Galop 4Revision
Contents
- 01WelcomeOverview
- 02Domestic lifeKnowledge
- 03Identifying a horseKnowledge
- 04The passportKnowledge
- 05Routine careCaring for the horse
- 06Vital signs and illnessCaring for the horse
- 07Needs and feedsKnowledge
- 08Feeds to avoidKnowledge
- 09How the canter worksKnowledge
- 10The aids, flexion and bendKnowledge
- 11Boots and legsCaring for the horse
- 12Snaffle bitsKnowledge
- 13The contactIn the saddle
- 14The jumping positionIn the saddle
- 15Position and strideIn the saddle
- 16Canter from walk, quarter turnsIn the saddle
- 17GroundworkOn foot
- 18Safety and hackingKnowledge
- 19Tests and revisionRevision
The Galop 4 tests and revision
The last stage: find out how the tests run, learn to assess your own round, then check that the whole programme is in place.
In the exam programme
- Ride a combined test, or a dressage test and a Club 4 show-jumping round, or a Galop® 4 Hunter round or the equivalent Pony class.Specific part
On the day
In the saddle, the programme allows two formats: a combined test, or a dressage test followed by a Club 4 show-jumping round, a Galop 4 Hunter round or an equivalent Pony class. On top of that comes a hack in all three gaits. For groundwork and care, you demonstrate the skills on the programme; your knowledge is checked with questions, often among the horses.
On the flat
The test
A set sequence of simple movements in all three gaits: entry and halt, transitions, circles, changes of rein, canter strike-offs, often some sitting trot and changes of stride length. The judge looks at the accuracy of your lines, the crispness of your transitions and your position.
Over fences
Club 4 show jumping
A course of 8 to 10 single fences. The 2012 programme speaks of about 60 to 70 cm; the 2026 competition rules cap Club 4 at 60 cm. What counts is your control of gait, speed and direction.
Over fences
Hunter
A round marked by a judge on the quality of the riding: an even canter, accurate lines, flow, style. Here, how you ride counts as much as jumping clear.
Outside
The hack
A ride out in all three gaits over varied ground: the right position for the terrain, speed under control within the group, the rules respected.
Assessing your own performance
After your round, you will be asked what you thought of it. It is not a trap: being able to assess your own performance is one of the aims of Galop 4. A good assessment has four stages.
- What I felt“My horse was attentive, but he rushed on the straight lines.”
- What happenedThe facts, no excuses: the left canter strike-off came through trot, the second circle was an oval.
- WhyWhat was down to you: “I asked for canter without preparing an active walk.”
- What I will changeA clear thing to work on: “I will prepare my strike-offs with more walk–trot–walk transitions.”
Tip
Always start with what went well, then one single point to improve, with the reason. An examiner thinks more of a clear-eyed rider than of one who finds everything perfect — or everything a disaster.
Summary sheet
| Topic | Remember |
|---|---|
| Right canter | Near hind, left diagonal (off hind and near fore), off fore, suspension |
| Left canter | Off hind, right diagonal (near hind and off fore), near fore, suspension |
| Temperature at rest | 37.5 to 38 °C; fever above 38.5 °C |
| Pulse at rest | 28 to 40 beats a minute; cause for concern above 50 |
| Respiration at rest | 8 to 16 breaths a minute |
| Signs of illness | Dullness, restlessness, unusual behaviour, loss of appetite, nasal discharge |
| Compulsory vaccination | Equine flu for competing: booster at least once a year, no injection in the 7 days before a show |
| Recommended care | Tetanus; targeted worming; teeth at least once a year; feet every 6 to 8 weeks |
| Passport | Identity card (identity, breeding, description) and health record (vaccinations, checks, medicines) |
| Identification | Sex, colour, head markings, leg markings, whorls — always in that order |
| Feed groups | Forage, concentrates, mineral supplements — and clean water at all times |
| Minimum forage | 1 to 1.5 kg of dry forage per 100 kg of bodyweight a day |
| Toxic plants | Yew, oleander, thuja, box, false acacia, sycamore, ragwort, autumn crocus |
| Flexion and bend | Flexion: the head turned from the poll. Bend: the whole body curved to the line |
| Usual snaffle bits | Loose-ring, eggbutt, D-ring, full-cheek, Baucher |
| Boots | Fastenings on the outside, pointing backwards, even tension |
| Heights on the programme | Grids around 80 cm; single fences around 70 cm |
Quiz
Test yourself
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