The Book Family Farm Horse Camps use the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) Level Specifications as guidelines for determining a riders skill level. 

Please Note:
  • Riders are not required to know all the items detailed below, but should be at the general skill level described in order to participate in a camp rated for that level.
  • All camps, including camps open to beginners and Level 1 riders will likely include cantering.  We will be thrilled to introduce you to cantering if you haven’t done it before, or help you master the skill if you have only cantered a small amount.


Please see level details below.


Horse Camp Rider Level Descriptions

Beginner

Beginner riders are considered to be those who have never ridden a horse previously, or have had minimal riding/handling experience and have not yet attained Level 1 skills.

Level 1

Rider should have a good foundation of safe, secure and simple riding and horse handling basics.  Rider should have good control at the walk and trot.

Level 1 General Knowledge:

Rider is able to:

  • Give 5 general safety rules for working with horses and a reason why each is important.
  • Demonstrate at least 3 simple grooming steps.
  • Show how to check their equipment before riding.

Level 1 Riding Skills:

Rider is able to:

  • Approach and lead a horse correctly and safely.
  • Mount with control and without disturbing the horse (horse may be held by assistant and/or mounting block may be used).
  • Dismount safely with control and prepare horse to lead.
  • Ride at a walk and trot on and off the rail with good position and control.
  • Halt from the walk and the trot on command, with control and without hurting the horse.
  • Ride turns and reverses at the walk and trot with good control.

Level 2

Rider should have an improved use of the basic skills from level one, as well as solid use of the aids and more balanced equitation.  Rider should have good control at the walk, trot, and canter.

Level 2 General Knowledge:

Rider is able to:

  • Demonstrate how to tie a proper quick release knot for tying a horse.
  • Show how to cool out a horse properly.
  • Understands how to clean a stall, clean stable area and do stable chores.

Level 2 Riding Skills:

Rider is able to:

  • Mount and adjust stirrups to proper length.
  • Dismount and prepare horse to lead.
  • Do a tack check.
  • Ride with good position and balance at the walk and sitting trot. And for English riders in jumping position (2 point) and posting as well.
  • Ride at least twice around the ring at a trot without breaking gait.
  • Halt on command without unnecessary roughness to the horse.
  • Keep the proper distance when riding in a group or on the trail.
  • Ride circles, reverses, and simple patterns at a trot without breaking gait.
  • Put the horse into a canter and ride at least once around the ring with a good seat and control.
  • For English riders – to post on the correct diagonals both directions of the ring.

Level 3

Rider should have a working, balanced seat.  A working command of the aids, and fine tuned control of their horse at the walk, trot, and canter.

Level 3 General knowledge:

Rider is able to:

  • Identify the type of bit used by their horse and explain how it works. I.e. Direct Contact vs. Leverage.
  • Check the adjustment of their horses saddle and bridle and correct any problems.
  • Know how to clean a saddle and bridle.
  • Be able to identify two kinds of roughages and four kinds of concentrates and assist with feeding horses.

Level 3 Riding Skills:

Rider is able to:

  • Ride with good position, balance and control at the:
- Walk – with and without stirrups or bareback.
- Sitting trot - with and without stirrups or bareback.
- Posting trot on correct diagonal, demonstrating change of
diagonals(English only).
- Jumping position (English) or standing (Western).
- Canter in both directions on the correct lead, identifying lead.
  • Show understanding and ability to use seat and leg aids to bend horse
while riding.
  • Show good form and control while riding through the following movements:
- Circle at the sitting trot.
- Figure 8
- Serpentine or riding pattern.
- Change of direction on the diagonal.
- Smooth transitions.