Knapamerki - The Icelandic Horsemanship Rider Education System
What is Knapamerki?
Knapamerki is an Icelandic Horsemanship rider education system. It has five levels designed to develop a rider from complete beginner to advanced. For each level there is both a practical and written test. The goal is to develop horsemanship skills in the riding arena but also a good foundation in the theoretical understanding. Instructors teach both riding and theory lessons and the curriculum is supported by a book for each level.
Why Knapamerki?
Throughout my career as an instructor, I have found that there is often a real lack of systematic rider education. Riders often suffer from extensive skill and knowledge gaps that hold them back when it comes to reaching their full potential. Riders that are developed through systems, such as Pony Club, often have more comprehensive abilities because they had a system to support their learning. The Knapamerki system is the Icelandic horse community’s version of pony club. When I am teaching, I reference the Knapamerki system when selecting teaching material. Knowing where a student is in the levels of the system allows me to build off that foundation with confidence that I know where they stand.
What is the goal behind Knapamerki?
The goal of Knapamerki is to increase interest in Icelandic horsemanship as a sport. The program should allow for easier access to a systematic rider education that increases knowledge about the training methods and care practices in Icelandic horsemanship. The information should be applicable to both leisure and competitive riders. The program is designed to be easily integrated into school systems and riding schools.
Who oversees the program, teaches, and judges?
The Knapamerki program is managed by Holar University. The university licenses both instructors and judges. Graduates of all three years at Holar are certified to teach all five Knapamerki levels and judge the first three. Licensing for judging Level 4 and 5 is done separately and ideally performed by a current teacher at Holar University. Hólar University also maintains the data bank of all students that have achieved the different levels.
Can I study Knapamerki online?
Caeli Cavanagh and I launched a Knapamerki Level 1 online course. This is a fantastic resource for starting out with Icelandics and is meant to be an online visual companion to the Knapamerki 1 book from Holar University, with over 5 hours of material to learn from!
The course includes information on:
Equine Behavior and Perception
Introduction to Conformation
The Rider's Equipment
Tacking Up
Leading the Horse on the Bridle
What to Look for in a Stable
Proper Mounting and Dismounting
The Gaits of the Icelandic Horse
The Rider's Ideal Seat
Seat Exercises to Improve Balance and Rider Effectiveness
Examples of scores for 9.5 and 10 for the judged practical elements
This course is an independent, go at your own pace course that you can join any time and have access to for LIFE!