The VRHA examinations aim at different groups of people:

I) Those wanting to show the progress in their riding abilities and the variety of 'show classes' they are able to ride.

II) Those who seek knowledge and or qualification in horse care and stable management.

III) Those who aim at qualifications as VRHA Western Instructor (VRHAI) or as Fellow of the VRHA (VRHAF) to show their capability in teaching, coaching and training of horse and rider.

Examination Structure

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Western Horsemanship

  • Stage I - Basic

    • Prerequisites: None.

    Equitation: Showing ability to ride a quiet horse in a 'Pleasure' class or one's own novice horse.

    Knowledge of the Horse: Be able to carry out basic principles of horse care.

    Exam cost: $100.00

  • Stage II - Transitional

    • Prerequisites: Succussfull completion of Stage I.

    Equitation: Showing ability to compete in 'Pleasure' and 'Trail' classes and being able to ride out in the countryside and on roads.

    Knowledge of the Horse: Be able to carry out the daily care of a grass kept or stabled horse at all seasons of the year.

    Exam cost: $100.00

  • Stage III - Intermediate

    • Prerequisites: Succussfull completion of Stages I and II.

    Equitation: Faster movements and more precision in the application of aids. Able to compete in some form of 'Reining', 'Stock Horse', 'Games' or 'Western Riding' competitions. Being able to ride any horse and to make an improvement on the horse.

    Knowledge of the Horse: Be able to care independently for horses and to show a highly responsible attitude.

    Exam cost: $150.00

  • Stage IV - Advanced

    • Prerequisites: Succussfull completion of Stages I, II and III.

    Equitation: Practical knowledge on how to ride and train a horse for all show classes.

    Knowledge of the Horse: To be able to care for horses and run a yard independently.

    Exam cost: $200.00

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Instructor

  • VRHAI - Intermediate

    • Prerequisites: Successfull completion of Stages I - III of Western Horsemanship exams.

    Ability to teach, train and coach riders from Beginner up to Intermediate level.

    Exam cost: $200.00

  • VRHAI - Advanced

    • Prerequisites: Successfull completion of all stages of Western Horsemanship and VRHAI - Intermediate exams.

    Ability to teach, train and coach riders from Beginner up to Advanced level.

    Exam cost: $200.00

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Judge

  • VRHAJ - Intermediate

    • Prerequisites: Successfull completion of all stages of Western Horsemanship and VRHAI - Intermediate exams.

    Knowledge of the Horse: Be able to carry out basic principles of horse care.

    Exam cost: $200.00

  • VRHAJ - Advanced

    • Prerequisites: Successfull completion of all Stages of Western Horsemanship, all VHRAI and VHRAJ - Intermediate exams.

    Ability to judge riders from Beginner up to Advanced.

    Exam cost: $200.00

Show Details

Fellowship

  • VRHAF - Fellowship

    • Prerequisites: Successfull completion of all Western Horsemanship, Instructor and Judge exams.

    Knowledge of training, coaching, organization, breeding, veterinary knowledge, shoeing, showmanship, etc. Just really everything!

    Exam cost: $200.00

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