Gallop is not just a horse's gait. It is also an equestrian diploma. Once in the saddle, passing the galops is an essential step for riders who want to progress. What do equestrian galops involve? Why take them and how? Here is everything you need to know about these equestrian qualifications.
What Are Equestrian Exams: The Galops?
The Galops are exams with a federal diploma issued by the FFE (French Equestrian Federation). They certify the level of skills of licensed riders. Each stage assesses the rider's equestrian practice, care, and knowledge. Not counting the pony galops for junior riders, the galops are divided into three types: rider galops, specialty galops, and competition galops.
Since the 2012 Federation reform, the levels of each type of galop range from 1 to 7. Each galop consists of a practical riding test and a theoretical test. Your overall equestrian knowledge is put to the test, from recognizing horse coat colors, to assessing a horse's conformation, to understanding tack and equipment. Topics vary according to the level.
Why Take Your Galops?
The question could also be phrased: what is the purpose of the galops? These diplomas certify your level as a rider. There are multiple reasons to prepare for a galop.
For Your Riding Center
In riding clubs, some instructors rely on their knowledge of your equestrian level to suggest progression to the next class when they feel you are ready. In others, taking the galop is a mandatory evaluation to validate your basic technical and theoretical knowledge.
For Equestrian Competitions
If you want to compete, it is essential to hold equestrian galops. For instance, even a jumping competition at a riding center requires Galop 2. The required galop level also depends on the competition level. If you want to compete against top riders such as Zazie Gardeau or Ilona Mezzadri, Galop 2 will not be enough. Want to take your instructor’s place? You’ll also need to level up. Galop 7 is often required to work professionally in the equestrian world.
For Your Life as a Rider
What Are the Different Equestrian Galops?
Whatever galop you take, all federal exams have the same structure: a theoretical part and a practical part.
Pony Galops
Specifically designed for children aged 3 to 10, Pony Galops are part of the FFE training program. This educational project assesses the young rider’s skills on fundamental developmental aspects. Children learn the basics of riding during their regular lessons and special sessions at the Pony Club. They are then evaluated in a playful way, on foot and on pony, on acquired skills such as grooming or saddling. Pony galops consist of 2 cycles of 3 stages each. After completing all 6 stages, junior riders can directly take Galop 2 for riders.
Rider Galops and Specialty Galops
Galops from 1 to 7 have been developed in various equestrian disciplines. Western Galops are for Western riders learning to hold the reins with one hand and perform different exercises, such as barrel racing. Vaulting Galops validate the rider's learning of vaulting figures at different gaits, assess longeing work, and physical preparation. Driving Galops are for carriage driving. Trail Galops focus on outdoor riding, including equestrian trekking. There are also side-saddle rider galops and working equitation galops.
Competition Galops
After achieving Galop 4 in a rider or specialty discipline, you can take competition galops from level 5 to 7. These galops are offered in show jumping (CSO), eventing (CCE), dressage, endurance, Hunter, and TREC. The program on horse handling and theoretical knowledge is the same as for Rider Galops. Your equestrian practice assessment is divided into two parts. First, validation is based on your results in federal Club or Pony competitions over one year. Second, your involvement in organizing competitions is evaluated, along with your discipline-specific knowledge.
How to Take Equestrian Galops?
Your FFE riding license allows you to take the exams. Most riding clubs organize training sessions in addition to your regular lessons. These usually take place over one or several days during school holidays. They are a great opportunity to progress quickly. You are fully immersed in the stables. You ride horses or ponies for several hours a day. You learn with other trainees how to care for and handle horses and ponies. The club instructor can organize a dressage lesson in the arena with exercises, or games such as Pony Games and Horseball. They correct your posture at the trot and check your handling of the mount. It is ideal to review the essential concepts of each galop. Once ready, an examiner approved by the Federation, who can be your instructor, verifies your skills.
How to Prepare for Equestrian Galops?
Every skill you learn for your galops will be useful throughout your life as a rider. No need to stress! Several approaches help you prepare calmly and effectively.
The FFE Program
The Federation publishes the full galop program on its website. It also provides educational sheets to help with your preparation.
Galop Books
Galop books, very comprehensive, are available for purchase in stores or online. Whether published by the FFE or another publisher, they cover all essential knowledge to prepare for your equestrian galop.
Internet and Apps
Some websites and apps offer quizzes or mini-games. You can even find PC or console video games. A fun way to train, solo or with others.
Tips
What Is the Rider Galop Program?
The Federation provides the full program for each galop online, summarized below.
Galop 1, Galop 2, and Galop 3
Main points include: Respect for horse and pony, control and movement at three gaits: walk, trot, and canter, introduction to jumping, and understanding the horse’s natural behavior.
Galop 1: An introductory galop for beginners. On foot, the rider must know how to lead their horse on a familiar path. On horseback, they must lead the horse at walk, rising trot, and canter over a few strides.
Galop 2: The rider must be able to groom and prepare their horse (bridle and saddle). They must complete set exercises and alternate between seated and two-point positions on the stirrups.
Galop 3: Builds on Galop 2. The rider must maintain equipment, care for hooves, complete jumping courses, perform 50 cm jumps, and link multiple jumps.
Galop 4
Main points include: Rider certificate showing autonomy on foot and horseback, and jumping on varied terrain.
Galop 4: The rider must be able to tack a horse for work and transport, perform 60 cm jumps, and analyze their performance on horseback.
Galop 5 and Galop 6
Main points include: Teaching the horse, skill development in dressage, jumping, and outdoor riding, and horse identification.
Galop 5: Organize horse transport, precise cantering, perform dressage and jumping exercises, ride outdoors, and manage all three gaits on any terrain.
Galop 6: Master longeing and jumping, perform varied terrain jumps, in addition to Galop 5 requirements.
Galop 7
Main points include: Equine physiology, harmony with the mount in all equestrian activities including cross-country, and independence in riding.
Galop 7: The rider must jump 1.10 m obstacles and complete complex show-jumping courses.
The Rider's Charter
Anyone wishing to take equestrian exams must fully adhere to the Rider’s Federal Charter established by the French Equestrian Federation. Behaviors to become a responsible rider include:
I Respect My Pony or Horse
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I seek to know and understand them.
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I take the time to care for them.
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I learn to maintain them for health and well-being.
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I remain calm: I am never violent.
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I respect them in all situations.
I Respect Others and the Environment
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I am courteous to my instructor, other riders, my surroundings, and everyone at the club.
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I respect club rules, game rules, and safety rules on foot and horseback.
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I respect other users and traffic rules when riding outside.
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I respect nature, conserve water and energy.
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I limit and sort my waste. I respect and properly store the equipment I use.
I Respect the Values of Sport
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I objectively consider my level.
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I train regularly and seriously to progress.
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I respect rules, referees, jury, and other competitors.
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I respect my physical integrity and that of my horse or pony.
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I refuse doping.
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I am fair-play in all circumstances.
