Riding Level 4: Forward Movement
As we go up in levels, the checkbox summaries on the assessment sheets begin to sound a bit like code.
7. Ability in forward movement. Free walk. Walk, trot on loose rein.
In this section, we are looking at your ability to ride the horse with impulsion and some degree of self-carriage. However, bear in mind we are assessing you and not the horse. We know that some horses are naturally forward, while others take a lot of work to get moving. Each presents its own challenges, and here's what we will be looking for in your ride.
The Forward Horse
A willing horse that moves forward from a light aid is a joy to ride but is not necessarily an easy ride. With a beginner on her back, such a horse may end up going too fast, breaking into the next gait, or even bolting from aids that are inconsistent or too strong. A nervous rider will often tense up, making the horse's gaits choppy and quick, causing a self-perpetuating cycle of fighting the horse. It takes a sophisticated seat to rate a forward horse and encourage rhythm and swing instead of rushing. With this kind of mount, we will be looking to see that you are
- comfortable and relaxed within the paces
- able to correct a choppy, quick stride
- following the movement with your seat
- allowing the horse to move comfortably with rhythm and impulsion
The Sluggish Horse
A horse that is slow off the leg will take a lot more work to encourage into active, working paces. In lower levels, we are fairly forgiving when a working trot turns into a western jog as long as the gait is maintained. At level 4, however, a dull horse is not an excuse. You are expected to be able to produce forward movement and a degree of impulsion from your horse. We are not looking for Prix St Georges brilliance — just reasonable forwardness when asked for. We want to see that you
- are comfortable and relaxed within the paces
- produce immediate results from any necessary use of whip or spur
- are able to maintain your horse's forward gait without breaking
- use your seat to good effect without losing position
It's worth reviewing this post on impulsion to get an idea of the ultimate goal of forward movement.
Next week we'll look at the free walk and work on the loose rein.
photos by Double Exposure Photography; cartoons by Thelwell
March Courses
Mounted Combat Fundamentals
This 6-week series of classes is intended to give you the basics of swordplay from the ground to prepare you for fighting from horseback. Participants at this level will practise from the ground and the falsemount to achieve the combat skills needed to attain the rank of Green Spur and participate in Mounted Sparring clinics and tournaments. Students who have their Riding and Horsemanship Level 1 and who attend all five classes can reasonably expect to attain their Green Spur by the end of the series. Once you have your Green Spur, you can sign up for Intermediate Mounted Combat, and can spar in our regular Playday event, as well as competing in our annual Carosella tournament.
Sundays 1pm – 3pm
12 March – 16 April
cost: $135 + gst for 6 classes
instructor: Clinton Fernandes
Register here, or bundle with Riding & Horsemanship and save $36.
Ongoing Mounted Combat Classes
These 2-hour sessions focus on the weapons skills needed to progress from Green to Blue Spur. Regular tuition includes classes taken entirely from the ground (no riding skills necessary).
Sundays noon – 2pm
cost: 2 hours tuition
instructors: Clinton Fernandes / Jennifer Landels
Beginner Riding & Horsemanship - FULL*
*Please contact Front Desk to be put on a waitlist. Next series begins Saturday, April 22nd.
If you’ve never been on a horse, or if it’s been a long time, here’s the place to start. When you arrive at the barn at 11am, you’ll begin with a horsemanship lesson, familiarizing yourself with the horses and their tack, as well as how to groom, handle and tack them up. Then you will have a riding lesson, working through the requirements of Riding Level 1 — the prerequisite to most of the fun stuff we do on horseback!
Sundays 11am – 1pm
12 March – 16 April - FULL
cost: $300 + gst for 6 classes
instructor: Stephanie Laversin
Register here, or bundle with Mounted Combat Fundamentals and save $36.
Riding & Horsemanship Level 2
This course is intended for riders who have taken classes through the program and are comfortable tacking up their own horses. Riders should arrive at 9:30am, to tack up and warm up their horses before starting their riding lessons at 10am, followed by Horsemanship Level 2 or 3 lessons at 11am.
Sundays 11am – 1pm
12 March – 16 April
cost: $300 + gst for 6 classes
instructor: Stephanie Laversin
Register here, or bundle with Mounted Combat Fundamentals and save $36.
Riding Level 3+
This class is intended for independent riders who have achieved Level 2 or higher. Riders are expected to be tacked up and warmed up prior to class. Your own helmets, boots, and half chaps are recommended, as are safety vests for the occasional cross-country class, weather permitting.
Sundays 10am – 11am
12 March – 16 April
cost: $200 + gst for 6 classes
instructor: Stephanie Laversin
Mounted Combat Membership
Our six-month and one-year membership packages are a great way to get more out of the program. With a membership, you get two free practice rides a month, a 10% discount on all Riding, Horsemanship and Mounted Combat courses, a $5 discount on private lessons at Red Colt Co-op, and free weekly Mounted Combat Practice sessions on Monday nights.
6-month membership, January – June 2017: $200 + gst
1-year membership, January 2017 – December 2017: $300 + gst
To acquire a membership call the front desk at 604 568 9907 or email info@academieduello.com.
Jennifer Landels heads up Academie Duello's Cavaliere Program. She has been swordfighting since 2008, and riding since before she could walk. She started the program as an excuse to combine those passions. Read more from Jennifer Landels.