Amateur Rider Examples

These video clips show examples of good Category A Amateur rider assessments. This is the standard expected of a Category A Amateur Permit applicant.

Simulator - This clip shows a Category A Amateur candidate during the simulator assessment. A candidate is likely to be on the simulator for up to four minutes. This candidate was concentrating on a two mile chase that was being displayed on a screen in front of him. His instructions were to lower his body position approaching and over each fence as the race moved forward, and then from four fences out he was asked him to start riding a finish. From three fences out he was asked to use his stick in the backhand position three times, and then from the last fence use his stick in the forehand another three times. This rider was assessed to be able to make a good balanced body position, ride a finish in a rhythmical and aggressive way and use his stick using a correct and effective technique. This would be considered a good assessment for a candidate wanting to attain a Category A Amateur rider Permit.

Warm up canter - This clip shows a Category A Amateur candidate during a warm up canter on an all weather gallop. This rider is proving to be in control within a string of horses, is maintaining the correct speed and at the same time is maintaining a balanced body position.

Gallop - This clip shows two Category A Amateur candidates during the riding assessment. This part of the assessment is designed to allow the riders to prove that they are able to take instruction and be in total control of a racehorse at speed in company. The riders had been asked to jump off at the bottom of the gallop one behind the other. The second rider had been asked to sit no more than three lengths behind the lead horse and then asked to join upsides at a certain point and remain upsides in a pair to a designated spot. Although the footage only shows the first three furlongs of the gallop, these riders continued in control for the full 6 furlongs of the gallop. This would be considered a good assessment for a candidate wanting to attain a Category A Amateur rider Permit.

Starting Stalls - These clips show three Category A Amateur candidates during the starting stalls assessment. Candidates are expected to be capable of jumping a racehorse out of starting stalls without hindering the horse's movement. They may also be required to ride a horse that has to wear a blindfold (seen in each of the two clips here). This would be considered a good assessment for a candidate wanting to attain a Category A Amateur rider Permit.

Schooling - These clips show two Category A Amateur candidates during the schooling assessment. Candidates are expected to be able to jump a racehorse at speed and in company over at least three race type hurdles. This would be considered a good assessment for a candidate wanting to attain a Category A Amateur rider Permit.