The Equestrian Canada (EC), English Learn to Ride programs begin for junior and senior riders, at Rider Level 1 introducing the basics of horsemanship and rider skills from the first experience to Rider Level 10. The Learn to Ride program is designed to be guided by a Certified and Licensed Instructor or Coach, to ensure that the concepts are clearly understood before the rider progresses to more challenging levels. The program provides an opportunity for riders to progress, demonstrating their skills through a series of increasingly complex written tests, interviews, and under-saddle jump and flat tests. Upon completing this training Licensed and NCCP Certified Instructors and Coaches will be eligible to evaluate for Learn to Ride up to and including level 8. Evaluators will be provided with all the necessary tools and information to begin testing.
Equestrian Canada (EC) English Learn to Ride Program
The Equestrian Canada (EC) English Learn to Ride program provides a structured pathway for junior and senior riders, beginning at Rider Level 1, which introduces fundamental horsemanship and riding skills, and progressing up to Rider Level 10.
This program is designed to be guided by a Certified and Licensed Instructor or Coach to ensure riders fully understand key concepts before advancing to more challenging levels. Riders demonstrate their progress through a series of increasingly complex written tests, interviews, and under-saddle assessments in both jumping and flatwork.
Evaluator Eligibility
English Rider Level 1-2
- Must be an Equestrian Canada current certified Instructor or Coach who is trained to evaluate the rider levels.
- May be evaluated by own current certified Instructor or Coach who is trained to evaluate the rider levels.
- May be evaluated by a single evaluator.
English Rider Level 3-4
- Must be an Equestrian Canada current certified Coach who is trained to evaluate the rider levels.
- May be evaluated by own current certified Coach who is trained to evaluate the rider levels.
- May be evaluated by the current Instructor with Jump Module (if not their own students) who are trained to evaluate the rider levels. Note: If candidates are NOT doing the Jump Module, then a current Instructor without the jump module may evaluate (not their own students)
- May be evaluated by a single evaluator.
English Rider Level 5
- Must be a current, EC-certified Coach trained to evaluate Rider Levels.
- Evaluators may not assess their own students.
- One evaluator may conduct the assessment.
English Rider Levels 6-7-8
- Must be a current, EC-certified Coach trained to evaluate Rider Levels.
- Evaluators must complete two training events before approval:
- One may be a classroom session covering the Rider Levels.
- One must be shadowing a Rider Level evaluation, completing their own marking papers to the satisfaction of a Mentor Evaluator. Alternatively, candidates may shadow two evaluations as an option.
- If an evaluator has not previously been trained to evaluate for Learn to Ride, they will be required to complete an additional training event before conducting evaluations at these levels.
- Evaluators may not assess their own students.
- One evaluator may conduct the assessment.
Upon completing the required training, Licensed and NCCP Certified Competition Coaches will be eligible to evaluate the Learn to Ride program up to and including Level 8. Evaluators will receive all necessary tools and information to conduct assessments.