Levels

Our “Galops” are a specific curriculum, inspired by the USPC (Pony-Club)

and the FFE (French Equestrian Federation) educational projects.

This progressive program takes into account the fundamental aspects of young riders’s physical, intellectual, and relational development & gives students a way to recognize their progress across a broad array of skills and knowledge.

Completing the requirements for each "Galop" or level (riding/driving, unmounted, and theory) is mandatory for moving up to the next group lesson. Your instructor will share a Google.doc with you so you can keep track of where you/your child are in your learning. Riding content will be covered in weekly lessons and unmounted & theory content will be covered in regular mini-clinics scheduled on weekends and "level up clinics" during the Summer.

Group lessons Spring 25 schedule:

Monday, 4:30pm-5:30pm: Copper/Bronze Stirrup (Shetlands)
Monday, 5:30pm-6:30pm: Silver/Gold Stirrup (Shetlands)
Monday, 6:30pm-7:30pm: G5-6 (Flat)
Tuesday, 4pm-5pm: G2 (Adults)
Tuesday, 5pm-6pm: Gold Stirrup/G3
Tuesday, 6pm-7pm: G4 (Flat)
Wednesday, 5:30pm-6:30pm: G3
Wednesday, 6:30pm-7:30pm: G5-6 (Jump)
Thursday, 3:30pm-4:30pm: G2/3 (College)
Thursday, 4:45pm-5:30pm: Leadline
Thursday, 5:30pm-6:30pm: G3
Thursday, 6:30pm-7:30pm: G4 (Jump)
Friday, 5:30pm-7pm: Horseball
Saturday, 10:30am-12:30pm: IHSA
Saturday, 12:30pm-1:30pm: Fit2Ride
Saturday, 1:00pm-4pm: Mini-clinic (unmounted)

What does that mean?

Most well-rounded equestrians should, in the course of regular lessons and time spent in the barn, be able to acquire a minimum of Galop 4 or Galop 5 knowledge. This allows them to work comfortably in most barns and as a novice horse owner or lessee with experienced mentorship.

The Galops 6 & 7 are designed for dedicated equestrians eager to move past the basics and broaden their knowledge. These students may be interested in keeping horses independently, developing advanced riding or training skills, or pursuing a career in the equine industry. Above all, they should possess a genuine desire to become informed in all aspects of horse management, putting the horse's welfare first and foremost. Not all recreational students will achieve Galops 6 and 7. These levels (particularly Galop 7) require hours of study, critical thinking, and hands-on practice.

Purchasing a horse

Which level before owning your own mount?

The decision to buy a horse should not be taken lightly. Riding only one horse/pony is not advisable for lower level riders (it can slow your progress tremendously). It is also hard on the horse/pony (mentally and physically). For horse welfare reasons*, we do not recommend beginner riders purchase their own mount and we advise waiting - at least - until our intermediate level (G5/6).

* Note: Since 2021 (as part of a law intended to combat animal abuse), the French government requires a minimum level in order to purchase or adopt an equine: horse owners in France have to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of their animals’ needs (G4 skill level minimum) before purchasing a horse and it is an offence for anyone without the certificate to sell or gift a horse, and also an offence for a buyer to buy or accept a horse from someone without the certificate as well as failing to hold the certificate themselves. We agree with this policy.

When should I purchase a horse?

Horse ownership is the right step for an upper-intermediate rider who would like to further their commitment to riding. AMF Equitation can only provide horses up to a certain level (G5), which roughly equates to the 2’3 jumping height. A rider can progress indefinitely on the flat with lesson horses but will plateau as far as jumping height and opportunities if that is their only option. AMF Equitation can only provide limited half-leases, and does not allow AMF horses to travel off property individually. By Full Leasing or Owning their own horse, riders at the G6 & G7 levels are able to show off-property, learning to travel and show around the region.

Jumping

Regular Jumping Lessons start at the G4 level. In order to preserve the safety of our students & horses, we require a weekly flat lesson in addition to a jumping lesson. This means students must be committed to a minimum of 2 lessons/week if they are to pursue jumping.

Jumping is a skill that is predominantly developed from hours of foundational lessons on the flat. In order to safely ride a horse over fences, students must be putting in the time for their equitation, strength, and stamina.

Each Galop achieved unlocks greater independent privileges in the barn - such as volunteering (Galop 2), Sunday trailrides (Galop 3), leasing (Galop 4), and supervised rides (Galop 4).

If you want to show, AMF Équitation, LLC requires a certain level before competing:

- Schooling Shows @ AMF Equitation: Silver Galop/Galop 1+
- Traveling to local schooling shows: Galop 4
- Traveling to rated shows: Galop 7

A note about fitness and conditioning:

At AMF Equitation, we consider any rider who wants to compete, on the flat or over fences, or any rider jumping higher than 2’ to be an athlete. This means they need to ride regularly and make choices that support their body, such as eating nutritious meals and drinking plenty of water.

We strongly recommend cross-training: doing something regularly between lessons to maintain strength, stamina and flexibility. Many activities such as dance, running, swimming, and organized sports complement your riding by improving your stamina and building leg strength. Regular stretching exercises, such as yoga and Pilates, also help with balance, flexibility and core strength.

At the end of the day, it's all about the horses. We want to make their lives better by creating educated, compassionate riders & handlers...

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