Tests The Pony Club Training structure encourages Members to take tests which enables them to learn progressively about horse and pony care and riding. The tests are taken at recommended ages and are designed with certain objectives in mind.

Standard

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Objectives

'D'

'D' Standard

Objectives To have a basic understanding of ponies To achieve confidence in handling and riding a pony To improve and enjoy learning about ponies Recommended Minimum age 8 or 9 years.

'D+'

'D+' Standard

Objectives To be working towards developing a balanced seat independent of the reins To understand elementary aids and be able to apply them Recommended age 10.

'C'

'C' Standard

Objectives To understand the importance of, and to be working towards a secure seat independent of the reins To apply simple aids correctly To have a knowledge of the care and working of a pony off grass To be in control of the pony on the roads and in the countryside. To have a proper regard for country lore. Recommended minimum age 11 or 12.

'C+'

'C+' Standard

Objective To become an educated and practical horseman To ride over fences at all paces To gain practical experience and knowledge of the care of a stabled pony and of a pony at grass To be capable of riding a well-mannered pony out hunting and in all Pony Club activities To ride intelligently and with due regard for others on the roads and in the country, and with a knowledge of pace, distance and discipline when riding alone and in groups Recommended minimum age 14 years.

'B' - Riding

'B' Standard - Riding

Objective To become an effective horseman who knows the reasons for what he is doing To ride over fences at all paces To be capable of riding a well-mannered horse or pony out hunting, in horse trials, or on a long distance ride, to look after a pony before, during and after the day's hunting or other activity To ride intelligently and with due regard to others in the country, with a knowledge of pace, distance and discipline when riding alone and in groups. Recommended age is 15/16 years.

'B' - Horse & Pony Care

'B' Standard - Horse and Pony Care

Objective To gain practical experience and knowledge of the care of a stabled pony and of a pony at grass To look after a pony before, during and after the day's hunting or other activity Recommended age is 15/16 years.

The 'B' Test and the British Horse Society Exemption

Members holding the full B Test are allowed direct entry to BHS Stage III. Click here for further details.

'A' - Riding

'A' Test - Riding

Objectives: The 'A' Test is the highest award of the Pony Club and provides a comprehensive examination in Horsemanship, Training Young Horses and Handling Mares and Foals for Senior Members and Associates. Passing 'A' Test is a really worthwhile achievement and provides the foundation to specialise in a branch of equitation. It is accepted by the BHS as an exemption from their Stages III and IV Examination in Riding and Horse Care, subject to recommendation by the Pony Club Training Committee and approval by the BHS Training and Examination Committee. Normally taken between 18 and 21 years.

'A' - Horse & Pony Care

'A' Test - Horse and Pony Care

Objective The Pony Club 'A' Test Horse and Pony Care stands alone as the highest Test of horsemanstership available in the Pony Club. It is a pre-requisite for the 'A' Test Riding, replacing the Horsemastership section of that test. Normally taken between 18 and 21 years.

Riding & Road Safety

Riding and Road Safety

The Pony Club is a leader in the promotion of road safety. Members are taught the importance and the need for care and courtesy on the roads and coached and prepared for The Pony Club or British Horse Society's Road Safety Test. A booklet 'Junior Road Rider' has been produced by The Pony Club and this can be had obtained from The Pony Club Office and is essential reading. The British Horse Society publications 'Riding and Roadcraft' can also be bought from The Pony Club Office. This covers the subject in greater detail, and Members should be urged to have one. The local BHS road safety representative can often give lectures on road safety and Branches have been given a road safety video.

Achievement Badges:

The Pony Club Achievement Badge scheme is a fun way to gain a greater knowledge of horsemanship and the countryside.

To be able to put on stable bandages, a tail bandage, a rug and roller and a New Zealand rug.

To be able to identify the following: Robin, Blackbird, Great-tit, Blue-tit, Chaffinch, Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Jay, Mallard, Mute Swan, Wren & Kingfisher.

To be able to identify most commonly grown crops, i.e. Wheat, Barley, Oats, Oilseed Rape, Peas, Potatoes and Turnips. To be able to talk about harvesting the same and to have a basic knowledge of making hay/silage. To be able to identify three different breeds of cattle and sheep.

To know the basic rules of feeding and to be able to recognise different foodstuffs.

To know how to treat minor wounds and illness. To be able to recognise signs of good/ill health and know about the necessary protection against Tetanus, Flu and Worms.

To be able to identify the following: Buttercup, Daisy, Foxglove, Bluebell, Cowslip, Dandelion, Primrose, Forget-me-not, Red/White Campion, Snowdrop, Poppy and Clover.

To be able to run up a pony in hand and to tie it up safely. To be able to identify and use all grooming utensils correctly.

To be able to load/unload a pony, with assistance, safely into/out of a trailer or horsebox

To be able to follow a route on an Ordnance Survey Map and to point out features marked on same i.e. railway, church, bridleway, footpath, quarry etc.

To be able to name and use stable tools to muck out and to talk about different types of bedding.

To know the points of the horse, colours and markings.

To be able to identify poisonous plants as listed in the Manual of Horsemastership.

To be able to name the parts of, and put on a saddle and a snaffle bridle, know about the care and cleaning of same. Be able to identify common bits, i.e. Eggbut/Loose-ring Snaffle, Pelham, French Link, Dr, Bristol, Kimblewick.

To know the indications that a pony needs the farrier, what to look for in a newly shod foot, and to know the blacksmith's tools.

To be able to identify the following: Oak, Ash, Beech, Sycamore, Lime, Holly, Yew, Horse Chestnut, Sweet Chestnut, Birch, Hazel and Larch.

To be able to identify the following: Badger, Fox, Hare, Mole, Otter, Rabbit, Stoat, Weasel, Red/Grey Squirrel, Red/Fallow/Roe Deer.

To be able to identify any twelve breeds of working dogs and describe in which sphere they are traditionally used.

To be able to apply the 'Green Cross Code' and Highway Code as a road user.

To be able to treat minor wounds and injuries and to know basic signs of serious conditions and injuries and to know how to get adult help in case of an accident.

To be able to identify British breeds of horses and ponies, where they originate and their physical characteristics.