Egyptian Scholastic Test EST

Basic skills any beginner needs to learn in their first 3-6 months of horse riding:

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1. Safety Around Horses

Approaching the Horse:

Always approach a horse from the side (not directly from the front or back).

Speak softly so the horse knows you’re coming.

Handling the Horse:

Learn to lead the horse safely using a lead rope.

Understand how to tie a horse properly using a quick-release knot.

Horse Body Language:

Recognize signs of discomfort or irritation (e.g., pinned ears, swishing tail).

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2. Mounting and Dismounting

Mounting:

Use a mounting block (for safety and ease).

Hold the reins and place one hand on the saddle while putting your foot in the stirrup.

Swing the other leg over the horse gently.

Dismounting:

Remove both feet from the stirrups and swing your leg over while sliding gently down.

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3. Correct Riding Position

Upper Body: Sit up tall with your shoulders back but relaxed. Avoid slouching.

Legs:

Heels down, toes slightly up.

Legs should hang naturally around the horse without gripping too tightly.

Hands:

Hold the reins softly (like holding a baby bird).

Keep your hands low and steady, a few inches above the saddle.

Head: Look straight ahead, not down at the horse. This helps with balance and confidence.

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4. Stopping and Steering the Horse

Stopping:

Sit deep in the saddle (weight slightly back).

Gently pull the reins back and say “whoa” in a calm, firm voice.

Steering:

Use the reins to guide the horse’s head.

Pull the right rein to go right and the left rein to go left.

Combine reins with gentle leg pressure to signal direction.

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5. Walking (the First Gait)

The first goal is to feel comfortable with the horse’s movement at a walk.

How to Walk:

Use your legs to lightly squeeze the horse’s sides to encourage it to move forward.

Keep steady contact on the reins without pulling.

Balance:

Allow your hips to move naturally with the horse’s rhythm while keeping your upper body still.

Avoid bouncing—stay relaxed.

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6. Trotting (the Second Gait)

Once comfortable with walking, the rider learns to trot: a faster, bouncy gait.

Posting Trot (Rising Trot):

Learn to rise and sit in rhythm with the horse’s steps to reduce bouncing.

This requires coordination and balance but is essential for smooth trotting.

Sitting Trot: Stay seated while absorbing the horse’s movement with your hips.

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7. Balance and Coordination

Practice exercises to improve balance, like:

Riding with arms out to the side (under supervision).

Standing in the stirrups while walking.

Learning to steer the horse without relying too much on the reins.

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8. Confidence and Horse Care Basics

Grooming: Learn how to brush the horse, pick its hooves, and tack up (saddle and bridle).

Building Trust: Spend time with the horse on the ground to become familiar and comfortable.

Voice Commands: Practice using verbal cues like “walk on” (go forward), “whoa” (stop), and clucking sounds for encouragement.

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Progression Goal (First 3-6 Months)

By the end of the basics, a beginner rider should be able to:

1. Approach, groom, and mount the horse safely.

2. Walk and steer the horse confidently.

3. Stop the horse and maintain control.

4. Begin trotting (both sitting and posting trot).

5. Demonstrate proper riding posture and balance.

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Mastering these basics lays a strong foundation for further progress, such as cantering, jumping, or trail riding. The key is patience, consistency, and enjoying the process.

Essential tips for beginner horse riders to ensure a safe, confident, and enjoyable experience:

1. Dress Properly

Wear riding boots with a small heel to prevent your feet from slipping through the stirrups.

Always wear a riding helmet to protect your head.

Comfortable, fitted pants like jodhpurs or leggings will help prevent chafing. Avoid loose clothing.

2. Learn Basic Horse Body Language

Understand horse signals to know if it’s calm, nervous, or irritated:

Relaxed ears = calm

Pinned back ears = discomfort or annoyance

Swishing tail = potential irritation

Lowered head = relaxed

3. Maintain Proper Posture

Sit up tall and straight in the saddle.

Keep your heels down and your toes slightly up—this provides balance and stability.

Relax your legs and grip the horse lightly with your thighs, not your knees.

