Courses

The German Performance Medals

1. Performance Medal - Level 4-small bronze (DRA IV)

   Requirements

   The applicant must have earned the Basic Horse Knowledge Badge before he/she can be tested for the Small Bronze-Performance Medal.

   Note:

   The testing for both can be completed on the same day.

   The applicant is tested in the following areas:

   • Dressage - individual dressage test or test ridden in a file at training level. The rider is judged on his/her seat and the influence of the aids. The judge may ask that horse and rider combinations be changed.
   • Jumping - rider will jump a course at the height of 2'6". The rider is judged on his/her equitation and influence of the aids along with the general impression and the harmony of the course.
   • Riding cross country - rider will jump elementary cross country obstacles.
   • Theory - basic understanding of riding theory and the basic understanding of rider fitness along with basic understanding of animal protection laws and rider's conduct while riding on the street, in the fields and in the woods.

1. Dummy List Element to set numbering
2. Performance Medal - Level 3 - large bronze (DRA III)

   Requirements:

   The rider is theoretically required to have the DRA IV (small bronze) for a minimum of 3 months before applying for the large bronze Performance Medal. Travel distance will be taken into consideration and this policy could be waived at the discretion of the Director at the Westfälische Reit und Fahrschule. The rider must demonstrate to him an adequate ability to be tested sooner.

   The applicant is tested in the following areas:

   • Dressage - individual dressage test ridden alone or with a second rider at first level. The rider is judged on his/her seat and the influence of the aids. Rider/horse combinations may be changed at the discretion of the Director.
   • Jumping - Rider will jump a course of 3 feet in trot and canter. The rider is judged on his/her equitation, influence of the aids, general impression and harmony of the course.
   • Riding cross country - Rider will jump novice height cross country obstacles. (not mandatory)
   • Theory - Applicant will be tested on general understanding of riding theory in Jumping and Dressage as well as basic understanding of animal protection laws, stable management and veterinary care.
3. Performance Medal/Dressage - Level 3 - large bronze (DRA III)
   1. Riding
      • Dressage - Rider to perform a second level dressage test.
      • Riding in the country - the rider will trot and canter in a balanced jumping seat outside.
      • Rider will be judged on his/her seat, the influence of the aids, harmony of the exercises and the total impression.
   2. Theory
      • Applicant will be tested on a deeper understanding (in comparison to the small bronze exam) of riding theory in Jumping and Dressage as well as basic understanding of animal protection laws, stable management and veterinary care.
4. Performance Medal/Jumping - level 3 - large bronze (DRA III)
   1. Riding
      • Jumping at approximately 3'6".
      • Riding elements of dressage which are required for jumping and riding in the country - rider will be judged on his/her seat, the influence of the aids, harmony of the exercises and the total impression.
   2. Theory
      • The applicant will be tested on a deeper understanding (in comparison to the small bronze exam) of riding theory in Jumping and Dressage as well as basic understanding of animal protection laws, stable management, and veterinary care.

Additional Information
A typical Daily Schedule for Performance Medal Courses and Trainer Courses

6:30	am	Barn work
7:15		Breakfast
8:30		Dressage lessons in small groups
11:00		Theory or classroom work
12:00		Lunch break
2:00	pm	Jumping lessons in small groups
4:00		Theory or classroom work
5:30		End of day

Each day is individual, but this is a general plan of how the day usually runs.