This is not compulsory and is open to everyone. Each stage needs to be passed before the next one can be attempted. The first two stages may be assessed by a group instructor, and both the instructor stages will be assessed by a regional instructor.

There are 4 stages.

Stage 1: Side walking.

It is recommended that the candidate has attended at least 5 full RDA sessions as a sidewalker.

To be assessed on basic knowledge of:

• Horse behaviour
• Naming of parts of the tack
• Correct fitting of a hard hat
• Suitable clothing for both sidewalker & rider
• Assisting with mounting & dismounting
• Making oneself understood by the rider
• Adapting exercises and games to the rider’s abilities
• Methods of supporting the rider
• Safety
• What to do if a rider has an accident

Stage 2: Mounting and dismounting:

To be assessed on:

• Suitability of the mounting area and mounting block
• Correct fitting of tack
• The correct method of leading the horse to the mounting block
• Supervision of the mounting team
• Giving clear instructions
• Knowledge of the different mounting and dismounting methods & when they are to be used.
• Safety issues arising from mounting and dismounting

Assistant Instructor:

To be assessed by a Kenyan Regional Instructor

Requirements:

• 10 hours as a sidewalker and success in Stage One and Two
• A short riding session with a Group Instructor

The Assistant Group Instructor assessment is the same as for a Group Instructor, just without the five hours of experience.

The candidate needs to know about:

• Assessment of a rider & contra indications of riding
• Assessment of a horse/pony
• Use of the area
• The correct fitting of suitable tack
• Horse and rider checks
• Organising everyone before the ride starts
• Organising the sidewalkers
• Planning and preparing to take a lesson
• Giving a lesson
• Assessment during a lesson
• Safe mounting and dismounting
• Emergency situations and how to deal with them
• A sound knowledge of first aid
• Keeping riders records up to date
• Accounts and reports
• The importance of a balanced seat
• The therapeutic value of riding
• The use of music
• An understanding of the medical conditions most commonly found

The Group Instructor

For a Group Instructor assessment, the candidate needs to ideally have had at least 5 hours of practical experience teaching with a group instructor after he/she has successfully completed their Assistant Group Instructor’s assessment.

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