Independent Riding Skills Assessment (IRSA)

Horses must possess a core set of independent riding skills to succeed in a mounted lesson program. Independent refers to the level of support the rider needs. In this case, independent means without a horse leader or side walkers to assist the rider during the skills. The Independent Riding Skills Assessment (IRSA) includes twelve essential skills that reflect the foundational behaviors horses need to participate safely and effectively in most mounted riding-based lesson programs.

Many skills require the use of a timer and/or additional equipment. Have all equipment organized prior to the start of the assessment. A list of the equipment needed for the IRSA is found below. Skills can be assessed in any order according to the evaluator’s choosing. Use the IRSA scoring sheet to record the horse’s scores (see Appendix 6).

Throughout the skills, “you” will be used to signify the handler/rider. The handler/rider may also serve as the evaluator.

Equipment:

• Activity/loud noises equipment (e.g., bleachers, car, grooming tools, other animals, flag, paper, jacket, spray bottle, tractors)
• Arena obstacles (e.g., bridge, ground poles, cones, upright poles, tarp)
• Assistant
• Dressage whip (optional)
• Mounting block (if used in program)
• Rider/handler
• Rider equipment (e.g., boots with a heel, ASTM-SEI helmet, and appropriate riding clothing)
• Sturdy tie rail and/or cross tie area
• Timer or watch
• Well-fitting tack that is used in the lesson program (e.g., English saddle, western saddle, saddle pad, girth or cinch, bridle, bitless bridle)

1 Saddling

Why

No matter the style of saddle that is used for riding, it should be properly fit to the horse. Incorrect saddle fit can cause discomfort, pain, poor performance, and even long-term damage. While horses are traditionally saddled from the left side (referred to as the near side), horses should be accustomed to being saddled on the right side (referred to as the offside) as well. This is beneficial not only for convenience but also for riders with physical limitations who may find it easier to lift the saddle from the offside. Horses should stand still for saddling.

How

Start with a groomed horse safely secured to a sturdy tie rail, in cross ties, or ground tied. From either the near or offside, saddle the horse with well-fitting equipment. Make sure to use all normal tack that will be used when the horse is ridden in a lesson (e.g., saddle pad, saddle, girth or cinch, breast collar, back cinch). Follow all safety protocols while tacking.

If the horse exhibits girthy behavior, such as pinning its ears, flinching, or biting, when being saddled or girthed, an investigation into the cause should be conducted. Girthy behavior usually stems from pain or ill-fitting tack. If, after a thorough investigation, a veterinarian has cleared the horse for work and the tack has been checked by a professional, the behavior may be attributed to anticipation of pain that is no longer present. Retraining should occur to reduce the behavior to prevent harm to the horse and human.

Once the task(s) have been completed, score the horse according to the following rubric.

Scoring Rubric

NA Not Assessed

0 Unsuitable

Displays dangerous behavior and/or is in pain or otherwise unsound.

            1 Developing

Does not stand still for saddle placement. Flinches when the saddle and/or pad is put on. Girthy behavior present (e.g., pinned ears, grinding teeth, threatening to bite handler).

            2 Satisfactory

Moves no more than two steps during saddling. No girthy behavior present

3 Proficient

Calm while being saddled. Stands still. No girthy behavior present.

2 Bridling

Why

No matter the style of bridle that is used for riding, it should be properly fitted to the horse. Horses should be bridled without resistance.

How

After the horse has been saddled, untie the horse. Remove the halter and place it around the horse’s neck to give you a point of control in case the horse moves. It is vital that you never keep the horse tied when the halter is placed around their neck, as this could result in significant injury if the horse were to pull back. Place the reins over the horse’s neck or hold them in your hand, but do not let them dangle where they could be stepped on. Present the bridle from the left side of the horse and secure it in place. Secure all buckles and ensure proper fit. Remove the halter and hold the reins in your hand for leading.

Once the task(s) have been completed, score the horse according to the following rubric.

Scoring Rubric

NA Not Assessed

0 Unsuitable

Displays dangerous behavior and/or is in pain or otherwise unsound.

            1 Developing

Tosses and/or raises head. Clamps mouth shut. Difficult to get bridle on.

            2 Satisfactory

Drops head with pressure at the poll. May require prompting to open their mouth (stick a finger in the corner of their mouth). May move head some but is easily brought back to attention.

