What is my riding level?

I think I'm a advanced beginner. Other say you a beginners and others say your a great rider.
So I'm a bit clueless....

Your "rider level", in my book, has little to do with how well you can post the trot, jump a jump, or canter your schoolmaster. I can make myself look pretty good on a quiet, easy going pony. Your rider level more so depends on your ability to solve riding related problems, train your horses to do new things, and identify the causes of problems.

Why is my horse bucking? Is he stupid? Or maybe it's back pain, a saddle fit problem, or nothing else entirely. How did you come to that conclusion?

My horse won't pick up her left lead? Does she hate me? Or maybe she's stiff on one side, or even testing you. So... How do I remedy that?

Speaking of, how do you do on horses that test the rider?


I can't tell you how good a rider you are until I see you solve a problem.

I ride bareback and western. (English would be cool..)
I been riding for or most of my life, but 7 years straight.
I can walk, trot, lope and gallop. Only can go to a lope bareback. ( I have tried galloping bareback lately.)
Jody is a more advanced horse, but I pretty good on her.

I think it is a combination of riding theory like mentioned and practical riding ability. When you ride the gaits are you riding effectively? Do you balance through your core or do your rely on your hands. Do you stay up out of the horses way? Can you change your body to help the horse and know when the horse is not carrying himself properly?

These are all factors. I know people that can do the things you said that are absolute beginners I wouldnt let on my horse but also some that are quiet and effective riders.

If you have some photos (you can blur your face) or video it can help us judge a little better.

1.yes
2.both..
3.yes
4.yes

I will when the camera is working, (no need to blur my face... I has photos of myself here.)