Certification Requirements

All Rider Certifications may be achieved in a Certification Center.  Level Two and Three Certifications may also be achieved in an ANRC National Intercollegiate Equitation Championship or an Intercollegiate Equitation Invitational.  Levels Four and Five must be completed at an ANRC Certification Center.  All components of each testing level must be passed in order for a Rider Certification to be awarded.

INTRODUCTORY LEVEL

Requirements for the rider: the participant is to demonstrate correct design of position, authority over the horse, security in the saddle, and apply the appropriate aids on loose reins.  The rider’s hands must follow the mechanics of the horse’s gait at the walk and canter. The rider must know diagonals and leads.

Requirements for the horse:  the horse is to demonstrate the elementary level of obedience, willingness to move forward, and should remain calm throughout all tasks.

LEVEL ONE

Proficiency:  the rider may choose to use elementary or the low intermediate level of control.  The elementary level is preferred.

Requirements for the rider: the participant is to demonstrate correct design of position, authority over the horse, security in the saddle, and the ability to apply elementary aids on loose reins on a horse that is stabilized.  Passive contact may be used if the rider’s position/body is independent of the hand.  The rider’s hands must follow the mechanics of the horse’s gait at the walk and canter. The rider must know diagonals and leads.

Requirements for the horse: the horse is to demonstrate the elementary level of obedience, willingness to move forward, and should remain calm throughout all phases and tasks.

Level One Certification Requirements

Program Ride: overall score of 1-100, with a score of 70 required to pass.

Longitudinal agility movements may include:
• transitions; halt, walk, trot, canter,
• simple change of lead through the trot
• three speeds of the trot

Lateral agility movements may include:
• circle at trot and canter
• In place movements may include:
• half-turn on the forehand

Jumping may include:
• trot fence 2′
• canter fence not to exceed 2’6″

Jumping Course:  overall score of 1-100, with a score of 70 required to pass.
A simple hunter course with a minimum of six (6) jumps and height not to exceed 2’6″ with at least one change of direction.  Rider may execute simple changes of lead when appropriate, a flying change, or may maintain the counter canter. The rider should demonstrate good use of elementary techniques with knowledge of intermediate level techniques as necessary for control. Either grabbing mane or a well done crest release is permissible.

Completion of these requirements and a passing score of 70% on each phase entitles the participant to a Level One Certification.  This Certification implies that the rider has been successfully introduced to the certification process and should be encouraged to continue to the next level.  Additional help is available through ANRC Instructional Clinics.  Certification Center Coordinators set the fees for these events.  Ten dollars of your fee is remitted to the ANRC.

 

LEVEL TWO

Prerequisite: the horse’s schooling must be at the low intermediate level in the forward riding system.

Proficiency:
 the rider should demonstrate a soft, passive contact in the performance of the program ride.

Requirements for the rider: the participant is to demonstrate a correct design of position, use of intermediate level techniques and achieve contact with the horse by creating impulse. The participant should demonstrate a soft and precise performance throughout both phases.  The rider may use driving rein (see study guide) and must follow the mechanics of the horse’s gaits at walk and canter with consistency.

Requirements for the horse: the horse is to demonstrate stabilization, a willingness to respond to intermediate level aids, and move forward freely with connected movement.

Level Two Certification Requirements:

Program Ride: overall score 1-100, with a score of 70 required to pass.

Longitudinal agility movements may include:
• all movements from previous testing level
• backing 1 to 2 steps
• simple changes of lead through the trot

Lateral agility movements may include:
• all movements from previous testing level
• half circle in reverse
• serpentine

In place movements may include:
• all movements from previous testing level

Jumping movements:
• one 2′ trotting fence
• one 2’9″ cantering fence – rider may rest hands on the neck or follow through the air
• elementary release/grabbing mane is permissible

Jumping Course: overall score 1-100, with a score of 70 required to pass.
A course eight (8) hunter type fences, height 2’6″ to 2’9″, in a ring that include at least one change of direction. Rider may do a simple change when appropriate or do a flying change. Rider should demonstrate good use of intermediate control techniques.

Completion of the above requirements and a passing score of 70% on each phase at either an Intercollegiate or Invitational competition or a Certification Center entitle the participant to a Level Two Certification.  This Certification implies the rider is at the low intermediate level and should be encouraged to continue the Certification process. Additional help is available through ANRC Instructional Clinics.  Certification Center Coordinators set the fees for these events.  Ten dollars of the fee is remitted to the ANRC.

LEVEL THREE

Prerequisite: the horse is schooled to the intermediate level in the forward riding system.

Proficiency: the rider’s skill is comparable to that of an experienced adult amateur rider at a horse show.