3 Proficient

Drops head and holds still for the handler. Accepts the bit calmly. Keeps head relatively still for the handler to adjust bridle pieces.

3 Mounting

Why

The first step to riding is getting on. Horses can be mounted from the ground or a mounting block. Using a mounting block reduces the strain on the horse’s back. Horses should stand still and wait patiently until the rider is on and cues the horse to walk.

How

Once the horse is tacked up, perform a tack safety check to ensure everything is fitted correctly. Lead the horse to the mounting area. If using a mounting block, place your reins over the horse’s neck and lead them to the block. Once they are aligned with the top step, climb the mounting block, hold the reins in your left hand short enough that you can correct the horse if they step forward, put your left foot in the stirrup, right hand on the pommel or saddle horn, then stand up while swinging your right leg over the back of the horse. You may choose to let your leg gently brush the back of the horse to simulate a common beginner mistake. Sit down gently. Place your feet in the stirrups. Once you are ready, you can ask the horse to walk forward.

Once the task(s) have been completed, score the horse according to the following rubric.

Scoring Rubric

NA Not Assessed

0 Unsuitable

Displays dangerous behavior and/or is in pain or otherwise unsound.

            1 Developing

Moves away from the mounting block (or away from the rider if mounting from the ground) before the rider is mounted. Moves before being cued by the rider. Does not respond to halt cue from the rider to stand still. Tense.

            2 Satisfactory

Stands at the mounting block (or by the rider if mounting from the ground) for the rider to mount. Moves no more than two steps before the rider cues for the walk. Responds to the halt cue from the rider to stand still.

3 Proficient

Stands at the mounting block (or by the rider if mounting from the ground) for the rider to mount. Does not move before the rider cues for the walk. Calm.

4 Walk: tempo, transitions, turning

Why

The walk is a four-beat gait. Horses should perform smooth walk transitions, turn easily, and maintain a consistent tempo.

How

Horses should be properly warmed up at the walk before being asked to maintain a collected frame, execute tight turns, or trot/canter. A good warm-up generally consists of the horse walking for ten to fifteen minutes, with most of the walk occurring on a loose rein. Alternative warm-up methods, such as lunging or hand walking, may also be used. Once the horse is warmed up, pick up contact appropriate for your lesson program and walk a minimum of three minutes. Include circles, straight lines, changes of direction, and walk-halt-walk transitions. You should also assess the horse’s trot-walk transitions, which will lead into your trot assessment.

Once the task(s) have been completed, score the horse according to the following rubric.

Scoring Rubric

NA Not Assessed

0 Unsuitable

Displays dangerous behavior and/or is in pain or otherwise unsound.

            1 Developing

Tempo: Inconsistent walk.

Transition: Transitions to different gaits without being cued.

Turning: Does not turn with rein and/or leg cues.

            2 Satisfactory

Tempo: Maintains a consistent walk with rider cueing/assistance.

Transition: Stays in walk until cued. Transitions into walk within 3 strides (from trot) or 5 seconds (from halt) of cueing.

Turning: Turns with rein and/or leg cues.

3 Proficient

Tempo: Maintains consistent walk.

Transition: Stays in walk until cued. Transitions into walk within 1 1/2 strides (from trot) or 3 seconds (from halt) of cueing.

Turning: Turns with rein and/or leg cues. Demonstrates bend and a consistent frame during maneuvers.

5 Trot: tempo, transitions, turning

Why

The trot (or jog) is a two-beat gait. Horses should perform smooth trot transitions, turn easily, and maintain a consistent tempo.

How

After an appropriate warm-up, trot a minimum of three minutes. Include circles, straight lines, changes of direction, and trot-walk-trot transitions. You should also assess the horse’s canter-trot transitions, which will lead into your canter assessment (unless the horse is walk/trot only).

Once the task(s) have been completed, score the horse according to the following rubric.

Scoring Rubric

NA Not Assessed

0 Unsuitable

Displays dangerous behavior and/or is in pain or otherwise unsound.

            1 Developing

Tempo: Inconsistent trot.

Transition: Transitions to different gaits without being cued.

Turning: Does not turn with rein and/or leg cues.

            2 Satisfactory

Tempo: Maintains a consistent trot with rider cueing/assistance.

