The training plan is a tool for the instructor to make sure every part is covered – and a guarantee for you as a rider that we follow the same plan whichever instructor you have. The plan covers dressage, jumping, riding outdoors and theory. During school holidays we also run day camps. The training ladder is linked to the Swedish Equestrian Federation’s rider badges (ryttarmärken). Good theory material is available on the Federation’s horse knowledge site (in Swedish).
It takes a lifetime to become a horse person. You never stop learning – repeat, be patient and stay open to growth. Be humble towards yourself, others and above all the horse.
Riding at the same level for several terms can have many reasons and is not a bad thing at all: different horses give different confidence, riders grow both physically and mentally, and riding is often about learning the same things in a more refined way – a little softer, a little more effective, a little safer.
Ponies – the training ladder
Pony riders are grouped in colour levels: Pink, White, Green, Red, Yellow, Blue, plus Trainee & YR.
Pink group
The first step into the riding school if you have never ridden before or only a little. Here you ride with a leader – either arranged by the club or a parent with horse experience leading their own child. We ride indoors, outdoors and over poles. Lessons are 30 minutes, eight riders, theory 4 times per term. We work on Rider Badge 1, focusing on horse knowledge and the rider’s balance. The goal before moving on is that you can manage walk, trot and transitions without being led.
White group
The first step without a leader. You now prepare the pony for the lesson yourself and look after it afterwards. We ride at walk and trot, indoors, outdoors and over poles. 30 minutes, eight riders, theory 4 times per term. Rider Badges 1 & 2: the most important stable routines, the basics of horse care and the basic aids – driving, restraining and turning.
Green group
Lessons are now 45 minutes. You get the pony ready yourself, mount and adjust the stirrups on your own or with some help. We ride at walk and trot and start trying canter – and you may get to jump a small fence from trot. Eight riders, theory at least 3 times per term. Rider Badges 2 & 3: more independent responsibility for horse care, and the aids working together are introduced.
Red group
The next step after Green. We ride adapted exercises in all gaits, and you increasingly keep track of the other riders yourself and adjust distances for safety and flow. We jump fences in sequence and try jumping from canter. 45 minutes, eight riders, theory at least 3 times per term. Deeper work on Rider Badges 2 & 3.
Yellow group
You ride and handle more types of ponies than before, take responsibility for warming up in some lessons, and jump fences in sequence at trot and canter. 45 minutes, eight riders, theory at least 3 times per term. Deeper work on Rider Badge 3.
Blue group
You now ride and handle every type of pony in the stable, with higher demands on execution in all gaits. The group jumps different types of exercises, fences in sequence and courses indoors and outdoors, and rides out under supervision in all gaits. 45 minutes, eight riders, theory at least 2 times per term. Rider Badges 3 & 4: deeper understanding and riding adapted to each horse.
Trainee
BFK’s own concept for pony riders who want a bit more – to grow their horse knowledge, riding skills and leadership. Eight riders who ride together twice a week, 60 minutes. Being a role model and leader in BFK’s pink pony groups is part of the concept, and trainees are often part of the active youth section. Requirements: at least Yellow level and experience as a leader in the Pink group. Theory at least 4 times per term – can be swapped for study visits, clinics, seat training and more.
Young Rider (YR)
A special group for older teenagers moving from ponies to horses. Requirements: at least Trainee level / level 3 on horses, commitment to the club and being a good role model. YR riders ride twice a week – once on a pony, once on a horse. 60 minutes, at most 6 riders, theory at least 4 times per term. Rider Badge 5 and the bronze badge: good influence on the horse, more responsibility and a solid foundation before having a horse of your own.
Horses – Groups 1–4 and special groups
Group 1
The first step for beginners or those who have ridden a little. Eight riders, 50 minutes, theory at least 2 times per term. We ride at walk and trot with a focus on seat and balance, work with cone and pole courses for the basic aids, ride out in good weather and try Working Equitation. (Rider Badge 1.)
Group 2
For those who have started cantering. We keep working on seat and balance, ride exercises for influencing the horse and start jumping single fences. Eight riders, 50 minutes, theory 2 times per term. (Rider Badge 2.)
Group 3
The intermediate level for more experienced riders – there are also groups without jumping at this level. Eight riders, 50 minutes, theory 2 times per term. We ride out and try Working Equitation. (Rider Badges 3 & 4.)
Group 4
For experienced riders who want to keep developing their skills in both riding and horse knowledge. Theory at least 2 times per term – some sessions can be swapped for seat training, fitness training or clinics. (Rider Badge 5 & Bronze.)
Special groups
There are special groups in dressage, show jumping and a general special: 6 riders, 60 minutes, riding skills equivalent to Group 3–4, theory 2 times per term.
- HDS – Dressage special: dressage every lesson.
- HHS – Jumping special: rotation of dressage, groundwork, jumping and jumping.
- HAS – General special: rotation of dressage, dressage, groundwork and jumping.
- WE group: focused on the discipline Working Equitation.
65+
Our 65+ group is for you who have been an active rider before or are active now. The aim is to keep you fit and happy and to promote balance and movement at a calmer pace. You need to be comfortable at walk and trot; canter happens according to ability and wishes. With a suitable horse you may also take part on your own horse – contact us in advance! The lesson is taught by our regular instructors, mainly dressage with elements of Working Equitation and poles, and afterwards you are welcome to the club room for a coffee you bring yourself. If there is interest we will also start a groundwork or beginners’ group.
Open groups, drop-in and courses
We have several open groups (50 or 60 min) if you want to ride extra or cannot commit to a fixed subscription, as well as drop-in places in regular groups when there is room – all booked through Hippocrates. During the term we run courses in jumping, dressage and Working Equitation as well as unmounted courses – they appear in the calendar as they are scheduled.
Schedules
You can get the current lesson schedule and the jumping and theory schedules from the office: kansli@borasridhus.se.