Elite level competitors and riders with several consistent official results may be eligible for full or partial Skills Recognition based on recognition of current competency.
If any of the following apply to you then you may be able to apply for skills recognition:
- I am an elite level rider (selected to represent Australia at the Olympic Games and/or WEG)
- I am currently riding or driving to the standards required at one of the EA Riding or Driving personal skills certificates
- I have previously ridden to the required proficiency levels but am no longer able to demonstrate this because of age, current ability, lack of appropriate horse, acute or chronic injury or disability, medical advice or other suitable reason
Proficiency levels
| Intro level | Level 1 | Level 2 |
| Riding (flatwork at prelim dressage level, no jumping) | General riding (novice dressage, jumping 90cm, XC 80cm | General riding (Medium dressage, Jumping to 1.15m, XC to 1*) |
| Driving (single horse in harness | Dressage riding (to elementary) | Dressage riding (to advanced) |
| Show horse riding (showing in hand, hunter class to 80cm, leading rein and first ridden pony) | Jumping riding (to 1.30m) | |
| Driving (pairs) | Eventing riding (XC to 2*) |
The table below outlines how competition results can contribute to a recognised riding certificate:
| Riding Certificate level | General | Dressage | Jumping | Eventing |
| Intro | 5 x Preliminary tests > 55% | |||
| Level 1 | 2 x Novice tests, >55%; 2x90cm Jumping competitions no jumping penalties; 2x eventing competitions at 80cm with 2 clear rounds in the XC | 5 x Elementary tests > 55% | ||
| Level 2 | 2x Medium Dressage tests >55%; 2 x 1.15m jumping competitions no jumping penalties; 2 x eventing competitions at CCI*/CIC1* with qualifying score | 5 x Advanced tests > 55% | 5 x 1.3m competitions max, 6 faults in first round. | 5 x CCI2**/CNC2* competitions, obtaining a qualifying score in each |
Please Note: The competition results do not exempt the candidate from any of the tasks, and there will still be some components they need to be assessed on. For example, the competition results will provide evidence a level 2 candidate can Ride Jumping Courses – Slip 4B, but will still have to demonstrate Lunging the horse – Slip 8 and Horse Biomechanics Slip 9 and Rider Conditioning – Slip 10. For Level 1, a candidate will still be required to demonstrate Riding an Unknown Horse, and potentially specific movements such as Leg Yielding and Turning on the Forehand if they are not covered in the dressage tests. There is also no time limit on these results as previously required, and any CE can verify these results regardless of specialisation.
How to Apply
You will also be required to meet the following components:
- Be a current financial member of Equestrian Australia through one of the state branches
- Hold a current first aid certificate
- Attend an EA familiarisation session (compulsory for all international coaches)
- Register as an EA coach and obtain appropriate coaches insurance either through EA or an independent broker. For information on EA’s coaches insurance please visit Gow Gates Insurance Brokers
