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EquiSearch Community » Equine Network Magazines » Practical Horseman » What Level Are You?

What Level Are You?

Last post 04-17-2008 10:46 AM by WiMorabs. 16 replies.
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  • 02-23-2008 6:24 AM

    What Level Are You?

    Reply Contact
    In Jim Wofford's article, "Are You Qualified -- or Are you READY?" in the March issue of Practical Horseman, Jim includes a table, "Rate Your Riding"

    So come on and join in.

    OK - I'll go first.  If I'm completely honest with myself, I'm a Level Five, going by the table.

    Dressage
    I can do leg-yielding and shoulder in (would be even better with a properly schooled horse under supervision) but Annapolis and I do pretty well there.

    I taught Annapolis the turn on the forehand too.

    I do still use my hands to create flexion (use them too much in most things)

    Show Jumping
    I'll admit I'm a bit of a jumping wimp.  Annapolis (a steeplechaser in his younger days) used to scare the beejeezus out of me sometimes in our jumping lessons.

    According to Jim, Level 5 riders can occasionally maintain an even rhythm around a 3' 3" course.  On the memorable occasions that has happened, it felt wonderful, but they have been pretty rare.  I'm happier at 3 foot and below.

    I can recognize three long strides before the fence and yes, I'm often ahead of the motion over the fence (in my efforts not to get left behind)

    Cross Country
    Annapolis is retired from competition now, but we were comfortable going up and down banks, which we still do (at the walk!!!) on our trail rides.  

    I can adjust my position to the terrain, and I can keep a pretty steady 450 mpm.

    Horsemanship
    I've had way over 500 hours of instruction (per Jim's table) but ok - I have to admit... they were decades ago!!!

    However, I can load and unload a trailer (including reluctant horses, I seem to have a knack)  I've never owned a trailer, so I don't qualify on the driving part.

    I can recognize good shoeing.

    I can detect hind-leg lameness.

    I can perform minor first aid procedures.

    So that's me, Level Five all the way I think.

    So, now it's your turn.  What level are you?

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  • 02-23-2008 10:29 AM In reply to

    Re: What Level Are You?

    Reply Contact

     Hey Jayne, is there any way to access this test if one doesn't subscribe to Practical Horseman??

     

  • 02-23-2008 4:45 PM In reply to

    Re: What Level Are You?

    Reply Contact
    I'll see if they'd like to post it online :)

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  • 02-24-2008 7:24 AM In reply to

    Re: What Level Are You?

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    Arrgggg! I reordered my subscription in Jan. so hopefully I get this issue!!!!!!


    Me riding Flash

  • 02-25-2008 10:15 AM In reply to

    Re: What Level Are You?

    Reply Contact

    Ditto Countrymouse's question.

    Hope they are willing to post the testBig Smile

  • 02-26-2008 2:09 PM In reply to

    Re: What Level Are You?

    Reply Contact

    They are, I just need to coordinate it with the editors. Thanks for your patience! I'll post the link to it here once it's up.

  • 03-02-2008 5:26 PM In reply to

    Re: What Level Are You?

    Reply Contact

    Awesome, thanks Kate and Jayne!

  • 03-11-2008 2:33 PM In reply to

    Re: What Level Are You?

    Reply Contact

    The chart is up!! Sorry for the delay.
    Rate Your Riding with Our Chart

  • 03-12-2008 10:35 AM In reply to

    Re: What Level Are You?

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    Maybe a 7-8? more 7 on riding and an 8 on horsemanship... 

    • Can collect and extend
    • Consistently produces accurate and balanced transitions
    • I do have independent position
    • Usually jumps in good style from a balanced canter
    • Still sees an occasional “Long One”
    • Comfortable over 4’ individual fences (on the right horse. Been out of serious jumping a while, but it woudln't take that long to find my feet again - was consistent over 4'6 and schooled timber horses and steeplechasers)
    • When jumping drops, slips and regains reins automatically
    • Can ride well at 550 mpm
    • Rides unfamiliar horses well
    • Sophisticated understanding of required veterinary maintenance for competition horses

    From the 8 on horsemanship...  

