Certificate

Riding Basics
Once your horse has mastered the groundwork basics, you can build on these skills under saddle (if you'd both enjoy that). It’s not about perfection, but about clear communication, balance and mutual trust. This certificate lays a solid foundation for any reward-based rider and their horse.

Want to train together?

Certificates and full access to the Workspace are included with 6-month programs. All you have to do is sign up!

About this certificate

🏅 What does it entail?
The Riding Basics Certificate shows that you and your horse have developed the essential foundations for riding together. Think simple transitions, steering with minimal cues, moving the forehand and hindquarters, and taking a few steps back under saddle. The focus is on teamwork, not (just) posture or frame.

If your horse hasn’t been started under saddle yet, or has trauma related to riding, you’ll first work through the skill cards for getting comfortable with tack, girth and carrying weight on their back.
✅ What do you have to do to get it?

You’ll automatically earn this certificate once you complete the relevant Movement skill cards, including:
– Mounting 3
– Halt under saddle 3
– Walk under saddle 3
– Trot under saddle 1
– Backing up under saddle 1
– Moving the hindquarters under saddle 3
– Moving the forehand under saddle 3
– Steering under saddle 2

You’ll get the full list when you start the programme. Some skill cards can be started around 3.5 years old, while others are more suitable from about 5.5 years.

💡 What can you do with it?
- Develop your riding with more gymnastic value and body awareness
- Lay the groundwork for more advanced riding skills later
- Learn about balance, timing and cue transfers
- Celebrate small, clear steps — even in the saddle
📄 What will you receive?
You’ll receive a printed certificate with your names, the date and Janneke’s signature, sent by post or handed over during a lesson.

Number of skill cards per theme

Foundation: 0

Desensitisation: 0

Medical care and husbandry: 0

Exercise: 20

Transportation: 0

Concepts: 0

Experience and time investment

To earn this certificate, you’ll need to have your Basic Certificate first. We’ll look at:

- your horse’s and your own health
- the horse’s age
- the horse’s experience so far

Depending on these factors (especially your horse’s age and any past trauma) this programme may take anywhere from six months to three years.

Ready for your first R+ certificate?

The certificates build on each other, but there’s no fixed order. You can work on several at the same time or dive deeper into one area for a while.

Full access to view and earn all skill cards and certificates is part of the six-month programs. Together, we’ll shape your learning path with clear steps and plenty of guidance.