BHS Challenge Award: Ride Flat

The Bronze award is a great opportunity to perfect the basics of riding in walk and trot.

You will learn about:

• I can describe the correct riding position
• I can describe why riding in the correct position is important
• I can list the sequence of footfalls for walk and trot
• I can lead a horse from the stable to the arena
• I can enter and leave the arena safely
• I can mount using a mounting block
• I can dismount
• I can adjust my stirrups and girth whilst mounted
• I can ride in walk and trot on each rein using the correct aids for: a) transitions between halt, walk and trot b) turns c) changes of rein d) 20m circle e) the correct trot diagonal
• I can carry and use a short whip

The Silver award allows you to develop your  riding skills to include canter and discover ways to progress your  position, both on and off your horse.

You will learn to:

• I can list the sequence of footfalls for canter
• I can describe why riding in a balanced position is important
• I can describe the aids to ask for canter
• I can ride in a balanced position in walk, trot and canter a) on both reins b) on the correct trot diagonal c) on the correct canter lead d) transitions between all three paces
• I can ride school figures in walk andtrot: a) 3 loop serpentines b) figure of eight c) half circles back to track/teardrop shape
• I can ride in a group lesson: a) as lead file b) as part of the ride

The Gold award introduces you to more advanced methods and exercises to improve your balance, coordination and control.

You will learn to:

• I can outline the benefits of riding without stirrups
• I can cross the stirrups over the horse’s neck
• I can ride in a balanced position in walk and trot without stirrups
• I can list the rules for riding in open order
• I can ride 20m circles in canter
• I can ride 5m shallow loops on each rein in walk and trot
• I can ride a change of rein in walk using two half 10m circles
• I can ride free walk
• I can carry and use a schooling whip