10% de réduction sur La Sellerie Française avec le code LSF sur laselleriefrancaise.com
General

The Gallops in Equestrianism: Equestrian Progression

8 Jan 2025·4 min read
General

Horse riding is an art that evolves through different levels of skill. These levels are called “gallops.” They help riders improve their skills and comfort in the saddle. These gallops are crucial for horse riding enthusiasts, from beginners to the highest levels.

levels of horse riding

Main points to remember

  • The gallops in horse riding are skill levels that allow for the assessment of riders' progress
  • They cover the entire range of knowledge and skills in horse riding, from the basics to expertise
  • Each gallop validates specific skills, from horse handling to practicing disciplines
  • The transition between gallops is an essential step for all riders, from beginners to the more experienced
  • The gallops are recognized in most equestrian disciplines and allow for progression in horse riding

Introduction

The gallops in horse riding are federal exams. They validate the equestrian skills of riders. The French Federation of Equestrianism (FFE) defines these exams. They assess practical and theoretical abilities.

What are the gallops in horse riding?

The gallops in horse riding are certifications. They demonstrate the knowledge and skills of riders. They cover horse handling, jumping, dressage, and hippology.

These federal exams are mandatory for entering official competitions. They validate equestrian skills.

Beginners start with the gallop 1. They progress up to gallop 7 for competitions. Riders learn and improve their skills.

Gallop level Skills assessed
Gallop 1 Basic horse handling at three gaits
Gallop 2 Improvement of horse handling and introduction to jumping
Gallop 3 Mastery of horse handling, jumping, and dressage

The gallops in horse riding are crucial for validating equestrian skills. They help riders progress in horse riding.

gallops horse riding

The different levels of gallops

In horse riding, gallops are a way to classify levels of equestrian skill. Since 2012, there have been 7 gallops, from 1 to 7. They show a progression in equestrian skills. Let’s look at these gallops in horse riding:

  1. The gallops 1 to 3 teach the basics of horse riding. They help the rider learn the fundamentals.
  2. The gallop 4 is crucial. It demonstrates that the rider can guide their horse independently.
  3. The gallops 5 and 6 prepare the rider for competitions. They showcase their skills.
  4. The gallop 7 allows participation in equestrian competitions.

This classification of gallops into 7 levels shows a logical progression. It goes from initiation to the highest levels of equestrian skill.

Classification of gallops in horse riding

The gallops in horse riding for beginners

For beginner riders, gallops 1 to 3 are crucial. They help acquire the basics and understand the club disciplines.

Gallop 1, 2, and 3

The gallop 1 is the first step. The rider learns to lead their horse, then to ride at different gaits. This shows whether the rider masters the beginner horse riding gallops.

The gallop 2 goes further. It teaches grooming, working at three gaits, and how to transition from sitting to standing position. This helps beginners improve their beginner level equestrian learning.

The gallop 3 includes equipment and horse maintenance, and a small obstacle course of 50 cm. It is the last step before moving on to more advanced levels.

Gallop Skills
Gallop 1 Leading the horse on foot, riding at the 3 gaits
Gallop 2 Grooming, preparing the horse, working at the 3 gaits, sitting/standing position
Gallop 3 Equipment and horse maintenance, 50 cm obstacle course

Progression to intermediate levels

The gallop 4 is a key step in learning horse riding. The rider learns to use their horse independently. They must tack up their horse, jump obstacles of 60 cm, and analyze their work.

To succeed, the rider must be stable in the stirrups, whether at a gallop or jumping. They must know how to start galloping correctly. They must also understand the essential care of their horse, showing that they comprehend the needs of horses.

The gallop 4 is a significant advancement for the rider. It gives them the autonomy and mastery necessary for higher levels of horse riding.

FAQ

What are the gallops in horse riding?

The gallops in horse riding assess a rider's practical and theoretical skills. They check their ability to lead the horse and their knowledge of hippology. The French Federation of Equestrianism (FFE) sets the content.

What is the importance of passing the gallops?

Passing the Gallops is crucial for a rider. They assess equestrian skills and knowledge. They take place within the club and validate the rider's skills.

How many gallops are there?

There are 7 gallops, from 1 to 7. Before 2012, there were gallops 8 and 9, but they are no longer necessary. Level 3 replaces gallop 7, which corresponds to the second level.

What do the different gallops validate?

Gallops 1 to 3 teach the basics of horse riding. The gallop 4 allows a rider to ride a horse independently. Gallops 5 and 6 prepare for competition. Gallop 7 is the passport to participate.

What are the tests for the beginner gallops?

Beginners start with gallop 1, a discovery exam. They must lead their horse, ride at a walk, trot, and gallop. Gallop 2 goes deeper with grooming and working at the 3 gaits.

Gallop 3 adds equipment and horse maintenance, as well as a 50 cm obstacle course.

What does gallop 4 provide?

The gallop 4 allows the rider to ride a horse independently. They must tack up their mount, jump obstacles of 60 cm, and analyze their work. They must be stable at a gallop and while jumping.

They must also know the mandatory care and needs of the horse.

Recevez nos promotions par email

La Sellerie Française vous propose des produits d'exception, souvent uniques, conçus et fabriqués en France par les meilleurs artisans du monde équestre. Saisissez votre email et recevez des promotions uniques sur nos produits Made in France

Related