Requirements for the rider: the participant is to demonstrate a soft, precise working performance exhibiting cooperation between horse and rider, a ride mechanically correct from beginning to end, a thorough knowledge and understanding of the intermediate aims and control techniques, and a good working position which employs the basics of the four fundamentals and the seven physical qualities.  Over fences a correct crest release or following arms must be used.

Requirements for the horse: the horse is to demonstrate acceptance of intermediate techniques (contact, squeezing leg, give and take), impulse, long, low strides and extended head and neck.

Level Three Certification Requirements:

Program Ride: overall score of 1-100, with a score of 70 required to pass.

Longitudinal agility movements may include:
• All movements from previous testing levels
• two speeds of canter (ordinary and gallop)
• backing, and moving forward to a trot

Lateral agility movements may include:
• All movements from previous testing levels
• counter canter
• half turn on the haunches from the walk

In-place movements may include:
• All movements from previous testing levels

Jumping movements:
• 2′ trotting fence
• 3′ cantering fence; rider may rest hands on neck or follow in the air

Jumping Tests:
• A course of 8 – 10 fences 3′ in height in a large field.  A score of 70% is required to pass.
• A course of 8 – 10 fences at 3′ in height in the ring.  This test should be comparable to an USEF Level Three Equitation course.  A score of 70% is required to pass.

Theoretical Test:
• Written and/or oral questions on position, control and schooling.
• A minimum score of 80% is required to pass.

Completion of the above requirements with a passing score of 70% in each riding phase at either an Intercollegiate Invitational, Intercollegiate Championship or Certification Center entitle the participant to a Level Three Certification.  Candidates must receive a minimum of 80% on the Theoretical component.  This Certification implies the rider is a strong intermediate level rider and has laid the foundation to proceed to the Number Four testing level.  Certification Center Coordinators set the fees for these events.  Ten dollars of the fee is remitted to the ANRC.

Advanced Rider Certification – Levels Four and Five

The Qualifying, Four, and Five Level of Rider Certifications may only be completed at an ANRC Certification Center.  If a rider does not pass one component of a Certification, he/she may retake just that one part within the next six months at an ANRC Certification Center and not have to repeat the entire test.

QUALIFYING TEST

Prerequisite: Passing the Qualifying Test with a minimum score of 80% is a prerequisite for a candidate for Level Four.  Candidates that have achieved Level Three Certification are exempted from taking the Qualifying Test.  The candidate should prepare under the guidance of a qualified ANRC instructor.  Ideally the Qualifying ride would be completed at a prior Certification Center before attempting Level Four.  If done at the same Certification Center, a separate horse may be used for the Qualifying ride.

Proficiency:  the rider’s skill is comparable to an experienced adult amateur rider at a horse show.

Requirements for the rider: the candidate is to demonstrate correct design of position, a thorough understanding of the aims and techniques of the elementary level and a basic understanding of the low intermediate level of riding for a young horse.  The candidate should be prepared to evaluate concisely his/her performance demonstrating a clear understanding of the forward system of riding and its interacting level of riding and schooling.

Requirements for the horse: the horse is to demonstrate stabilization and respond to elementary level techniques (liberal use of voice, loose reins and check release, tapping leg) and demonstrate readiness to progress to the intermediate level.

Qualifying Level Requirements:

Program Ride: overall score of 1-100,with a score of 80 required to pass.

Longitudinal agility movements may include:
• walk, trot, canter, backing
• two speeds of trot
• two speeds of the canter
• simple changes of lead on a half-circle

Lateral agility movements may include:
• circles
• half-circles

In-place movements may include:
• halt
• turn on the forehand

Jumping movements:
• 2′ trotting fence
• 2’6″ canter fence; rider may hold mane (suitable for schooling a young horse)

LEVEL FOUR

Prerequisite: the candidate must have passed the ANRC Qualifying Test with a minimum score of 80 or have been certified at Level Three.

Proficiency: the rider’s skill is equivalent to that of an accomplished amateur or professional rider that has experience schooling and/or reclaiming horses.

Requirements for the rider:  the candidate must demonstrate a correct design of position that employs the four fundamentals of good riding and the seven physical qualities of a good riding position. The rider’s performance with the horse must be fluid throughout and demonstrate instinctive reactions to the horse’s efforts. The candidate must be prepared to evaluate concisely his/her performance in each mounted section of the test.

Requirements for the horse: the horse must demonstrate quality of movement and performance that is enhanced by the use of the rider’s contact and knowledgeable use of aids.  The horse must move with impulse and connection; demonstrate lateral and longitudinal agility; athletic jumping; and remain calm and alert through all tests.

Level Four Requirements:

Program Ride: overall score 1-100, with a score of 80 required to pass.

