INTERNATIONAL RIDING ACADEMY
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 academic program
​PROGRESSIVE RIDING LEVELS AND horse courses

Do you want to learn online? 

Riding Theory and Equine Science courses in your home and at your pace. Simple as possible, flexible, convenient, no matter where you live!
​

​All you have to do is order your Rider level workbook (Amazon is one place) and become a member.
All video tutorials are FREE with no time limit! 
​Sign up for a boot camp to get daily schedule help.

Develop more confidence
Our video tutorials are with everyday people and horses because that is what it is all about.
Mounted testing is done by video - just email us a link to your video
Exams are OPEN BOOK with true or false and multiple choice questions, send them in any time
Optional projects and term papers can be done to boost grades
Graduates of each level will receive a certificate

How high up can you ride?
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 ​The rider level program is closely structured to the teachings of classical horsemanship,  such as in Vienna, Jerez, Lisbon and Saumur. The systemic levels increase in difficulty and intensity, starting with ground work, safety and the riding basics of the aids and gaits that should not be skipped by even the experienced rider.

It's not to replace a riding coach/instructor, but to aid in riding lessons, and serve as a guideline with a standardized horsemanship skill base and education in stable management.

Classical Horsemanship is the foundation of all riding disciplines. It is walk, trot, canter! It is working on developing rhythm and relaxation to communicate to the horse so that one can develop impulsion, collection and extension in a perfectly balanced and harmonious way. It is dancing with a partner who does not speak English. It is spiritual, working with a fellow animal of a different species. It is as natural as possible, trying to not interfere with the horse's natural gaits. Therefore, it is also used as a base for the levels, however not everyone enjoys English riding, therefore, there is also a Western option. 

Video shows are similar to Ride-a-test. Each semester has two dates to have your videos in by. ​Danish award ribbons are awarded based on your scores and no one else's.

"If the art were not so difficult we would have plenty of good riders and excellently ridden horses, but as it is the art requires, in addition to everything else, character traits that are not combined in everyone: inexhaustible patience, firm perseverance under stress, courage combined with quiet alertness. If the seed is present only a true, deep love for the horse can develop these character traits to the height that alone will lead to the goal." ~ Gustav Steinbrecht
Equestrian Courses with Equine Science Overview (Syllabi)
Click on on syllabus to see what the course entails.
Each Rider level is worth 8.0 credit units upon completion. Rider 4 is worth 9.0 c.u. if a classical or western dressage specialty is chosen. A certificate will be mailed out to you upon completion of each level. Completion of each level is needed to unlock the next progressive level. Knowledge is key! NOTE: If you want to challenge any exam without purchasing the book, you have to contact the office, become a member and an online link will be emailed to you for the exam fee.
Although each is written for an adult, anyone can participate. The ages listed are suggested.
​Each level has a workbook and some reference books. They can be ordered from Amazon in your country. See below.

rider 1 Foundation Horsemanship

​Everyone has to start somewhere. It may look like an easy course, but even the experienced riders will learn something new or at least refresh their knowledge. It is a great start to develop more confidence on the ground and in the saddle. Some help from coaches is allowed as long as it done by the student's guidance.

Age minimum 12 yrs +
Theory 14 yrs +
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Amazon U.S.
Amazon Canada
Amazon Germany
Amazon U.K.

rider 2 fundamental elements

This course focuses on laying the groundwork and developing the elements for lateral and progressive work. Riders will come to understand a better connection with their horse, a develop better riding ability. Just by understanding where horses evolved from and how will help develop a better way to care for them
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Age minimum 12yrs +
​Theory 15 yrs +
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Amazon U.S.
Amazon Canada
Amazon Germany
Amazon U.K.

RIDER 3 DYNAMIC
​RIDING

Riders will start learning how to put it all together, working with the horse better as a team. Even though the information is getting more intense, it is broken down into simple lessons, easy to understand, making them easier to accomplish. You will start to develop more empathetic horse sense.
​
Age minimum 14 yrs +
Theory 16 yrs +
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Amazon U.S.
Amazon Canada
Amazon Germany
Amazon U.K.

rider 4
riding biomechanics

Gain a better understanding of  technique and physical mobility for longevity and progression. It is done with the perfect balance of equine appreciation and science. Graduates can go on to Horse Training and/or Coaching. If wishing to obtain a Stable Managers certificate complete the Business course.
​
Age minimum 14 yrs +
Theory 16 yrs +
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Amazon U.S.
Amazon Canada
Amazon Germany
Amazon U.K.
**** NEW SPECIAL ***** Rider I Boot Camp September 1 - 30!
Help is here to complete Rider I in just 4 weeks.
Get ready to study the elements. It may look like an easy, beginner friendly class, but I assure you that everyone can learn something. It will help pave the way for higher, better riding, and to unlock Rider II.
We are here to help keep you focused and on track. Daily emails with a lesson plans, tips, and motivation can come to your inbox.
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ACADEMY HALTER

Earn a FREE halter by graduating from the Equine Studies Diploma program.

EQUINE SCIENCE DIPLOMA
​Pass for mounted test = 55+% pass
and 60+% for written exam

Our certified coaches, trainers, and master graduates get FREE membership !
These are graduate courses (Master Courses)
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Certification for Stable Manager

​Manage your own stable or someone else's.

Do theory courses in rider levels I - IV. Riding tests/exams are not needed.

Complete the Equine Business and Personal Development course

1.0 credit unit
Certificate
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rider 5
​high performance & sport therapy

Learn higher athletics from Olympic trainers and also how to treat common anatomical problems.
Prerequisite Rider IV
3.0 credit units
Rider V certificate
Equitation medal
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Amazon U.S.
Amazon Canada
Amazon Germany
Amazon U.K.

rider 6
​HORSE TRAINING

Clients demand knowledgeable trainers!
Learn how to start a horse using natural horsemanship, science, and ancient protocols.
Minimum age 16 years 
PREREQUISITES: Rider IV and Equine Work Practicum 
7.0 credit units
1.0 (Equine Business) Certificate
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Amazon U.S.
Amazon Canada
Amazon Germany
Amazon U.K.

