Riding exams: the galops

The gallop is not just a horse's gait. It's also a diploma. Once the foot in the stirrup, passing the gallops is an essential step for the rider who wants to move up. What do the gallops of riding consist of? Why pass them and how? Find here the essential to know about these equestrian diplomas.

What is the Galop of riding?

Galops are exams with a federal diploma issued by the FFE (French Equestrian Federation). They attest to the level of skills of the licensed rider. Each step evaluates the equestrian practice, the care and the knowledge of the rider. Not counting the pony gallops intended for junior riders, the gallops are divided into three types: rider gallops, specialty gallops and competition gallops.

Since the Federation's 2012 reform, the equestrian levels of each type of galop range from 1 to 7. Each galop consists of a mounted test and a theory test. Your overall equestrian knowledge is thus put to the test. From recognizing the horse's coat, to the horse's legs, to saddlery equipment, the subjects vary depending on the level.

Why do you need to pass your gallops?

The question might otherwise be turned: what are gallops for? These diplomas attest to your level as a rider and as a horsewoman. There are many reasons to prepare for a galop.

For your equestrian center

In horse clubs, some instructors will base their suggestions for advancing to the next course when they feel you are ready on what they know about your riding level. In others, passing the gallop is a required evaluation step to validate your basic technical and theoretical knowledge.

For riding competitions

In any case, if you want to compete, it is essential to hold horse riding. Just a jumping competition at an equestrian center requires galop 2. The level of riding ability required also depends on the competition. If you want to compete against equestrian athletes such as Zazie Gardeau or Ilona Mezzadri in a horse show, the galop 2 will not be enough. You want to take the place of your instructor? Here too, you will have to move up in rank. The galop 7 is often required to work in the equestrian world.

For your riding life

What are the different riding gallops?

Whatever the gallop passed, all federal exams have the same basis: a theoretical part and a practical part.

The Pony Galops

Specifically designed for children aged 3 to 10, the Galops Poney is part of a FFE training program. This educational project evaluates the young child's pony skills on the foundation of the fundamental aspects of child development. The children learn the basics of horse riding during their classic sessions and during the training courses carried out at the Pony-Club. They are then evaluated in a playful way, on foot and on pony, on their acquired knowledge, such as grooming the pony or putting the saddle on him. The pony gallops consist of 2 cycles of 3 stages each. Once these 6 stages are passed, the junior rider can directly access the passage of the gallop 2 of rider.

The Rider Gallops

Specialty Gallops

Gallops from 1 to 7 have been developed in various equestrian disciplines. Westerner gallops are for western riding riders who learn to hold the reins with one hand and various events, such as barrel racing. The voltigeur validates his learning of the figures of voltige with the various paces. He also evaluates his work on the longe and his physical preparation. The driving gallops are intended for driving. While those of Pleine Nature focus on outdoor riding, including horseback riding. There are also Amazon Rider gallops and Working Equitation gallops.

Competition Gallops

After acquiring the Galop 4 of Rider or Specialty, you can take your competition galops from level 5 to 7. These gallops are issued in the disciplines of CSO, CCE, dressage, endurance, Hunter and TREC. The program covering horse handling and your theoretical knowledge are the same as for the Rider gallops. The evaluation of your horsemanship is divided into two parts. On the one hand, a validation is done according to your results obtained during the federal competitions of Club or Pony division over one year. On the other hand, your involvement in the organization of competitions is evaluated, as well as your knowledge related to the discipline.

How to pass the riding gallops.

Your federal riding license gives you the opportunity to take your exams. Most horse riding clubs organize internships in addition to your regular riding lessons. These courses usually take place over one or more days, during school vacations. They are a good opportunity to progress quickly. You are in total immersion in the stable. You ride a horse or a pony several hours a day. You will learn with other trainees how to care for and handle the equines, horses and ponies. The club instructor can organize a dressage session with figures in the riding arena or games such as Pony-Games and horse ball. They will correct your trotting posture and check your handling of the horse. This is an ideal opportunity to see or review the essentials of each gallop. Once ready, a Federation-licensed examiner, who may be your instructor, verifies your learning.

How to prepare for the riding gallops

Each piece of knowledge you acquire to pass your gallops serves you throughout your riding life. But there's no need to stress! Several tracks allow you to prepare well for your exam with complete peace of mind.

The FFE program

The Federation publishes the complete gallop program on its website. It also makes available educational sheets to help you in your preparation.

Gallop books

Comprehensive gallop books are available for purchase in stores or online. Whether your book is published by the FFE or another publisher, you will find all the knowledge you need to prepare for your riding gallop.

Internet and applications

Some websites and apps offer you quizzes or mini-games. You can even find video games for PC and various consoles. A fun way to practice, solo or with others.

Hints

What is the Cavalier Gallops program?

The Federation makes available online the complete program for each gallop, a summary of which is below.

Galop 1, Galop 2 and Galop 3

Respect for the horse and pony. The movement and control of the horse at the three gaits: walk, trot and canter. The beginnings of show jumping. The distribution of the activities of the horse or pony in the natural state.

Galop 4

Rider's certificate that certifies your autonomy on foot and horseback. Show jumping in varied terrain.

Galop 5 and Galop 6

How to teach the animal. Rise in skills in dressage, jumping and outdoor. Identification of a horse or pony.

Galop 7

Physiological norms of the equine. Harmony with the mount in the various equestrian activities, including cross country. Autonomy in relaxation.