Riding Levels at Tsogto

We use six riding levels to match each rider with the right tour. They are a guide to help us plan a safe, enjoyable ride for you, not a test to keep anyone out. If you are unsure, choose one level below.

Level 1 — First time is fine ⭐

• You have never ridden a horse, or have only done led rides (with someone holding the rope) at a tourist spot.
• Children, and anyone who would feel nervous without a lead rope.

Level 2 — Steady at a walk ⭐⭐

• You can keep a steady position when the horse is standing and walking.
• You can start and stop the horse on your own.
• You can keep a steady position at a trot.
• Your days of riding in Mongolia do not yet reach the Level 3 requirement below.

Level 3 — Can trot ⭐⭐⭐

• You can walk, trot and stop smoothly.
• You can steer with the reins at a trot.
• You have ridden in Mongolia for 3 or more days in total with Tsogto (4 or more days with other companies).

Level 4 — Steady at a canter ⭐⭐⭐⭐

• You can handle a horse’s habits and temperament to some extent, and keep a steady position at a canter.
• You have trail-riding experience in Mongolia or at several riding clubs, and can handle the trot and faster without problems.
• You have ridden in Mongolia for 6 or more days in total with Tsogto (8 or more days with other companies) and can canter on your own.
• You have joined at least one of our Level 3 tours.

Level 5 — Full control at a canter ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• You can handle horses of almost any temperament, and start, adjust the speed of, and stop a canter smoothly on your own.
• You have ridden in Mongolia for 12 or more days in total within the past 5 years, and can keep a continuous canter for about 10 minutes on your own.
• You have joined at least one of our Level 4 tours.

Level 6 — Can gallop ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• You can ask for a gallop on your own, and keep a steady position at a canter for a long time.
• You can ride for many hours without difficulty.
• You have ridden in Mongolia for 20 or more days in total, and can keep a continuous gallop for about 5 minutes on your own.
• You have joined at least one of our Level 5 tours.
• If your horse acts up, you can calm it and guide it without falling.
• You can judge the safety of the route yourself, notice danger early and warn others.
• You have deep knowledge of, trust in and love for horses, and the drive to keep growing together with them.
• You can ride any horse comfortably by understanding its character, and have felt what it is like to be one with your horse, running freely like the wind.

Which tour fits your level?

• Gallop Camp — Canter & 13th Century Village (5 days): Level 3 and above
• 200 km Gunjiin Temple Expedition (7 days): Level 4 and above

Not sure which level you are? Contact us and tell us about your riding experience. We will help you choose.