Longitudinal movements may include:
• all movements from previous testing levels
• three speeds of canter, flying change of lead
• simple change through the walk

Lateral agility movements may include:
• all movements from previous testing levels
• zig-zag

In-place movements may include:
• All movements from previous testing levels

Jumping movements:
• 2’6″ trotting fence
• 3’3″ canter fences, contact does not have to be maintained, but holding the mane is not allowed.

Field ride in an unenclosed area:  pass/fail

Group ride:
• Demonstrate safety in a controlled group ride using hunter exercises over uneven terrain at all gaits. Candidate may include hand gallop and hold hard if circumstances permit.
• Demonstrate good judgment in conducting the group with emphasis on safety.

Jumping test in the field:  pass/fail
• A course of 8-10 fences at 3′ to 3’3″ in height.
• Use of contact is at the discretion of the rider (holding the mane is not allowed).
• Transitions and circling are acceptable if necessary for safety and the performance is enhanced.

Jumping test in the ring:  pass/fail
• A course of 8-10 fences at 3’3″ in height incorporating at least two changes of direction and one combination in a ring.  At least 50% of the fences should be oxers.
• Crest release or following arm may be used as long as it is executed well.

Lungeing test:  pass/fail
• Candidate is to demonstrate correct lunging techniques and explain how lungeing  is useful for teaching stabilization within the framework of the Forward Riding System.
• The candidate must demonstrate awareness of safety connected with proper lungeing.

Written test:  overall score of 1-100 with a 90 required to pass.

Upon completion of the above requirements with passing scores, the rider is entitled to a Level Four Certification.  This Certification implies that the rider is a high intermediate level rider and is ready to proceed to the next testing level.  Riders with this certification are encouraged to instruct in an ANRC Clinic and/or begin the apprentice-judging program.

*Two ANRC National judges or one National and one Recorded judge are required to pass a rider at this level.

LEVEL FIVE

Prerequisite: the candidate must hold a Level Four Certification.  The test must be held at an ANRC Certification Center.

Proficiency: the rider’s skill is equivalent to that of an accomplished amateur or professional rider that has experience schooling and/or reclaiming horses.

Requirements for the rider: the candidate must demonstrate a fluid and precise performance based on a strong working position.  The rider must understand elementary, intermediate and advanced level riding techniques and their application.  The rider must display instinctive communication and cooperation with the horse’s efforts throughout each test.  The candidate must have the ability to ride a variety of horses with varying temperaments and levels of schooling, showing he/she can accurately assess each horse’s stage and ability. The candidate should be prepared to evaluate concisely his/her performance in each mounted section of the test.

Requirements for the horse: the horse must demonstrate quality of movement and a performance that is enhanced by the use of the rider’s contact and knowledgeable use of aids.  The horse must move with impulse and connection; demonstrate lateral and longitudinal agility; athletic jumping; and remain calm and alert through all tests.

Level Five Requirements:

Program Ride: an overall score 1-100 with a score of 80 required to pass.

Longitudinal agility movements may include:
• All movements from previous testing levels
• Backing followed by a canter departure on a specific lead
• Halt from a canter
• Flying change of lead on a straight line

Lateral agility movements may include:
• All movements from previous testing levels
• leg yields
• two tracking
• turn on haunches from a canter

In-place movements may include:
• All movements from previous level

Jumping movements:
• 2’6″ trotting fence
• 3’6″ cantering fences; contact should be maintained throughout when practical

Jumping test in the field:  pass/fail
• A course of 8-10 fences at 3’6”in height.
• Rider must maintain contact
• Transitions and circling are acceptable if necessary for safety and the performance is enhanced.

Jumping test in the ring:  pass/fail
• A course of 8-10 fences at 3’6″ in height incorporating at least two changes of direction and one combination in a ring.  At least 50% of the fences should be oxers and 50% must be at the maximum height.
• Following arm is preferred but a crest release may be used as long as it is executed well.

Schooling test:  pass/fail

The candidate will ride and evaluate a familiar and unfamiliar horse in front of the judges.  The candidate must have the ability to determine the horse’s level of schooling and analyze its capabilities and limitations.  After a brief ride (maximum time 20 minutes) the candidate should choose the ANRC program ride that best demonstrates the horse’s level of schooling and ride the horse through the test. The candidate must be able to explain the schooling techniques he/she employed for each horse and evaluate each performance clearly and concisely.  The candidate must convey a clear understanding of the forward riding system in theory and practice.

Theoretical test:  overall score 1-100. A minimum of 25% of the theory examination is oral. A score of 90 is required to pass (a combination of oral and written).

Completion of the above requirements with passing scores entitles the rider to receive a Level Five Certification.  This Certification implies the rider is at the advanced level and is qualified to teach at an ANRC Instructional Clinic and encouraged to fulfill the requirements for an ANRC Recorded or National judge.

*Two ANRC National judges or one National and one Recorded judge are required to pass a rider at this level.