This chart will help us to match potential adopters with one of our horses. There are various definitions as to what constitutes the levels of horse experience– this chart is to help clarify our chosen definitions of each level.
Beginner
Handling: Has recently begun to handle horses. Recently learned how to halter, lead, and groom a well-schooled lesson horse, but is not yet familiar with leading a spooky or pushy horse.
Riding: Has not had many lessons or has recently begun riding. May need assistance in tacking up properly. Has only ridden well-broke lesson and/or trail horses. Can walk/trot, but is not yet comfortable with faster gaits. Needs education on various aspects of horse care and maintenance. Does not yet know how to exercise a horse on their own.
Advanced Beginner
Handling: Knows how to halter, lead, and groom a well-schooled horse. May also know basic groundwork, round penning, and lungeing. Does so regularly or currently and has all of the above fresh in their mind.
Riding: Can walk/trot/canter on a well-schooled horse. Knows how to tack up a horse by themselves. Takes regular lessons and is still working to increase knowledge and ability. Can exercise a horse on their own. Rides regularly or currently and has all of the above fresh in their mind.
Intermediate
Handling: In addition to all of the above, knows how to properly address basic undesirable behaviors on the ground, can confidently handle a variety of horses, and has a solid understanding of horse care and maintenance. Does so regularly or currently and has all of the above fresh in their mind.
Riding: In addition to all of the above, can walk/trot/canter with confidence and balance. Knows how to properly lunge, roundpen, and exercise a horse. Comfortable with loading and trailering. Has ridden a variety of horses and has a solid understanding of horse care and maintenance. Rides regularly or currently and has all of the above fresh in their mind.
Advanced Intermediate
Handling: In addition to all of the above, knows how to address and correct undesirable behaviors on the ground, and can confidently handle most horses. Has experience training horses, is developing an understanding of tailored approaches for individual horses, and a solid understanding of horse care and maintenance. Does so regularly or currently and has all of the above fresh in their mind.
Riding: In addition to all of the above, can walk/trot/canter/gallop with confidence on a variety of horses and has a solid understanding of all aspects of horse care and maintenance. Able to support a horse and give them confidence, has experience training horses and has experience and knowledge in their chosen riding discipline. Rides regularly or currently and has all of the above fresh in their mind.
Advanced
Handling: In addition to all of the above, has extensive experience in correcting undesirable behaviors with horses on the ground and could teach others. Has a broad understanding of tailored approaches for different horses, and has full confidence in handling most horses. Usually has had personal responsibility for a horse’s care and training, including green horses. Does so regularly or currently and has all of the above fresh in their mind.
Riding: In addition to all of the above, usually has participated in events such as shows, jumping, dressage, barrel racing, etc., and could teach others. Has a broad understanding of horsemanship and different riding styles and/or gaits. Has fluid movements when riding and an independent seat and hands. Has great knowledge and experience in training horses, and has full confidence when working and/or riding a wide variety of horses, including green horses. Usually owns or has owned a horse. Rides regularly or currently and has all of the above fresh in their mind.
