Riding Progress Checklist (Professional)

Match every rider to the safest, most suitable horse—with a clear, professional intake checklist that removes guesswork

Only $10

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This resource combines a clear riding level guide with a quick self-assessment questionnaire to help you place riders appropriately: Riding Levels (choose one): Beginner – Little or no experience; not able to post the trot and does not canter. Novice – Limited experience; can mount/dismount unassisted, manage basic aids, and ride in control at walk, with moderate posting trots and short canters (may have limited open-country experience or fitness). Intermediate – Confident seat and control in all paces; experienced in open country (alone or in a group) and reasonably fit for longer rides. Strong Intermediate / Advanced – Very experienced across varied terrain at all paces (including faster work), with an independent seat, soft hands, and comfort on more forward horses. Riding_Progress_Checklist_Profe… Self-Assessment Questionnaire (10 quick prompts): Riders tick the most accurate options about their recent riding frequency, years of riding, open-country exposure, access to horses, typical riding environment, trail experience, qualifications, competition background, and preferred discipline—so you can match horses and plan rides with far more clarity. Riding_Progress_Checklist_Profe… Declaration + Operator Notes: Includes a rider declaration confirming accuracy, plus space for operator notes—useful for horse matching, risk management, and internal communication.

Accurate rider assessment is one of the most important safety steps a riding school or trail operator can take. The Riding Assessment & Progress Checklist gives you a practical, consistent way to understand a rider’s current ability, recent experience, confidence, and fitness—so you can make better decisions about horse selection and ride planning. It’s designed to be simple to use, while supporting safer outcomes for riders, horses, and staff.

Only $10 - Get your PDF here.

1) How do we use this in a normal booking or lesson workflow?

No special setup required. Send it with booking confirmation, have riders complete it on arrival, or keep printed copies ready at check-in. The tick-box format is designed to be fast for riders to complete and easy for staff to interpret.

2) What if a rider is unsure which level to choose?

Ask them to choose the lower option if they’re between levels. Overstating ability can increase risk and discomfort, while understating simply means you’ll select a quieter horse and build confidence safely from ther

3) How does this help us match horses and plan rides more safely?

It captures the key safety variables that don’t show up in a quick chat—especially recent riding consistency, open-country experience, and the type of riding the person is used to. That makes it easier to choose the right horse, set an appropriate pace, and plan the level of supervision needed.

4) Does it cover considerations for children?

Yes—there’s age guidance prompting riders/parents to contact you with questions before booking, and it notes that some experiences may not accommodate children under a certain age unless they’re strong intermediate riders. This supports clearer expectations and safer decision-making.