Learn to Ride/Drive Program
Equestrian Canada Learn to Ride/Drive Program
The Equestrian Canada (EC) Learn to Ride Program is aimed at individuals who wish to become well-rounded horse people, who are able to care for and ride their horses in a correct and safe manner and wish to be recognized for doing so at a national level. This program is for everyone, whether your goal is to be a recreational, leisure or competitive rider. Work at your own pace and take all the time you need to build your skills and have fun with your equine partner!
Each Discipline in the Learn to Ride program is divided into progressive levels, building on stable management and practical horse care skills, riding skills and abilities and equestrian knowledge that will help candidates enjoy horses and the sport in a safe and measurable way.
The English Discipline has 10 successive levels and the Western Discipline has 4. English Jumping phases can be omitted at any level.
Knowledge, experience and skills are developed through lessons and clinics, with additional materials and information being found in the Equestrian Canada Learn to Ride manuals and the Stable Management in Canada handbook. This program is designed to be administered by EC certified instructors/coaches. These instructors/coaches have pursued certification through an accredited national program, and have been provided with additional training, manuals and guidelines on preparing and administering the Learn to Ride program.
Each Learn to Ride level is made up of a written theory test, a practical stable management component, and a riding component. For each successful level, candidates will receive a nationally recognized certificate and badge.
Where to start…
1. Purchase your IHC Membership
IHC memberships are purchased through HorseReg. You will need to create an account with HorseReg if you don’t already have one.
2. Study Materials
The Rubrics outline the requirements needed to to pass your Rider Level test. The Learn to Ride Study Guide outlines information covered in the written tests.
Additionally, you can purchase Learn to Ride Manuals to help learn the material that will be covered.
- Learn to Ride Manuals
English Manuals are available in levels 1-2, 3-5, and 6-8
Western Manuals are available in levels 1-4
Manuals are available for purchase through our Online Store (you’ll need to sign in or create a HorseReg account first) or email us to make other arrangements. Manuals can be picked up at the Island Horse Council Office, Room 208 in the Sport P.E.I. Building, 40 Enman Crescent, Charlottetown. Email us to make arrangements.
We recommend purchasing the Stable Management in Canada ha;l.ndbook as well; covering Stable Management, Horse Handling and Riding Skills.
3. Contact a Coach
Contact a current and certified Western or English coach or instructor to begin preparation for your tests. Contact the IHC Coaching Coordinator for the most up-to-date coaching information.
4. Select Test Date
When your instructor/coach feels you are ready, they can select and apply for a test date by filling out a Rider Level Host Application Form, as well as Candidate Application Form for each rider, and submitting it to the IHC office or Coaching Coordinator. For the most up-to-date list of Evaluators in your area, please contact the Coaching Coordinator.
Applications and fees must be submitted to IHC a minimum of two weeks before your proposed testing date. Once approved, evaluators will be contacted and you may proceed to testing.
- Learn to Ride fees are $10 per level
- If challenging more than one level at a time, it is a $20 fee
5. Testing day!
- Please review Learn to Ride Study Guide for written tests, and Rubrics for all other component requirements.
- English Jumping phases may be omitted at all levels and Flat Only certificates can be issued.
Completed testing and marking sheets are submitted to IHC by the Evaluator.
6 . Certification Your successful Learn to Ride certificate and badge will be mailed or delivered to you.
7. Continuing Education You can continue to work towards your next Learn to Ride level!
Western INTERMEDIATE RIDER & Basic Training
For those wishing to continue on to become an Equestrian Canada Certified Western Competition Coach, upon completion of Rider Level 4, riders may continue on to Basic Training which is a continuation of the Learn To Ride Program at a more advance level.
Please note: Learn to Ride Levels are self-paced and led by the rider and instructor/coach and do not require registration prior to beginning. It is up to the rider and instructor/coach to set up testing dates and locations and book evaluators. IHC does not regulate evaluator fees that are charged for their time, but it is recommended that they do not exceed the cost of a usual lesson fee of the same duration.