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HORSEMASTER
EVALUATIONS

ALL EVALUATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE REGISTERING FOR THE CLINIC

Evaluation  Requirements:

The following riders require an evaluation:

  • First-time participants (all levels)

  • Past participants advancing to a higher level

  • Past participants riding a new horse

  • First-time participants to jumping classes

Evaluation Details:

Mounted skill evaluations help place riders and horses in appropriate levels. The evaluation forms can be found in the Evaluation Form Library; only the Mounted Skills evaluation is required for clinic placement. While completion of the written test sections is encouraged, it's not mandatory.

Evaluation Exceptions:

A participant may sign up under their existing Horsemaster level without an evaluation

Cloverbuds do not need to complete an official evaluation but are requested to demonstrate to their 4H leader prior to clinic that the horse/rider pairing is a safe one.

Only approved Horsemaster Evaluators may complete evaluation forms; however, 4-H club leaders can evaluate their members for Levels 1 and 2.

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Class Level 1

These classes are for young riders or those with limited riding experience. Participants must be able to walk, steer, and stop their horse or pony before joining. Classes at this level will focus on building confidence in the saddle while introducing core riding techniques.

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Class Level 2/3

These classes cater to riders with intermediate skills. Participants should know basic aids and maintain proper hand and body position, as well as walk, jog/trot, and lope/canter their horse or pony with some consistency.

Class Level 4/5

These classes are intended for advanced riders. Participants must demonstrate good hand and body position, use riding aids effectively, and consistently walk, jog/trot on the correct diagonal, and lope/canter on the correct lead.

  • Level 1 - Mounted Skills
    This evaluation level is designed for young riders or those with little riding experience. Riders must be able to demonstrate that they can walk, steer, and stop their horse or pony. Download the evaluation sheet here ⬇️
  • Level 2 - Mounted Skills
    The participants that are evaluated at this level should demonstrate intermediate riding skills. Riders should know basic aids, have proper hand and body position, and be able to walk, jog/trot, and lope/canter their horse or pony with some consistency. Download the evaluation sheet here ⬇️
  • Level 3 - Mounted Skills
    The participants that are evaluated at this level should demonstrate the ability to transition to more advanced skills. Riders must demonstrate everything from previous levels, good hand and body position, effectively use riding aids, and consistently walk, jog/trot, and lope/canter on the correct diagonal. Download the evaluation sheet here ⬇️
  • Level 4 - Mounted Skills
    The participants that are evaluated at this level should demonstrate advanced riding skills. Riders must be able to demonstrate all skills in previous levels and be able to lope/canter their horse or pony on the correct lead consistently and show overall proficiency in their riding abilities. Download the evaluation sheet here ⬇️
  • Level 5 - Mounted Skills
    The participants that are evaluated at this level should demonstrate exceptional riding skills. Riders must demonstrate skills from all previous levels, excellent hand and body position, master the use of riding aids, and demonstrate consistency in lope/canter transitions, as well as advanced techniques such as collection and extension in their horse’s gait. Download the evaluation sheet here ⬇️
  • Level 2/3 - Gymkhana Skills (Division A)
    To participate in a Gymkhana 2/3 Class at the Five-Day Horse Clinic, participants must: Complete a 'Level 2 Mounted Skills' Evaluation. Pass a 'Gymkhana Division A' Evaluation. Download the evaluation sheet here ⬇️
  • Level 4/5 - Gymkhana Skills (Division B)
    To participate in a Gymkhana 4/5 Class at the Five-Day Horse Clinic, participants must: Complete a 'Level 4 Mounted Skills' Evaluation. Pass a 'Gymkhana Division B' Evaluation. Download the evaluation sheet here ⬇️
  • Level 2 - Jumping Skills
    To participate in the Level 2 Jumping Class at the Five-Day Horse Clinic, participants must: Complete a Level 2 Mounted Skills Evaluation. Pass a Jumping 2 Class Evaluation with a score of 65% or higher. Evaluations can be completed by an approved evaluator or virtually. Download the evaluation sheet here ⬇️
  • Level 3 - Jumping Skills
    To participate in the Level 3 Jumping Class at the Five-Day Horse Clinic, participants must: Complete a Level 3 Mounted Skills Evaluation. Pass a Jumping 3 Class Evaluation with a score of 65% or higher. Evaluations can be completed by an approved evaluator or virtually. Download the evaluation sheet here ⬇️
  • Level 4 - Jumping Skills
    To participate in the Level 4 Jumping Class at the Five-Day Horse Clinic, participants must: Complete a Level 4 Mounted Skills Evaluation. Pass a Jumping 4 Class Evaluation with a score of 65% or higher. Evaluations can be completed by an approved evaluator or virtually. Download the evaluation sheet here ⬇️
  • Level 5 - Jumping Skills
    To participate in the Level 5 Jumping Class at the Five-Day Horse Clinic, participants must: Complete a Level 5 Mounted Skills Evaluation. Pass a Jumping 5 Class Evaluation with a score of 65% or higher. Evaluations can be completed by an approved evaluator or virtually. Download the evaluation sheet here ⬇️
  • Driving Skills
    To participate in the Driving Classes at the Five-Day Horse Clinic, participants must complete a Driving Evaluation. Evaluations need to be completed by an approved driving evaluator. See Approved Evaluators HERE 👈

Select your desired evaluation category and level below.

Evaluation Form Library

Horsemaster Evaluators

Contact the qualified Horsemaster evaluator for your chosen practice and level using the list below.

Nora Balgoyen-Williams

Age Groups: Cloverbud, 9-19

Class Levels: All Levels

Seats: Western, English, Dressage, Trail, Jumping

Tracy Fox

Age Groups: 9-19

Class Levels: All Levels

Seats: English, Dressage, Jumping

Tara Beilby

Age Groups: 9-19

Class Levels: All Levels

Seats: Gymkhana

Paul Balgoyen

Age Groups: Cloverbud, 9-19

Class Levels: All Levels

Seats: Western, English, Dressage, Trail, Jumping

Shannon Dorman

Age Groups: Cloverbud, 9-19

Class Levels: All Levels

Seats: Western, English

Kerisa Desimone

Age Groups: Cloverbud, 9-19

Class Levels: All Levels

Seats: Western, English, Gymkhana, Trail

Bri Fuerst

Age Groups: 9-19

Class Levels: All Levels

Seats: Western, Gymkhana

Emily Brenner

Age Groups: 9-19

Class Levels: All Levels

Seats: Trail, English

Pam McGill

Age Groups: 9-19

Class Levels: All Levels

Seats: Driving Only

Clinic Location

Allegan County Fairgrounds

150 Douglas St,
Allegan, MI 49010

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