Would I still be considered a 'novice' rider?

Question

Basically I'm wondering what determines your riding level. I know that levels are different to everyone but I just wanted the general opinion on if I would be considered a novice. And also, if you are a nervous rider, but know what you're doing when it comes to riding and handling does that make you a novice just because you're not that confident?
I can walk, trot, canter, gallop and have recently started up jumping again. My instructor said my position and balance is great, and that she could not fault my jumping position, as well as my hands, feet etc. in walk, trot and canter. I can be a bit of a nervous rider, as I'm still learning to be firm so that the horse respects me, but I feel comfortable riding a variety of horses, which have ranged from a spooky, speedy little new forest, to ex racers, laid back but intelligent Welsh C to a strong and forward going haflinger *No stupid answers, thanks.*

Answer 1

No, a novice would be considered someone with minimal knowledge of horses. I would say you're intermediate, almost advance. It really depends on how much of your nervousness is reflected in your riding.

Answer 2

From what i hear you're transitioning to an intermediate rider. Just make sure that you have confidence in yourself and your mount. I've found that if the rider is nervous then the horse isn't all too confident either. DO make sure that you are firm with your commands and don't give in with them.If you let the horse think that it's in control, you're going to end up in a pretty nasty situation eventually. But other than that it sounds like you have some good experiences under your belt.

Answer 3

I'd say you're and intermediate. Theres really no such thing as 'levels', and everybody has their different opinions on novice-intermediate-advanced qualifications. But an advanced rider to me is somebody who is truly confident with their skills and can easily show a horse who's boss and make things look pretty all at the same time.

Answer 4

I would define a novice rider as someone who is not confident with what they are doing and does not have much experience, balance ect.



I would not call you a novice rider, but i would not by any means call you a mega confident 'i can jump on anything and make it perfect' or i can jump anything or what have you (not how i would describe myself either and not how i would describe most riders.)



i think you would know yourself if you are a novice rider or not.

Answer 5

it sounds like you are getting a lot of experience and i think good position (which you seem to have) and experience to command any horse is what makes and intermediate to advance rider. but also knowledge of how different exercise affect horse and why it teaches them to move correctly and knowledge to be able to do advance jumps moves or patterns or what ever you are doing and with horse i dont think there is ever any one who knows all because you learn something everyday

Answer 6

novice basically is when the horse hasn't placed first in that class ever