It’s not the tests - they are very accessible and straightforward, I agree but I don’t think that true beginner riders are at the level where they should be evaluated on their elastic contact and correct bend. Beginners are still working on keeping the trot at a consistent rhythm and posting without their hands moving up and down.
A “good position” for them is:
- Non-abuse to the pony by the rider’s weight and the aids
- Security of the rider in the saddle (they can stay on if the pony shies at the barn cat darting under them).
And if you teach kids doing weekly lessons - that stage goes on for a couple of years at least. The patterns themselves of Intro A and B are totally within their reach but the description I quoted in the original seem to be geared more towards intermediate riding than beginning/elementary. (there is a bit of a disconnect in my opinion).
Do we need something more accessible that is more in touch with what young students can actually do on average ponies?
For reference, this is how I describe elementary vs. intermediate (cf. V. Littauer via the ARNC):
-
Elementary Level
The elementary level is used by beginning riders while developing their positions […].
The elementary level means authority over the horse through quick and definite control. […] Elementary control techniques are characterized by using the four natural aids which are leg, hand, weight, and voice:
- Hands – loose or semi-loose reins used in a check-release fashion for control and turning
- Legs – tapping or kicking
- Voice – used liberally
- Gaits – in schooling, the horse should be working toward stabilization. For beginning riders in the process of learning, the horse should already be stabilized.
An example of aids for a transition at the elementary level from the trot to the walk would include in this order: (1) use of the rider’s weight (stop posting and sit) (2) voice “walk” (3) hands using a check-release (4) urging leg, alternately tapping to walk forward.
Intermediate Level
The intermediate level encompasses a large part of the horse and rider’s education. Intermediate control implies the horse and the rider are both mentally and physically ready to advance with training, having worked through the “stabilization” process. Strong emphasis is placed on cooperation between horse and rider.
An intermediate rider learns how to establish contact and “connect” the horse’s movement to perform soft, precise transitions in cooperation with the horse’s efforts and reactions. The horse’s performance is enhanced by the rider’s ability to create impulse, resulting in forward movement, with long, low, efficient, and ground covering strides. With the rider’s refined use of aids, the horse should respond without resistance, accept contact softly, and move forward freely. The horse develops straightness, as well as lateral and longitudinal flexibility. Intermediate control techniques are characterized by the four natural aids which are legs, hand, weight, and voice:
- Hands – use of rein contact with following hands, give and take; use of reins in cooperation with the horse’s movement.
- Legs – squeezing leg aids in timing with the horse’s efforts
- Voice – used as a schooling aid
- Gaits – the horse should be stabilized on contact, move forward with impulse and connection, work with cooperation and efficiency.
The aids for a transition at the intermediate level from trot to walk would include in the following order: (1) weight, stop posting and sit (2) hands give and take (3) legs squeeze and release to encourage the walk forward (4) hands continue to follow the head and neck gestures of the horse.
- but these kids still would like to “show” (at in-house type schooling shows) as a goal to work towards and as a “dance recital” kind of thing for their families to see their progress. If Intro A and B are not truly for beginners, should the USDF offer a more introductory level than this?
) or the pros on green horses.