Intermediate I

• Rehearsing learning from previous courses
• Train transitions, e.g., incline across the long diagonal
• Train different tempo in gait
• Train to flex a horse
• Train light seat and introduce pole excercises
• Train seat and balance without stirrups
• Increase gallop exercises

Intermediate II

• Rehearsing and improving learning from previous courses, more quality is expected
• Train leg yield (mostly in walk)
• Increase pole excercises and jump the first fences
• Longer gallop exercises
• Train correct seat and follow the movement

After Intermediate II riders typically continue with Level Groups.

Level Groups

Level I

• Rehearsing and improving learning from beginner and intermediate courses
• Increase pole excercises
• Train extended gait
• Train turning on the forehand
• Increase bending a horse
• Train canter on the counterlead
• Train riding without saddle
• After riding a year at level I, the rider should be able to pass Helppo C dressage test

Rider should continue 1-2 years on this level before continuing to next level.

Level II

• Rehearsing and improving learning from previous courses
• E.g., proper corners, make correct transitions
• Train turning on the haunches
• Increase leg yield exercises also in trot
• Train shoulder-in and travers
• Increase canter on the counter lead excercises
• After riding a year at level II, the rider should be able to pass Helppo B dressage test

Rider should continue 2-3 years on this level before continuing to next level.

Level III

• On top of the basic dressage more difficult movements are executed, e.g., lateral work
• Concentrating on communication between horse and rider, correct aids, and balanced seat
• Influencing to relaxed horse movement
• After riding a year at level III, the rider should be able to pass Helppo A dressage test

Rider should continue 1-2 years on this level before continuing to advanced courses.

Small Group Lessons

There are only 4 riders in a small group lesson. When riding in a small group, the riding will be more target oriented and there is more time to address individual riding goals and challenges.

We have received good feedback from our small group customers and we have a plan to increase the number of small groups in next season. Typically small group riders have a possibility to use the same horse in weekly lessons that will enhance the horse and rider development.

Advanced Group – Competition Team

We have started the advanced riding group for those talented young riders that are aiming at riding competitions either in dressage or showjumping. The advanced group riders will not only be instructed during riding lessons but also to help them to start competition career using advanced lesson horses in team competitions nearby.

There are 1-2 advanced groups in season and part of their curriculum is to take part in several competitions. Anyone can apply for dressage or showjumping advanced group but the final selection will be made by Nuuksio Riding Centre’s instructors. For those under 18, guardian’s acceptance is needed. The support of parents is very important part of the coaching aimed at riding competitions.

If you are interested, ask Minna or Pia for more information.

Dressage

In Nuuksio Riding Centre dressage is typically instructed to “Helppo A” dressage test level and some of our horses have been even trained to “Vaativa B” dressage test level.

Our goal is to offer high quality dressage instructor for 1-2 days a week. For the winter season 2009 we have hired the level III dressage judge, Arto-Pekka Heino, as an instructor. Arto-Pekka Heino has worked 2 years as a paralympic dressage Finnish national team instructor.

Dressage can usually be instructed to “Helppo A” dressage test level using lesson horses of riding school. To improve from that level requires usually privately owned horse. In more advanced level dressage is 50% technical execution and 50% communication between horse and rider.

You can always participate our dressage lessons with your own horse or ask for a private lesson.

Showjumping

Showjumping Beginners’ Course

• basic, jump, and light seat
• approaching and exiting fence (tempo, line)
• pole and caveletti exercises
• introducing basic fences (cross poles, straight fence and oxer)
• exercises with small fences
• small grid exercises
• course practice

The goal for the course is that rider will be able to perform a clear 50 cm course in right tempo using correct transitions and controlled jumping.

Showjumping Level I

• rehearsing learning from beginners’ course
• change of leg in fence
• pace practice in related distance
• different fences and approaches (also special fences)
• course practice with a bit higher fences

Showjumping Level II

• rehearsing learning from previous courses
• more pace practice in related distance
• observing take-off point
• changing stride
• course practice with 60-70 cm fences

Showjumping Level III

• rehearsing learning from previous courses
• challenging pace practice, lines and combinations
• finding take-off point
• jump-off practice
• course practice with 70-100 cm fences