Our Competency Recognition Program
Our learning program has been developed using many years experience managing, handling and riding horses, as well as experience gained teaching in pony club and riding school environments. It's a progressive program with each level building on competencies developed in those preceding it. To complement our learning program and teaching methods, we have developed a competency recognition program which provides for honest assessments and is based on realistically attainable criteria. Students are awarded certificates for demonstrating competency in 3 areas:
- Knowledge – everything from identifying parts of the horse and equipment to correct conformation, first aid, nutrition and health management.
- Practical – The demonstration of knowledge through application for example, catching a horse, assembling a bridle, saddling a horse.
- Riding – Consistently and accurately executing a ridden activity to an acceptable standard, showing good control of the horse at all times.
Assessment is optional
We’ll advise when students are ready for assessment
One assessment opportunity per term
As this system is optional we do not wish to over-burden our schedule with assessments. Therefore students will have one opportunity to be assessed per Term, as part of the last or second-last scheduled lesson. Assessment requests received after Week 7 will be considered for the following Term. Students not participating in an assessment will not be disadvantaged in any way.
Learning about horses and riding well, is a life-time pursuit
Whilst developing knowledge about grooming tools and parts of a saddle will come quickly to most students, developing the practical and riding skills to an acceptable level takes a lot of time and repetition as well as good coordination, control and balance for riding. It’s therefore important to accept that progress can’t be time-boxed and students may not progress by a certificate every Term. Rather, the rate of progress is entirely dependent on the student’s development and cannot be rushed. Unrealistic or generous assessments, particularly of riding capability, is unsafe and not practiced at Tandivale.
Our Curriculum & Learning Materials
To assist student's learning, we've provided a booklet for each certificate. The booklet includes the very important assessment request form which must be returned to us, by the date specified, to apply for assessment! Be sure to you have the support of an instructor. The booklets can be accessed below and printed at your convenience to work through. There's an abundance of additional information available on the internet / books and we encourage students to do their own research and learning.
Please raise any questions and regularly discuss your progress with your instructor.
Curriculum Summary Levels 1, 2 & 3