Which riding level is right for you? Our four levels will help you assess your riding experience and find the right ride for you. Please read the descriptions carefully. Your previous riding experience, the actual number of hours you have spent in the saddle, and above all your confidence and skills when riding in the countryside are all important factors.
0–10 hours in the saddle · Little or no riding experience
You have never ridden before or have only ridden a few times. Perhaps you have had one riding lesson or sat on a horse while on holiday. You may not be very familiar with horses yet and still need to learn how to approach them, lead them, and understand their body language.
You have little or no experience steering and stopping a horse.
You need guidance with mounting, your position in the saddle, and handling the reins.
You will mainly ride at walk while learning to become comfortable with the horse’s movements.
You want to discover whether riding is right for you in a relaxed and supportive environment.
This level is right for you if: you are just starting out and are happy to learn step by step.
Approximately 10–50 hours in the saddle · Basic skills developed
You have ridden several times, perhaps on holiday, during occasional riding lessons, or on guided trail rides. You understand the basic aids and have begun to develop a feel for communicating with the horse. However, you are not yet a confident, experienced rider and benefit from a calm horse and clear guidance.
You can mount independently and can generally steer and stop a horse at walk.
Your balance is improving, although you still need to concentrate consciously on your position.
You may have some experience at trot, for example rising trot, but may not yet feel consistently secure.
You can take part in a guided ride where the pace and distance are adapted to your ability.
Longer rides, steep trails, and riding independently over difficult terrain are still unfamiliar to you.
This level is right for you if: you have ridden before but still occasionally need help with steering, transitions, or riding at trot.
Approximately 50–200 hours in the saddle · Solid riding experience
You have gained regular riding experience and feel increasingly confident not only in the arena but also out on the trails. You can control your horse using clear, appropriate aids and adapt to different situations. You no longer need to consciously plan every movement, allowing you to focus on your surroundings and enjoy the ride.
You are confident at walk and trot and can independently steer your horse, stop, and regulate its pace.
You have experience at canter and can ride it in a controlled manner on suitable terrain.
You have a balanced seat and can adjust your position to changing ground conditions.
You have already completed longer trail rides and can spend several hours in the saddle.
You can pay attention to the group, maintain safe distances, and reliably follow the guide’s instructions.
You are ready for longer distances and more challenging trails, although you may still need advice or assistance on difficult sections.
This level is right for you if: you ride regularly or have ridden over an extended period, are familiar with all three basic gaits, and already feel comfortable riding out on trails.
Often several hundred hours in the saddle · Extensive, independent riding experience
You are an experienced rider and feel truly at home on a horse. Riding is no longer a new challenge that requires you to consciously control every movement. Through many hours in the saddle, you have developed balance, body awareness, and confidence, and can remain calm and respond appropriately even in unexpected situations.
A useful way to assess yourself: If you can no longer remember how many hours you have spent in the saddle because riding has been a natural part of your life for years, Level 4 might be right for you. However, what matters most is your actual ability, not simply the number of hours.
Confident in all three gaits: You can reliably ride at walk, trot, and canter, controlling your horse’s speed and direction even over challenging terrain.
An independent seat: You maintain your balance without relying on the reins for support. You can respond calmly and in balance to your horse’s movements using your body.
Confidence at canter: Could you imagine sitting on a suitable, reliable horse at a controlled canter without becoming tense from fear or needing to hold on to the reins? You should trust your balance and ability. This does not mean that you must or should let go of the reins — maintaining control of your horse remains essential.
Trail experience: You are familiar with riding on uneven ground, narrow paths, mountainous terrain, and under changing conditions. You can judge when a pace is safe and when it is not.
Endurance: You are physically fit enough to manage long rides lasting several hours, over multiple days. You understand that multi-day trail rides can be demanding on your seat, legs, and concentration.
Independence: You can handle and control your horse confidently, respond to changing situations, and remain calm and aware even when riding in a lively group.
Good judgement on the trail: You dismount without hesitation on steep, slippery, or difficult sections and lead your horse on foot. You understand that a good rider does not need to ride every stretch, but puts safety and the horse’s welfare first.
This level is right for you if: you have extensive practical riding experience, feel confident in all three gaits, are accustomed to longer trail rides, and can ride calmly, in balance, and independently even in challenging conditions.