Transition: Stays in trot until cued. Transitions into trot within 3 strides of cueing.

Turning: Turns with rein and/or leg cues.

3 Proficient

Tempo: Maintains consistent trot.

Transition: Stays in trot until cued. Transitions into trot within 1 1/2 strides of cueing.

Turning: Turns with rein and/or leg cues. Demonstrates bend and a consistent frame during maneuvers.

6 Canter: tempo, transitions, turning

Why

The canter (or lope) is a three-beat gait. There is a right and a left lead in the canter. Horses should perform smooth canter transitions, turn easily, maintain a consistent tempo, and pick up the lead as cued.

How

After an appropriate warm-up, canter for a minimum of three minutes. Include circles, straight lines, changes of direction, and canter-trot-canter transitions. Canter on both the right and the left lead. If the horse is not a “canter horse,” mark this skill as “not assessed.”

Once the task(s) have been completed, score the horse according to the following rubric.

Scoring Rubric

NA Not Assessed

0 Unsuitable

Displays dangerous behavior and/or is in pain or otherwise unsound.

            1 Developing

Tempo: Inconsistent canter.

Transition: Transitions to different gaits without being cued. Cannot canter on both leads.

Turning: Does not turn with rein and/or leg cues.

            2 Satisfactory

Tempo: Maintains a consistent canter with rider cueing/assistance.

Transition: Stays in canter until cued. Transitions into canter within 3 strides of cueing. Picks up the correct lead most of the time.

Turning: Turns with rein and/or leg cues.

3 Proficient

Tempo: Maintains consistent canter.

Transition: Stays in canter until cued. Transitions into canter within 1 1/2 strides of cueing. Picks up the correct lead.

Turning: Turns with rein and/or leg cues. Demonstrates bend and a consistent frame during maneuvers.

7 Halt

Why

The halt is a stop of all motion. Horses should respond promptly to the halt cue.

How

After an appropriate warm-up, halt the horse on a straight line from a walk, a minimum of three times. Walk forward at least ten steps in between halt attempts. You should focus on achieving prompt, square halts.

Once the task(s) have been completed, score the horse according to the following rubric.

Scoring Rubric

NA Not Assessed

0 Unsuitable

Displays dangerous behavior and/or is in pain or otherwise unsound.

            1 Developing

Takes more than 5 strides to halt.

            2 Satisfactory

Halts within 3 strides of cueing.

3 Proficient

Halts within 1 1/2 strides of cueing.

8 Backup

Why

The backup (or reinback) is a two-beat gait during which the horse moves backwards. It is used to maneuver the horse around obstacles, provide corrections, and in various disciplines. Horses should readily backup when cued.

How

After an appropriate warm-up, halt the horse. Cue for 3-5 steps of backup on a straight line, a minimum of three times. Walk forward at least ten steps in between backup attempts. You should focus on straightness and consistent tempo.

Once the task(s) have been completed, score the horse according to the following rubric.

Scoring Rubric

NA Not Assessed

0 Unsuitable

Displays dangerous behavior and/or is in pain or otherwise unsound.

            1 Developing

Requires a lot of pressure from the reins. Steps back stiffly. Backs up crooked.

            2 Satisfactory

Cues with pressure from the reins. Backs one leg at a time slowly in a relatively straight line.

3 Proficient

Cues with the rider’s seat and light pressure from the reins. Smoothly steps back in diagonal pairs in a straight line.

9 Arena Obstacles

Why

Arena obstacles are commonly used in lessons to practice horsemanship skills and to add variety in the lesson. Horses should be comfortable with all arena obstacles presented to them in lessons.

How

Identify the arena obstacles that are used in your lesson program (e.g., bridge, ground poles, cones, upright poles, tarp). Set up the obstacles within your working space. Ride the horse, at a walk, around/on/over the obstacles as applicable (e.g., lead the horse around cones, on a bridge, over ground poles). Attempt each obstacle from both directions and/or sides two to three times.

Once the task(s) have been completed, score the horse according to the following rubric. Each obstacle will receive an individual score.

Scoring Rubric

NA Not Assessed

0 Unsuitable

Displays dangerous behavior and/or is in pain or otherwise unsound.

            1 Developing

Tense when introduced to obstacle. Refuses obstacle (e.g., backs up, moves sideways, or turns away) or rushes over/on/around obstacle.

