improve paces and transitions, progressing through to Novice Dressage levels, and mastering movements and tracks suited for that level. Key exercises like the leg yield and turn on the forehand are introduced to improve lateral movements and responsiveness. A unique aspect of this course is the focus on riding an unknown horse, giving riders the tools to adapt to different horses and enhance their riding versatility. This course is designed to build strong fundamentals and confidence, helping riders advance through the dressage levels with a deeper understanding of both technique and harmony with their horse.
Our jumping unit is designed to equip riders with the skills and techniques needed to navigate a variety of jumping challenges with confidence and precision. The course covers the fundamentals of the 2-point and 3-point seat, ensuring riders develop the correct position for effective communication with the horse while maintaining balance and control. Riders will progress to applying these positions over obstacles, learning to approach jumps with proper technique. The course also explores key aspects of jumping, including single jumps, combinations, and related distances, allowing riders to understand how to ride different jumping sequences with accuracy. Additionally, walking distances is covered, teaching riders how to measure and assess the appropriate strides between jumps. Finally, the course introduces jumping courses, preparing riders for the demands of designing and riding an entire course of jumps. This course provides the essential foundation to build both skill and confidence in the jumping arena.
Our cross-country unit offers riders the skills and techniques needed to tackle the unique challenges of outdoor, natural jumping environments. The course begins by focusing on the 2-point and 3-point seat, ensuring riders maintain proper position and balance over cross-country fences for both safety and effectiveness. Riders will then move on to understanding how to approach and navigate single fences, combinations, and related fences, building their ability to handle more complex obstacles. Walking courses is a key component, teaching riders how to assess distances, terrain, and lines for optimal performance. Finally, the course introduces the concept of riding entire cross-country courses, emphasizing strategy, timing, and the importance of pacing. This course provides a comprehensive foundation for riders looking to build confidence and skill in cross-country riding, ensuring they are prepared for the demands of the discipline.