Categorizing rider skill levels is far from a science, but the following will give you an idea of how we view the different levels. Most people will find that they'll fall somewhere between these levels:

BEGINNER
A beginner rider is someone who has ridden very little or who rides infrequently (i.e. a few times a year). They haven't yet mastered their balance and often have difficulty moving in synch with their horse (i.e. they bounce a lot). They mainly ride at the walk, and trot infrequently. They are a passenger, rather than an active participant. A beginner rider often lacks confidence around, and on, horses. We encourage beginner riders to take lessons and put in the riding time to reach the advanced beginner level. Our horses are gentle and well trained, but they are young horses and not suitable for the true beginner.

ADVANCED BEGINNER
An advanced beginner rider understands the basics of horsemanship and is starting to build their skills. They are confident at the walk and trot in the arena and out on the trail. They are starting to get more in synch with the horse (i.e. they bounce less) and to become a more active participant. They still tend to use mainly their reins (rather than their seat and legs) to communicate with their horse. We match advanced beginner riders with horses that are quiet, tolerant (i.e. some bouncing and heavy hands doesn’t upset them), less impulsive (more whoa than go), and less sensitive (i.e. they won't take your inadvertent weight shift as a cue to turn or accelerate).

INTERMEDIATE
An intermediate rider has good balance, an independent seat, and quiet hands. They have ridden a lot and are confident at the walk, trot, and canter in the arena and out on the trail. They are able to communicate with their horse (go, stop, turn, etc.) using their seat and legs, and do not rely solely on their reins. When using their reins, they have what are described as "soft" hands. They are able to ride a variety of different horses. We match intermediate riders with horses that have a bit more energy, confidence, and sensitivity.

ADVANCED
An advanced rider rides with optimal balance between their seat, legs, and hands. They are in synch with their horse and can communicate with subtlety. They understand when to be soft and when to be firm. They can handle more confident and sensitive horses. We match advanced riders with horses that require more knowledge and riding skill.