Trips package
Poland Park
Mastering horsemanship requires a combination of practice and theory. For this reason the instructors of the "Poland Park" Horse Riding School Club have developed an equestrian programme which includes both elements. Every trainee, apart from gaining and improving his or her horse riding skills shall acquire a wealth of theoretical knowledge.
During all practical sessions, the tutors will pass on information regarding usage of riding aids, which will match the level of rider’s progress. Additionally, individuals wishing to broaden their theoretical knowledge will have the opportunity to take part in the lectures on the below topics:
- Equine anatomy.
- Feeding principles and tending of horses.
- Horse behaviour in various situations.
- Breeds of horses reared in Poland, and their history.
- Sport horse breeds reared worldwide.
- Sport usage of horses.
- Achievements of Polish riders in the past and now.
- Theory of horse riding.
- Working with beginner and advanced riders.
- Working with young horses.
In order to acquaint yourself with the curriculum of the "Poland Park" Horse Riding School Club, please have a look at the below approximate scope of skills, gained by the rider during each of the horsemanship learning stages.
Introduction to horse riding – Stage I
- Principles of proper behaviour in the stable and safe contact with horses.
- Parts of the horse body.
- Parts of the saddle and bridle.
- Horse care equipment, grooming a horse.
- Saddling, and safe horse mounting.
- Correct sitting position, operation and holding of reins.
Every 3-4 initial rides take place with the use of the lunge. The beginner rider is given the opportunity to get accustomed with the specifics of horse riding and to go through the basic exercises under raised safety conditions. During initial rides the rider shall master posting at trot.
The successive rides (4) will be performed while riding behind the experienced rider. The riders master their skills at walk and trot. At the end of this stage of schooling the learner should perform the first canter on the lunge, and should try to lead the horse without the help from the leading rider. The next 8 sessions involve perfecting skills in group riding and in individual riding at walk, trot and canter.
Riding for beginners – Stage II
- Mastering the seated and posting trot.
- Canter in full seat and half-seat.
- Riding over poles at walk and trot.
During the second stage, which should also take 16 hours, the rider will perfect his or her skills in unassisted controlling of the horse at walk, trot (seated and posting), and at canter (in full seat and half-seat). Towards the end of the stage the rider should be able to lead the horse over poles at walk and trot.
Intermediate course – Stage III
- Putting the horse on the bit – leg yield, halting a horse.
- Forehand turn of the horse.
- Crossing over a set of poles.
- Dressage rides.
The syllabus for intermediate riders involves further perfecting of the skills already gained, and the learning of new horse riding elements, such as proper positioning of the horse, leg yield, halting the horse correctly, performing a forehand turn, riding backwards, and crossing over a few sets of poles. During this stage the rider should be able to perform a simple dressage programme in the arena. The correct completion of such programme will be the ticket to the realm of advanced riders.
Advanced course – Stage IV
- Free changes of direction.
- Haunch turn, shoulder -in and -fore.
- Crossing over obstacles and a mini jumping course – obstacles up to 60 cm.
Sessions within the advanced stage of schooling involve most of all the perfecting of skills. The rider in this group should display the following: lightness in the seat, flawless posting skills, cantering on the correct lead and should have no problems with changing of directions utilising all the methods (diagonally, along and across the arena, and with half-voltes).
The new elements which will be introduced are: haunch turn, shoulder -fore and -in turn, crossing over single and lined up obstacles, and completion of the mini jumping course.
The main objective of riders who qualify for this group is to prepare for the practical and theoretic exam, which enables the rider to obtain the bronze badge of the Polish Equestrian Association (Polski Związek Jeździecki). The badge gives the rider the right to go on to the next stage, where the lessons take the form of sports training.
Sports group – Stage V, the highest
The trainee should attend the training at least twice a week. During training sessions the rider will master his or her skills, and gain experience which will allow the rider to take part in horse riding competitions. The major element of training is mastering the crossing of obstacles, through correct leading of the horse over gymnastic fences and fragments of jumping course. The height of obstacles set up for the purpose of the above training will reach up to 90-100 cm.
Once a month, the official test of skills will take place. The rider will have to complete a jumping course comprising of 8-10 obstacles, up to 70 cm high. The correct completion of such course will be the ticket to taking part in a competition up to 60 cm (the so called debuts). A few successful competitions will give our member the right to enrol for competitions in the LL class (up to 90 cm).
In order to achieve good results in jumping, the mastering of the basics of dressage will be more than helpful. The riders will be ready for L class jumping through dressage competitions. After correct completion of a few LL class jumping competitions and the L class in dressage, the rider will be ready for taking the exam for the silver badge of PZJ (Polish Equestrian Association).
Copyright
The horse riding curriculum is copyrighted to the Poland Park Sp. z o.o. company, thus no copies of this document can be made by natural or legal persons, other than the Customers of Poland Park Sp. z o.o. company.
