INTERNATIONAL LEVEL 1
The following is the recommended minimum criteria that should be included when developing riding instructor examinations to meet the requirements of the IGEQ matrix.
RIDING
Candidates should ride two horses. They should be capable of maintaining the level of the horse’s work which should be of a good basic standard of training. They must be able to show:
- An established and correct basic riding position in all three gaits.
- An ability to ride the horses into a submissive connection between leg and hand (according to the ability of the horse)
- An ability to maintain their basic balance and co-ordination in all three gaits with and without stirrups and through a range of basic school figures and exercises to include transitions (from gait to gait and within the gait) turns on or about the forehand and leg yielding.
- An ability to ride with effect and influence to demonstrate the best way of going of the horse’s they ride.
JUMPING
Candidates should jump two horses. One horse over show jump type fences and one horse over cross-country type fences. They must be able to show:
- A secure balanced jumping position over show jumps and across country over fences up to approximately 1 meter in height.
- The ability to regulate speed and gait according to the conditions and the way of going of the horses.
- The ability to show some judgment of balance and stride both towards a fence and between fences.
- The ability to ride with confidence and effect over a small course of fences both show jumping and across country.
- The ability to talk clearly about the way of going of the horses and to show understanding of the basic principles of the correct way of going of the jumping horse.
STABLE MANAGEMENT
The candidate will be examined in practical tasks and in oral discussion.
They must be able to demonstrate and discuss:
Practical tasks:
- Grooming.
- Correct fit and appropriate tack for competition work.
- Correct application of boots and bandages for competition work.
- Loading a horse for traveling.
- Lunge a horse for exercise.
- Assessing the action and soundness of a horse.
- Assessing the condition of the horse’s feet and shoes.
In discussion:
- Horse health and management of the sick horse.
- Fitness and maintaining condition.
- Understanding of the principles of nutrition in respect of feeding different types of horses. (old, young, ill, fit)
- Basic physiology including the horse’s respiration and circulation.
- Basic care and management of pasture.
- Basic knowledge of stable design.
TEACHING
- Understand the rules regulating equestrian sport
- Understand the FEI rules for the welfare of horses.
- Understand the importance of safety of horse and rider equipment prior to teaching and in lessons.
- Understand the suitability of horses for pupils.
- Understand the maintenance of an accident register.
- Ability to teach the correct basic seat for work on the flat and for jumping.
- Ability to teach an individual or groups on the flat and jumping.
- Motivate riders and plan lessons.
- Understand fitness of horse and rider relevant to teaching practice.
- Understand the factors that affect learning of horse and rider.
- Demonstrate good communication skills.
In practice the candidate must be able to demonstrate the ability to teach, either an individual rider or a group of riders, the basic principles of correct riding on the flat and over small jumps. They must be able to show in their teaching a clear understanding of the basic principles of correct rider position and way of going of the horse, and an ability to convey this knowledge to their pupil(s). They must be able to teach to Novice dressage level and jumping to a level of approximately 2’6” (0.8m)
They must be able to discuss various principles of basic good teaching practice.