learn to ride
Whether you're a beginner or have some previous riding experience, this national education program offers a safe, supportive environment to develop your horse care and equestrian skills.
LEARN TO RIDE
Learn to Ride with Ontario Equestrian
Participate in the national Learn to Ride program and embark on an exciting equestrian journey with this supportive education community.
Develop Riding Skills
Learn the horseback riding skills needed to prepare life-long engagement in equestrian sports through our progressive Learn to Ride levels program.
ImpRove Horse Care Skills
Learn to implement the best practices and standards for caring for horses with the Learn to Ride program.
Learn to Ride
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Become a member to register for Rider Level evaluations and have access to education resources at a discount.
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Work with your coach to prepare for evaluation or browse through our network of experienced coaches to find one familiar with the program.
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Understand the criteria for each level of horse care and riding skills evaluation and find your level to begin expanding your knowledge.
how to get evaluated
Take the first step towards becoming an accomplished rider.
Purchase Manuals
Learn the skills and knowledge needed to pass your evaluation. Purchase the Rider Level Manuals and find Rider Level resources to help your journey.
Prepare for Evaluation
Work with your certified Instructor or Coach to practice and prepare your skills for the level you wish to challenge.
Schedule Your Evaluation
Talk to your coach about scheduling your evaluation with an Ontario Equestrian approved evaluator, to demonstrate your riding and horse care abilities, and earn your rider levels.
Discover the Latest articles & news
Stay informed with our library of news, resources and in-depth articles on all things equestrian.
Preventing Joint Injuries in the Performance Horse
Using Nutrition to Prevent Colic
What is the true role of Protein?
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Start earning your Rider levels Today
Join Ontario Equestrian and embark on your Learn to Ride journey. Gain access to top-notch education, resources and support to help you become a confident rider.
Contact us
If you have questions, contact us, we are here to help.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find answers to commonly asked questions about the Learn to Ride program.
Let your Instructor or Coach know you are interested in working towards your Rider Levels. They can help make sure you learn all of the horse care and riding skills you need to achieve the levels. You may already have some knowledge and be able to jump in at a higher level to begin. You do not have to complete each level to progress - jump into the program at the level that meets your skills and continue progressing from there.
Rider Levels begin with fundamental skills which can be learned pretty quickly, and expand to requiring more experience and skill development. Your progress through the levels should be at your own pace, depending on the frequency you are riding or practicing. Each of the skills required is developmentally appropriate for beginner riders to develop equestrian competence. By the end of the program you should be a well-rounded equestrian.
The Learn to Ride program is designed to be delivered to participants of any age in the Fundamentals through Learn to Compete stages of development. More information about the stages of equestrian development can be reviewed in the Equestrian Canada Long-Term Equestrian Development framework.
The program focuses on the horse care and equestrian skills needed to advance in the sport and understand how to properly care for and ride horses (English or Western), developing appropriate skills as you advance. The program can be engaged in without competition, and encourages well-rounded skills.
The Learn to Ride program is a complete curriculum covering the essential horse care and equestrian skills you need to learn to be a well-rounded equestrian and enjoy the sport at any level. While there are coaches and instructors who do not use the Learn to Ride program to educate riders, the program is considered a gold-standard for equestrian development in Canada and around the world.
Learn to Ride Manuals can be purchased through our EStore.