            2 Satisfactory

May hesitate briefly at first (e.g., slows tempo, halts but doesn’t move sideways or backup), but with pressure from the rider walks over/on/around obstacles.

3 Proficient

Calmly crosses obstacle. Walks with a consistent tempo over/on/around obstacle.

10 Activity & Loud Noise

Why

Activity and loud noise can startle a horse. While it is impossible to habituate a horse to every activity or noise and plan for all scenarios, we can do our best to expose horses to common activities and loud noises that occur in the lesson environment. Horses should be calm and remain responsive to their handler even in the presence of activity and loud noises.

How

Identify at least six types of activities and loud noises that the horse may be exposed to in your lesson program (e.g., arena doors opening and closing, clapping/cheering/shouting, four-wheelers or tractors, people walking across bleachers, stomping of feet). You may choose to introduce the activity or noise with the horse at the halt position and/or at the walk. With you in control of the horse, have an assistant perform each activity and noise. Each activity or noise should persist for ten to thirty seconds or the normal duration of that activity or noise.

Once the task(s) have been completed, score the horse according to the following rubric. Each activity and loud noise will receive an individual score.

Scoring Rubric

NA Not Assessed

0 Unsuitable

Displays dangerous behavior and/or is in pain or otherwise unsound.

            1 Developing

Startles when introduced to activity/loud noise (e.g., jumps, moves more than one step). Tense.

            2 Satisfactory

Response to activity/loud noise is mild (i.e., raises head and looks in the direction of the activity/loud noise, but does not move more than one step).

3 Proficient

Calm during activity/loud noise. May acknowledge noises (e.g., flicks ears) but is not disrupted from their job (e.g., walking, standing).

11 Dismounting

Why

The last step to riding is getting off. The rider should dismount from the horse to the ground. Horses should stand still and wait patiently until the rider is fully dismounted.

How

Halt in a safe location with even ground, away from any objects such as fences or arena obstacles. Put your reins into your left hand and place your left hand on the withers or pommel. Place your right hand on the pommel or saddle horn. Stand up in the saddle and remove your right foot from the stirrup. Swing your right leg over the horse’s croup, bringing it together with your left leg. You may choose to let your leg brush over the horse’s back to simulate a common beginner mistake. Pause briefly to remove your left foot from the stirrup. Slide gently to the ground. Once dismounted, make sure to take the reins over the horse’s neck, run up your stirrups (if in an English saddle), and loosen your girth or cinch.

Once the task(s) have been completed, score the horse according to the following rubric.

Scoring Rubric

NA Not Assessed

0 Unsuitable

Displays dangerous behavior and/or is in pain or otherwise unsound.

            1 Developing

Moves during dismounting. Tense.

            2 Satisfactory

May shift their weight but does not take a full step during dismount.

3 Proficient

Does not move during the dismount. Relaxed.

12 Untacking

Why

After riding, the horse must be untacked. Horses should stand still for untacking.

How

After riding, lead the horse into your grooming/tacking area. Place a halter around the horse’s neck to give you a point of control in case the horse moves. It is vital that you never keep the horse tied when the halter is put around their neck, as this could result in significant injury if the horse were to pull back. Place the reins over the horse’s neck or hold them in your hand, but do not let them dangle where they could be stepped on. Undo the bridle and remove, making sure to go slow to allow the horse to drop the bit out of their mouth. Set the bridle aside and secure the horse by haltering and tying them.

From either the near or offside, unsaddle the horse. If a breast collar or back cinch is used, these should be removed before undoing the cinch or girth. When taking the saddle off, lift it up so that it doesn’t pull on the horse’s back. Follow all safety protocols while untacking.

Once the task(s) have been completed, score the horse according to the following rubric.

Scoring Rubric

NA Not Assessed

0 Unsuitable

Displays dangerous behavior and/or is in pain or otherwise unsound.

            1 Developing

Tosses and/or raises head during bridle removal. Does not open mouth easily to remove bit. Does not stand still for unsaddling.

            2 Satisfactory

Drops head with pressure at the poll. May require prompting to open their mouth (stick a finger in the corner of their mouth) to remove bit. Moves no more than one step during unsaddling.

3 Proficient

Drops head and holds still for the handler to remove the bridle. Drops bit out of mouth easily and calmly. Stands still for unsaddling.