Unicorn level
Focuses on safe behavior around ponies, trust, grooming basics, and lead line or lunge line riding.
The Austin riding library
Good questions deserve clear answers.
Practical guidance for parents choosing lessons, preparing a child, and understanding the education behind every ride.
Foundational guides
Begin with what matters most.
Useful by design
Guidance written with your family in mind.
These guides use the confirmed UDJC curriculum and policies. Dates, local details, and operating information are added only after the Austin team verifies them.
UDJC Badge Levels
Progress built around the complete rider.
Progress in riding should not be defined by how high you jump or how long you have been taking lessons. The UDJC Badge Levels create a structured path of development that gives every rider clear goals while building the complete skill set needed to progress in the sport.
The result is a more focused approach to training. Riders know what they are working toward, instructors can identify where additional development is needed, and families can see meaningful progress beyond ribbons or competition results. As riders advance through the Badge Levels, the expectations grow with them, creating a continuous educational path from foundational skills through increasingly sophisticated riding, horsemanship, and competition.
Level B
Focuses on independent mounting and dismounting, walk, trot, and canter on the lunge, sitting trot, free riding toward the end of the level, groundwork, tack awareness, and arena safety rules.
Level E
Focuses on transitions, arena geometry, 20 meter circles, small patterns, warm up and cool down, polework, and small jumps up to 60 centimeters.
Level A
Focuses on A Level dressage, grids and gymnastics, coursework up to 80 centimeters, nutrition, show planning, and mental preparation.