Look forward in the direction you’re riding, not down at the horse.

4. Hold the Reins Correctly

Hold the reins gently, keeping a steady contact without pulling too hard.

Keep your hands low, soft, and close together above the horse’s neck.

5. Relax and Breathe

Horses are sensitive to your emotions—if you’re tense, the horse will feel it too.

Take deep breaths and keep your body relaxed, especially your legs, arms, and grip.

6. Start Slow and Steady

Focus on walking first. Master balance, steering, and stopping before moving to faster gaits like trotting.

Learn to use your seat (body weight) and legs to guide the horse along with gentle rein signals.

7. Balance is Key

Keep your weight centered over the horse. Avoid leaning too far forward or backward.

Allow your hips to move naturally with the horse’s rhythm.

8. Learn to Stop

To stop, gently pull the reins back and apply pressure with your seat while saying “whoa” in a calm voice. Always release the reins slightly once the horse responds.

9. Follow Your Instructor

Listen carefully to your instructor’s advice—they’ll teach you proper techniques, safety measures, and how to communicate with the horse.

10. Be Patient and Kind

Riding is a skill that takes time and practice. Don’t rush yourself.

Treat the horse with respect—avoid jerking the reins or kicking hard. Speak softly and reward the horse with gentle pats when it behaves well.

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Bonus Tip

Focus on enjoying the experience! Stay calm, confident, and have fun building a connection with the horse as you learn. With practice, your skills and confidence will grow naturally.

If it’s your first time riding and the horse is trained, it’s still important to make the horse feel comfortable with you. While the horse may already know its job, here are steps to help you build trust and create a smoother experience before you ride:

1. Approach Calmly

Approach the horse slowly and confidently from the side, not head-on. Horses are prey animals, so sudden movements can make them nervous.

Allow the horse to see and sniff you. Extend your hand slowly so it can get familiar with your scent.

2. Greet the Horse

Speak softly and calmly. Use a gentle voice to reassure the horse. For example: “Hey, buddy. Good boy.”

Stroke its neck or shoulder first (these are less sensitive areas than the face). Avoid patting too hard.

3. Groom the Horse (if allowed)

Grooming is a great way to bond. Even a few gentle brushes will help the horse associate you with comfort and care.

If the horse is already saddled, spend time touching its neck or shoulder to calm it.

4. Build Confidence on the Ground

Walk around the horse with confidence (but not aggressively). Horses read your body language, so staying calm and relaxed will help them trust you.

If possible, lead the horse gently on a lead rope to practice being close and moving together.

5. Prepare Mentally and Physically

Before mounting, ensure you feel relaxed. Horses can sense nervousness, so take deep breaths if needed.

Wear proper riding gear (helmet, boots, etc.) to feel secure.

6. Let the Horse See You Mount

Stand calmly by its side before mounting.

Mount slowly and gently—don’t pull hard on the reins or saddle. Once seated, relax and sit tall.

7. Be Gentle with Cues

Use light movements to guide the horse—trained horses respond to subtle signals. Avoid harsh kicks or pulling on the reins.

Speak encouragingly: a calm “good boy/girl” can be reassuring.

8. Stay Relaxed in the Saddle

Keep your body loose but balanced. If you tense up, the horse might sense something’s wrong.

Follow the instructor’s advice closely—they’ll guide you on how to communicate with the horse.

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Remember, horses used in training are generally calm and accustomed to beginners. Trust the horse, listen to your instructor, and enjoy the ride—building trust is as much about staying confident as it is about showing kindness to the horse.

Building a bond of trust and respect with a horse before riding is essential. Horses are naturally sensitive and perceptive animals, so taking time to establish a positive connection can make a big difference. Here's how to make a horse trust and "like" you before riding:

1. Spend Time on the Ground

Grooming: Gently brush the horse. Grooming helps the horse feel comfortable with your touch and presence.

Hand-Feeding Treats: Occasionally offer healthy treats like carrots or apples to create positive associations (avoid overfeeding).

Talk Softly: Use a calm and gentle voice to reassure the horse. Horses are very responsive to tone.

