Western Learn To Ride Program

The Western Learn To Ride Program was developed for those individuals who wish to learn safe horsemanship skills and practices on a national standard under the guidance of a certified Equine Canada Western Coach. The purpose of this program is to provide new riders with a safe and knowledgeable introduction to Western riding. The Western Learn To Ride Program was developed following definite objectives set forth in order to organize basic western riding skills and to assure a standardization of these same skills. The following are some of the advantages of using the course outline and Western Rider Preparation Manual:
1. The manual permits the rider to follow the objectives of the course.
2. The rider may look over previous subject matter as well as prepare for subsequent lessons by reading ahead.
3. The rider is assured that even when changing coaches the guidelines of the course will not change.
4. The Level IV rider is a prerequisite to become a Western Instructor of Beginner, Western Coach 1, along with the Intermediate Rider General Component.
Candidates must hold an Island Horse Council (IHC) membership and their examiner must be an active certified Equine Canada Western coach. Candidates must successfully pass a written, practical and riding test for each level. After the rider has passed the tests, it is up to the examiner to send in the tests results with payment for each level to the IHC Provincial Coaching Coordinator (PCC).
1. IHC MEMBERSHIP - Rider level candidates MUST be current IHC Members.
2. MANUALS - The Western Learn to Ride Program manual is available from the IHC PCC or directly through Equine Canada.
3. EXAMINERS - Rider level examiners must be active Equine Canada Coaches
4. Western Rider I-II Examiner: **UPDATED**
- Must be an active Equine Canada certified Western Instructor or higher
- Can be student's own Coach

Western Rider III Examiners:
- Must be an active certified Equine Canada Western Coach 1 or higher
- Can be students own Coach
- An Equine Canada certified Western Instructor can recommend for Rider Level III

Western Rider IV Examiners:
- Must be 2 active certified Equine Canada Western Coach 1 or higher, or a Western Course Conductor
- Chief Examiner cannot be student's own Coach
5. TEST PAPERS - Test papers are available from the IHC PCC. It is the Examiners responsibility to obtain the test sheets from the PCC prior to a scheduled test date. Test papers will only be sent to active Coaches.
6. EXAMINER FEES - Rider Level Examiners should not charge any more than their regular lesson rates for Rider exams. Out of pocket expenses may be added such as mileage, hotel etc.
7. SUBMITTING RESULTS - All Rider Level Exam forms and fees must be submitted to the PCC by the examiner and must include: complete candidate information including address, phone number, IHC membership number or completed membership application with appropriate fee, and $10.00 administration fee (or a 20$ flat rate for candidates challenging a level)which includes the cost of their certificate.

** Please note that Rider Exam results are NOT returned to the candidate. Examiners should review results with candidate following the exam and prior to forwarding results to the PCC.**

** A rider that does not meet the standard in any of the phases must retake the unsuccessful portion(s) of the exam to be awarded their certificate.

** A rider challenging a level MUST write ALL written test for previous levels and be ready to answer any and all questions pertaining to the stable management tests in previous levels. However, they will only ride ONE test at the level with which they are testing.

8. CERTIFICATES - Certificates will be awarded at the annual IHC banquet. If rider candidates are unable to attend the banquet, certificates will be mailed directly to them. For the replacement of lost certificates, please contact the PCC. A $5.00 replacement fee will be charged.
WESTERN LEARN TO RIDE LEVEL I to IV PROGRAM
RIDER I

Candidates will be taught:
• Place and adjust a halter and tie the horse
• Demonstrate proper grooming
• Demonstrate proper horse handling on the ground
• Saddle and bridle correctly
• Mount and dismount in an acceptable manner
• Maintain an acceptable position of:
The body
The legs
The hands
At the 3 gaits: walk, jog, lope
• Demonstrate the proper aids for the three gaits and recognition of leads
• Demonstrate properly the elementary method of stopping and backing up
• Demonstrate and explain the rein effects of the direct and opening rein
RIDER II

Candidates will be taught how to:
• The proper riding position with the use of one hand and two handed positions
• How to post on the correct diagonal and change diagonals
• Maintain a proper riding position of the:
a) Body b) Legs c) Hands
• Variations of speed at the lope
• Execute transitions of the gaits
• Name and demonstrate the effects of the indirect rein and the neck rein
• Be able to identify the correct lead (within 5-6 strides)
• Execute correctly all practical work referred to in Rider I
RIDER III

Candidates will be taught how to:
• Explain the rein of opposition
• Bandage four legs correctly
• Name and describe three bits and explain their use
• Rider turnout will include overall performance and attitudes, clothing, neatness and conduct
• Name and demonstrate the effect of leg aids
• Execute turn on the forehand
• Execute turn on the haunches
• Execute with proficiency all practical work covered in Rider I and II
RIDER IV

Candidates will be taught how to:
• Understand and explain basic collection
• Execute a simple change of leads from both directions
• Demonstrate proper lunging procedures
• Demonstrate and explain side pass
• Demonstrate and explain two-track movements
• Demonstrate all practical work referred to in Rider I, II and III

WESTERN INTERMEDIATE RIDER PROGRAM
The Western Intermediate Rider Program was developed for those individuals who wish to discover the many disciplines available in western riding at the competitive level, from Western Performance to Reining to Speed Events.

In order to participate in the Intermediate Rider Program, candidates must hold a current Island Horse Council (IHC) membership and a Western Level IV certificate. Their examiner must be an active Equine Canada certified Western Coach 2 in the discipline being evaluated. It is the responsibility of the examiner to contact the PCC and request the tests and to ensure the candidate holds a current IHC membership. After the candidate has passed the test, it is up to the examiner to send in the test results with payment to the PCC.

The Western Intermediate Rider Manual covers the following rider levels:

- General Component: consists of a horsemanship riding test, lunging the green or problem horse, bandaging (including first aid) and a written test
- Western Pleasure
- Western Horsemanship
- Western Trail
- Western Riding
- Showmanship
- Barrel Racing
- Pole Bending
- Reining

Patterns are available in the Western Intermediate Rider Manual.
1. IHC MEMBERSHIP - Rider level candidates MUST be current IHC Members.
2. MANUALS - The Western Learn to Ride Program manual is available from the PCC or Equine Canada directly.
3. EXAMINERS - Rider level examiners must be active Equine Canada Coaches.
4. TEST PAPERS - Test papers are available from the PCC. It is the Examiners responsibility to obtain the test sheets from the PCC prior to a scheduled test date. Test papers will only be sent to active Coaches.
5. EXAMINER FEES - Rider Level Examiners should not charge any more than their regular lesson rates for Rider exams. Out of pocket expenses may be added such as mileage, hotel etc.
6. SUBMITTING RESULTS - All Rider Level Exam forms and fees must be submitted to the PCC Office by the examiner and must include: complete candidate information including address, phone number, IHC membership number or completed membership application with appropriate fee, and $10.00 administration fee - per exam - which includes the cost of their certificate.
** Please note that Rider Exam results are NOT returned to the candidate. Examiners should review results with candidate following the exam and prior to forwarding results to the PCC.**
A rider that does not meet the standard in any phase(s) must retake the unsuccessful portion(s) of the exam to be awarded their certificate.
7. CERTIFICATES - Certificates will be awarded at the annual IHC banquet. Rider Candidates who are unable to attend may request that their certificates be mailed directly to them. For the replacement of lost certificates, please contact the PCC Office. A $5.00 replacement fee will be charged.