The EC Learn to Ride program was developed for individuals who wish to learn safe horsemanship and practices. The purpose of this program is to produce safe and knowledgeable horseman and to assist in the development of future instructors and coaches.

The Rider Level program is a national program with national standards that rewards all riders, recreational to competitive, for advancing their learning with Certificates of Achievement. This program encourages all riders to ride, learn and enjoy the sport of riding while providing guidelines to coaches and instructors.

English Learn to Ride Program

The English Learn to Ride program is currently under transition from the current Rider Level 1-3 program to a Rider Level 1-10 certification program. The new English Rider Level 1-10 program provides riders with a more attainable progression through the rider levels. The transition phase to the Rider Level 1-10 program will be completed by March 31, 2007. Excluding Rider Level 9-10 as these levels are currently still under construction. At the present time it is anticipated that Rider 9 will equal the Stable Management and Riding requirements presently in place for Coach 1 Level and Rider 10 similarly for Coach 2.

**NOTE**: Examiners for the New English Learn to Ride Program must have attended a presentation of the new rider level program prior to testing candidates. Failure to do so in advance of the testing date may jeopardize candidate's results.

During the transition phase the Rider Level 1-3 program will still be recognized and equivalences have been established. These are:

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 Coach 1, along with the Intermediate Rider General Component.

Candidates must hold an NEA 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 NEA.

Information for Examiners
Western Rider Level Descriptions