Be Patient: Spend unhurried time near the horse, observing its body language and letting it observe you.

2. Practice Groundwork

Lead Exercises: Lead the horse in a calm, confident manner, ensuring it respects your personal space while feeling secure in your presence.

Lunging: Encourage the horse to move around you in a circle, following your body language and commands.

Desensitization: Gently expose the horse to new things like touching its legs, moving a saddle pad, or waving a rope. This builds trust in your consistency and gentleness.

3. Learn Their Body Language

Pay attention to the horse's signals—ears, tail, eyes, and breathing.

Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that may spook or stress the horse.

A horse with relaxed ears, a lowered head, and soft eyes feels safe around you.

4. Reward Good Behavior

Use positive reinforcement—gentle pats, treats, or verbal praise when the horse does something right.

Timing matters: reward immediately after the behavior you want to reinforce.

5. Be Calm and Confident

Horses respond to energy. Approach with a calm, assertive demeanor. If you're nervous or anxious, the horse will pick up on it.

Avoid pressuring or rushing the horse to accept you.

6. Take it Slowly

Don’t try to ride too soon. Focus on building trust first. When the horse feels safe and relaxed with you on the ground, riding becomes a natural next step.

With time, consistency, and kindness, the horse will learn to trust and feel comfortable with you. A trusting relationship is key to a positive riding experience.

EST 2025 Calendar

EST Paper-based Test Instructions
Guides

What to Bring on Test Day:

• Your new up-to-date printed admission ticket.

• National ID or Passport.

• Two HB-2 pencils with an eraser and a pencil sharpener.

• An approved calculator (graphing or scientific calculator is allowed).

• A normal mechanical watch (smart watches are NOT allowed).

• A drink and / or snacks (for your break).

Prohibited Devices and Materials: The following is NOT allowed; breaking the rules may result in your disqualification from the EST:

• Mobile phones, smart watches, fitness trackers, or other wearable technology.

• Audio players or recorders, tablets, laptops, notebooks, Bluetooth devices (such as wireless ear-buds/headphones), or any other computing device.

• Cameras or any other photographic equipment.

• Pens, highlighters, mechanical or colored pencils.

• Books or references of any kind.

• Paper of any kind, including scratch paper.

• Earplugs.

If you use any electronic device at any time, including during breaks, you may be dismissed immediately. Your scores can be canceled, and the device may be temporarily confiscated and its contents inspected.

If you break the EST rules, you may be dismissed from the test center; your test fees will not be refunded.

The Proctors will not admit anyone who is in possession of a prohibited electronic device. The EST Board is not responsible for loss or damage to personal items, including electronic devices, while you are in the test center.

EST

Upcoming EST Sessions in 2024
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EST tests are now available in Jordan, UAE, KSA, and Egypt.
Please choose your country below for more information about registration.

Upcoming EST Sessions in 2024
Be prepared and check the dates for all the upcoming sessions in 2024. Choose your country below to check the sessions offered

EST tests are now available in Jordan, UAE, KSA, and Egypt.
Please choose your country below for more information about registration.

Upcoming EST Sessions in 2024
Be prepared and check the dates for all the upcoming sessions in 2024. Choose your country below to check the sessions offered

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About EST
EST is a standardized admission test, scored electronically. EST is owned by Academic Assessment Ltd. in London. EST is validated by the EST Board in the USA. It is designed specifically to measure the skills and knowledge acquired by students.

EST seeks to embody and implement the most sophisticated, up-to-date assessment with a suite of assessments that includes EST I and EST II.

EST I includes four mandatory sections: Literacy 1, Literacy 2, Math without Calculator, and Math with Calculator.

EST I tackles communication skills, comprehension, critical and logical reasoning; all these are basic requirements for a university student. The EST I also includes an optional essay section measuring students' language writing skills.

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The purpose of the newly developed EST is to qualify American diploma students for higher education institutions.

The EST suite of assessments includes EST I and EST II.

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EST Launched in Jordan, KSA, and UAE

The EST Board in London has launched EST in Jordan, UAE, and KSA.

Test centers:
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KSA: Academic City Schools
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