RIDER 7
​RIDER COACHING

ALL Coaches are eligible for insurance!
Minimum age is 18 years. 
PREREQUISITES: Work Practicum, Training, First Aid & CPR certificate (done elsewhere)
6.0 credit units
1.0 (Equine Business) Certificate
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Amazon U.S.
Amazon Canada
Amazon Germany
Amazon U.K.
If you have credentials through another organization, please contact the office for a review of your credentials and a development plan. Click the Coach's Challenge picture for a chart.
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With the International Riding Academy Coaching program it is for LIFE! 
​This means cheaper insurance, less demands from other organizations, and lets your clientele know your credentials.
Because rider levels have a strong classical foundation to create the basis of all other levels, it is important to test in the higher rider levels to prove your riding ability, even with other qualifications, you may need to ride in some of the academy’s tests.
Already being a coach means that you will not have to take the apprenticeship or internship unless you want to for extra credit units.

           
​INSURANCE FOR COACHES


Our American students who receive their coaching certification can obtain insurance through:
Equisure, Inc.
13790 E Rice Place, Ste 100
Aurora, CO 80015
303-614-6961
303-614-6967 (fax) 

Our Canadian students who receive their coaching certification can obtain insurance through: 
Intercity Insurance Services Inc.   
15221 Yonge Street,
Aurora, Ontario, Canada
L4G 1L8      
Phone 1-905-841-8200   
Toll Free 1-888-394-3330   
Fax 1-905-841-0030    
info@intercityinsurance.com

Equine Thesis

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Research paper
15,000+ words

9.0 credit units
Age: 15+ years
Pre-requisites: Diploma
For the curious of minds and for those wishing to advance their title, education, and contribute to the equestrian/equine community through advanced research and writing. It is FREE for IRA graduates. We are excited to read your research!
​Research equipment is endless and up to the student’s discretion within the approval of the thesis board and the student’s affordability.

Steps:
1. Submit prospectus (1 page) to adviser for acceptance
2. Research, writes, submit
3. The board members will read it, present a defense, either accepting, or requiring changes.
4. Student defends it once before making changes
5. Repeat until accepted and published (ISBN), if authorized to be made available to the public
​
* Info is in Rider V and VI.

To obtain a Master of Equine Science diploma, you will have to complete a thesis and have 90 credit units.

become a dressage judge

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Dressage judges are student riders who graduated having ridden each level at least once. A written exam is needed as well as samples of judging. Certified judges will be put on the Academy's roster of judges.
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Amazon US
Amazon Canada
Amazon Germany
Amazon UK

BECOME AN english Judge

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English judges are student riders who graduated having ridden each discipline at least once in the Show'n'Sport category. A written exam is needed as well as samples of judging. Certified judges will be put on the Academy's roster of judges.
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Amazon US
Amazon Canada
Amazon Germany
Amazon UK

become a western judge

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Western judges are student riders who graduated having ridden each discipline at least once in the Stock category. A written exam is needed as well as samples of judging. Certified judges will be put on the Academy's roster of judges.
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Amazon US
Amazon Canada
Amazon Germany
Amazon UK
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materials and ​REFERENCE BOOKS

Access to a computer with internet and have an email account.
Access to a horse (does not have to be owned), grooming supplies, tack and proper attire pending academic or disciplines.
Find a capable coach to help you learn hands on practical horsemanship.  Everything is tested by video evaluations by master judges, coaches, trainers & riders from all over the world. Students are  encouraged to attend clinics, workshops and seminars, shows, competitions, tests, treks, trials, trail rides, drills and likewise to experience and improve in a never-ending quest for perfection and equestrian satisfaction.
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT - English only at this time. 
TRANSCRIPT OF MARKS - Sent out after course completion, or request one by contacting the office with a $20 processing fee.
The International Rider Levels is largely based on these books among many other books written by the riders of the Spanish Riding School. Because much is taught orally, the riding levels are designed to create a detailed schedule of these teachings, into a more simple outline, with video lectures, making it easier to understand.
These books are not required to purchase for the levels, however many wish to know where it stems from.
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Written in German

suggested books for the rider levels and the dressage program

The following books are recommended for Rider II and higher
 
​From the Spanish Riding School
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Referred to in Rider II, but more so in Rider III and Rider IV
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These book are recommended for Rider III and higher
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The video is spoken of in the Reproduction course in Rider III
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3D Horse software from Biosphere has been a wonderful tool that is highly recommended.
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Not required but a wonderful resource. Just the hooves and lower legs are discussed in Rider III, but complete anatomy is in Rider IV.
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Not required but has so many beneficial pictures on the hooves and hoof problems, with write-ups that it is a wonderful resource
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Not required for the Equine Genetics course. It has many pictures of the colors of horses, with good explanations.
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These books are recommended for Rider IV, High Performance and the Horse Training Course.
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These books are strongly recommended for High Performance Riders and the Equitation Science course
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INTERNATIONAL RIDER LEVELS have practical exercises from these books. 
Rider I refers to  Dressage Secrets for Introductory Level
Rider II refers to the same book and for Training Level
Rider III refers to the one for First Level
Rider IV refers to the one for Second Level and Third Level
Prepare for a possible career in the equine field. Accredited COACHING program! Qualify for discounts on your insurance!!!!
More good reads: (especially for children)
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These books are strongly recommended for the Training course. Podjaksy's book is required.
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These books are strongly recommended for the Coaching course. 
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