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Grade 1 ( Up to 10 hours) 
  1. Student demonstrates an understanding of the grooming procedure.
  2. Student demonstrates an understanding of the tacking procedure.
  3. Student can properly name, apply, remove and clean the pieces of tack and grooming equipment used.
  4. Student safely and properly applies and removes halter and leads the horse on the ground.
  5. Student can properly name basic parts of the horse associated with tacking and grooming the horse. 
  6. Student can safely and effectively wash the horse after exercise and show proper use of the sweat scraper to remove excess water.( ie head, mouth, withers, back, belly, neck and heart girth.)
Grade 2 ( Up to 20 hours)
  1. Student demonstrates proper technique of mounting and dismounting a horse using a mounting block if necessary. 
  2. Student can properly balance them selves on the horse at the halt, walk and trot as well in stretching exercises.
  3. Student can demonstrate a correct posting trot(ie. knows diaginals, and moves with the horse appropriately)
  4. Student can properly demonstrate a correct two point position at the walk and trot.
  5. Student can identify different basic types of bits and how they effect the horse.
 
Grade 3 (up to 40 hours)
  1. Student can demonstrate all objectives in Grade1 and 2)
  2. Student understands and can correctly demonstrate suppling exercises including half halt and soften.
  3. Student understands and properly demonstrates the concepts of discipline and reward.
  4. Student understands and can properly demonstrate collection and balance at the walk, trot and canter
  5. Student can demonstrate a proper sitting trot.
  6. Student can demonstrate a proper sitting trot into the canter.
  7. Student can walk, trot and canter over ground poles and cavelleti in two point position with balance, cadence and control.
  8. Can name major parts of the horse and tack.( Poll, Muzzle, mouth,throat latch, chin, neck, chest, forearm, knee, cannon, fetlock, pastern, coronet, hoof, frog, hock, gaskin, stifle, dock, croup, loin, back, withers, crest.)
 Grade 4 ( Up to 60 hours)
  1. Student can perform all objectives of Grade 1- 3
  2. Student can maintain balance over cross rails and small Verticals under 2 foot using a short release
  3. Student demonstrates the ability to regulate pace in all three gates
  4. Student can maintain balance and connection on straight aways and in circles
  5. Student can quietly back a horse
  6. Student can canter with collection from a slow trot
  7. Student can demonstrate a turn on the fore hand and on the haunches
  8. Student can maintain balance and proper movement of the horse without stirrups
  9. Student can identify detailed parts of the horse and tack and can completely take apart tack and reassemble it.
  10. Student understands basic first aid needs.
Grade 5
  1. Student can perform all objectives of Grade 1-4
  2. Student shows the ability to perform previous skills on different mounts.
  3. Student can ask for, maintain, and return from a hand gallop.
  4. Student can demonstrate appropriate use of an indirect, leading, pully and direct rein.
  5. Student can begin to move the front and hind end individually.
  6. Student can or knows how to correct a horse upon refusal of a jump or run out.
  7. Student can navigate more challenging fence questions such as bending lines or broken lines, in and outs, bounces and water.
  8. Student can jump fences up to 3 foot.
  9. Student can ride a full course of jump 6 or more jumps in a row
Grade 6
  1. Student can demonstrate competency in all previous levels
  2. Student will be aware of the proper names and uses of specialized equipment
  3. Student can perform direct and lateral flexion
  4. Student can perform the figure eight at the trot or canter.
  5. Student can effectively handle the horse outside of the arena including any problems the horse may offer.
  6. Student has participated in a local level show or higher.
  7. Student is riding courses and combinations up to 3'6"
  8. Student performs dressage at second level
  9. Student will demonstrate an understanding of feeding procedures and how to select appropriate feed stuffs in addition to stall and barn management and basic costs of equine ownership.
  10. Student demonstrates a working knowledge of adjustability in 4 gaits, walk, trot, canter and gallop.
Grade 7 (intended for those who wish to compete on a higher scale or ride professionally. An evaluation must be made between instructor and individual as to the benefit of continuation. For the most part students at this level will have their own mount, leased or owned and be working towards a particular goal.)
  1. Student can perform both simple and flying lead changes.
  2. Student can work the horse on two tracks
  3. Student has a firm grasp on extension and collection in all gates
  4. Student can properly and appropriately perform the counter canter.
  5. Student can jump courses up to 3'9" with two combinations
  6. Student can perform in one and three day events
  7. Student can navigate jumps at angles and begins focusing on rate pace and time.
  8. On the ground the student can identify conformation types and flaws and defects
  9. Student can also identify corrective shoeing techniques and has a basic understanding of why they are necessary.
  10. Student has attended both shows and clinics with outside instructors to broaden their understanding of riding.