Learn to Ride/Drive

Equestrian Canada’s Learn to Ride/Drive is a great program for people of any age interested in learning how to ride and/or drive a horse. This program was developed in accordance with the Long-Term Equestrian Development (LTED), which provides a clear and stage-appropriate pathway for success for instructors/coaches and students (riders and drivers), ensuring a safe environment for all involved, including our equine partners.

We administer the Equestrian Canada (EC) Learn to Ride/Drive program.

Through this non-competitive certification program, both participatory and competitive riders are rewarded with Certificates of Achievement for advancing their learning after successfully completing their exams.

The Learn to Ride/Drive program provides the opportunity for individuals of all ages to learn best practices for safe and enjoyable experiences handling, riding, and/or driving horses. The purpose of this program is to produce safe and knowledgeable horse people. Whether you are interested in tracking your progress or becoming an NCCP Instructor/Coach, this program will provide guidance with progressive skill development through the levels.

Registration for this program is not required but we can help you get started!

Applications

The application forms and fees should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the assessment date. The assessment date is subject to approval by the AEF. Be mindful that missing information may delay the processing time.

Step 1: Host Application

The Host Application should be submitted by the facility owner, barn manager, coordinator of the assessment, or by the assessor themselves. The host is responsible for submitting the assessment fee.

Step 2: Rider Application

The Rider Application should be submitted by the candidate themselves.
If the rider/driver does not have a current AEF (or other PTSO) membership, the application will be denied.

Step 3: Instructor/Coach Recommendation Application

The Instructor/Coach Recommendation Application should be submitted by the candidate’s instructor/coach.

Available Disciplines

The Learn to Ride/Drive program is available for both English and Western riding disciplines, as well as driving, providing a structured and safe approach for introducing new riders/drivers to equestrian sport.

The Learn to Ride program is organized into levels:

Learn to Ride English Levels 1 to 10
Learn to Ride Western Levels 1 to 4 and Western Intermediate

The Learn to Ride/Drive program is designed to be guided by an NCCP Licensed Instructor/Coach, to ensure that concepts are clearly understood before the rider progresses to more challenging levels. The program provides an opportunity for riders to progress, demonstrating their skills through a series of increasingly complex written tests, interviews, and under-saddle flat and jump (when applicable) tests.

How to Participate

Purchase an AEF Individual Membership
Purchase the English, Western or Drive “Learn to” manual(s)
If you have previously purchased these manuals, be aware there is a recent addendum available here.
Purchasing the Stable Management manual is highly recommended
Contact an NCCP Certified and Licensed Instructor/Coach to begin training for the exams
When you and your instructor/coach feel you are ready, they can administer the exam to you. Some exams require you to use a coach other than your regular coach; please check the FAQ for more information
The applications, payment, and exams are then submitted to the AEF office by the assessor
Your certificate will be mailed to you
You then begin to work on the next rider level