The Applied Riding Assessment is required for all students registered in applied riding courses at William Woods University. This includes, but is not limited to, students who are intended majors or minors in Equestrian Science, Equine Administration, or Pre-Veterinarian areas.
The mission of the Equestrian Division at William Woods University is to produce well rounded equine professionals who possess strong skills for applied riding and caring for horses in their appropriate environment, all according to equine industry standards. Accordingly, it is preferred that students who wish to major in equestrian science, equine administration, or any related equestrian major have knowledge in these areas. In addition the student must be riding at a level that is conducive for improvement through instruction in group riding lessons.
All students registered in applied riding courses must also meet the following physical requirements:
Able to stand for over an hour at time
Able to bend, twist, stretch and lift in order to clean stalls, horse’s hooves, apply leg wraps, etc.
Able to push a fully loaded wheelbarrow for distances of over 500 feet
Able to carry and hang a full five-gallon water bucket
Able to vigorously groom a horse for periods of time longer than 15 minutes
Able to lift and carry and raise above a horse’s back up to 50lbs
Able to monitor (watch, listen and observe) horses and other riders for safety and training issues
This written assessment is intended to be utilized to evaluate your current skill level so that you may be placed in the appropriate level of applied riding class. If it is determined from your written assessment that more information is needed to assess your skill level, you may be asked to submit a video showing your skills before you are placed in a class. In the video you will be asked to demonstrate the following:
Mounting and dismounting safely and correctly
Holding the reins correctly for the seat you are riding
Walk, trot or jog, lope, or canter at least one lap each direction at each gait in an arena or on a flat area that is approximately the size of a typical riding arena.
Posting trot, demonstrating correct use of diagonal if known
Correct leads at canter/lope
Halt horse and back 4-5 steps
Demonstrate a figure 8 at trot/jog or canter/lope if able
Students who do not demonstrate an acceptable level of applied riding skill in order to be safely placed in a group lesson (which generally consist of five to nine riders) will be required to do one of the following:
Take riding lessons from a qualified instructor and re-submit a video demonstrating that the rider is now able to complete the skills required prior to the start of the semester. Basic proficiency must be reached or rider will not be placed in an applied riding class.
Attend the WWU Summer Immersion Equestrian Session wherein the student’s initial skill level will be assessed and the student will participate in daily riding lessons to improve his/her skill. Instruction will be provided so as to allow the student to reach a level that is acceptable for placement in an applied riding group lesson. Students who do not reach a level that is deemed proficient during this session will be counseled on other options available in the equine industry.
