Grouping objectives under different colored Levels gives students a way to recognize their progress across a broad array of skills and knowledge.
“Ride at the trot for a minimum of five minutes without stirrups, alternating posting and sitting.”
“Know normal TPR range for a horse, and discuss how to take TPR.”
Objectives are progressive, which means that some concepts and skills may be introduced in a lower Level and then expanded with more detail in a later Level. Horsemanship objectives, in particular, are designed to be taught in a progressive manner to make sure there is a strong, safe foundation for more advanced riding skills.
Each “checkmark” we give students as they work through Red Level creates a little stepping stone to more in-depth knowledge or advanced skills in the next Levels.
Guiding our students through equine topics in these small progressive steps provides students with a sense of achievement – and gives us opportunities to check retention and refresh knowledge where needed.