    • 2,500+ hours of riding instruction
    • Can self-train to upper level placings
    • Can successfully compete with unfamiliar horses
    • Unaffected by competitive pressure

  • 03-12-2008 10:45 AM In reply to

    Re: What Level Are You?

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    I don't know about my score, but two 10's rode my horses!Big Smile

    K.C.
    /)__~
    </ </

    VISIT MY PICS!

  • 03-14-2008 7:42 AM In reply to

    Re: What Level Are You?

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    It's my jumping that makes my score so mediocre.  I do pretty well with flat work etc  but I've always been very unstable over fences.  That's why I prefer  dressage, lol!


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  • 04-02-2008 7:52 AM In reply to

    Re: What Level Are You?

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    I guess I would be a 5 on the Horsemanship scale.  I don't do dressage, jumping or cross-country, so I wouldn't rate at all on the scale as far as I know.

    "Need some class? Ride an ass!"

    Adopt a shelter dog.

  • 04-02-2008 9:20 AM In reply to

    Re: What Level Are You?

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    Well, going by the table, I'd be a 5 in dressage, 4 in jumping, between 3 and 4 in cross country, and a 6 in horsemanship. lol But I kinda don't agree with the table, because I can do somethings in the 7 and 8 level, but still 'technically' am at a lower level. I dunno, but that was fun. :P  

    [Big Dreamer] Dallas. 13 year old Sorrel QH gelding. Currently a trail horse due to permanent lameness in his front hooves. Big teddy bear and LOVES treats!
    [Corona Light] Hank. 9 year old Paint Warmblood gelding. My little hunter/jumper with an attitude. Hates sugar cubes, loves apples. :P

  • 04-17-2008 7:54 AM In reply to

    Re: What Level Are You?

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    Why is it that people assume you NEED jumping & cross-country skills to be a well-rounded horseman?  Or, since I can't afford subscriptions to magazines, did I miss the point that this chart is specific to the eventing world?  Anyway, according to the chart...

    Dressage: I am a 6-going-on-7 in dressage.  I've started totally green horses with well-rounded basics but I have never, nor do I aspire to, ride above a L3 test.  I aspire to chart level 8 in extension/collection & 9 for independent position.  I need an instructor for that, but since they require payment, it's not happening any time soon.

    Show jumping: mostly 2, a bit of 3.  I have good 2-point and can jump little things without leaning on my horse's face. I still lose balance and can't jump a course.  However, I have no desire to jump a course.  I only want to be able to balance and ride correctly should it be necessary to jump something.

    Cross-country: BWAHAHAHAHAHA--y'all are nuts (in a good way).  No way, no how am I doing that!

    Horsemanship: Since my discipline is--was prior to moving--breed pleasure shows, I applied to that experience rather than eventing.  I am a solid 8 with a bit of 9 (have ribbons to prove 9 is possible at the national breed level).  I have ridden unfamiliar horses for the first time in front of 1000s (horse fair) without batting an eye & the day my horse went lame at a show, I rode a friend's horse for the first time and nearly won the class (I was like, 14 at the time).   However, I've had no need to learn medical things beyond first aid (lucky me) and I have only had 3-4 lessons since 2000.  I can also say that when I was getting lessons back in the 1980s, there is NO way I had even 500 hours, clinics included. 

    Please visit the Morab Horse Association & Register, Inc. Dare to be different-Ride a Morab!


    Bailey & J in the 2004 Midwest Horse Fair Parade of Breeds. He was 4 years old :)

  • 04-17-2008 8:11 AM In reply to

    Re: What Level Are You?

    Reply Contact

    Hi WiMorabs,

    You're right--the chart IS eventing specific as it was written by Jim Wofford as part of his eventing column in Practical Horseman. But I think it's great that you have applied it to your own disciplines/experience. Never hurts to see where we are and where we still need to go--while also realizing that we can never learn all there is to know about horses and riding in one lifetime!

    Happy reading and riding!

    Stacey

    (Managing Editor, Practical Horseman) 

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