D Standard

Standards of Efficiency Test Sheet 1998

Objective

• To have a basic understanding of ponies
• To achieve confidence in handling and riding a pony
• To improve and enjoy learning about ponies.

Riding

• Mount and dismount
• A reasonably correct position in the saddle
• How to hold the reins
• To be able to ride a quiet pony safely, in an enclosed area without the leading rein, in walk and trot

Road Sense

• To know on which side of the road you should ride
• To understand a simple 'green cross' code
• How to ride along a road, cross a road and say 'thank you'
• To know it is safer to ride on the road with adults or parents

Horse Mastership

• Approach and handle a pony correctly
• Know basic needs of a pony in summer and winter
• Catch a pony and put on a headcollar or halter
• Proper way to give a pony an apple or carrot
• Lead a pony in hand
• Name simple points of the pony
• Name different parts of saddle and bridle

Reading

• 'The Manual of Horsemanship'
• Points of the Horse
• Mount and dismount (Omit 'to dismount using the stirrup)
• The correct length of stirrup
• The position of the rider in the saddle
• Holding single reins.
• Handling a horse
• Fitting a headcollar or halter
• To lead in hand
• The parts of a saddle
• The parts of a snaffle bridle
• Putting on a saddle and bridle
• Pony Club Booklet 'Riding on the Road'

Watching

• Pony Club Videos
• 'You and Your Pony' Programme 1
• Handling and Leading
• Health and Condition

Notes

• Recommended Minimum age: 8 or 9 years

D+ Standard

Standards of Efficiency Test Sheet 2004

General

This is an official voluntary Test of a Standard, half way between D and C. It is not necessary to either take or pass it before attempting C.

Objective

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

Riding

• Mount and dismount
• Hold the reins correctly and carry a whip in either hand
• To be able to control a quiet pony in company, on the roads and in the countryside
• Walk without stirrups
• Use of legs as aids
• Simple turns and circles in walk and trot
• Walk on a loose rein and shorten the reins
• Ride up and down hills in walk
• Be able to canter
• Ride over a single pole and very small fence

Road Sense

• To know on which side of the road you should ride
• To understand a simple 'green cross' code
• How to ride along a road, cross a road and say 'thank you', and how to signal to turn right or left
• To know it is safer to ride on the road with adults or parents
• To show an awareness of dangers when riding on the road, understanding what is likely to frighten a pony or cause him to slip
• To understand how to ride with a friend whilst on the road
• Recognise the dangers to ponies from cars and other traffic

Horse Mastership

• To have some knowledge of care and working a pony off grass
• Put on a saddle and bridle
• Have some knowledge of correctly fitting tack
• Elementary care of saddlery
• Catching a pony and turn it away in the field
• Lead a pony in hand at walk and trot, and turn correctly
• Tie up a pony correctly
• Names and uses of essential grooming kit
• Pick up and pick out feet
• Points of the pony, colours and markings
• Be able to recognise New Zealand Rugs, sweat rugs and a night rug

Reading

• 'The Manual of Horsemanship'
• Points of the Pony
• Colours and markings
• Care and working a pony off grass
• Putting on a saddle
• Putting on a bridle
• Unsaddling
• Saddle fitting
• Bridle fitting
• To tie up correctly
• Care of saddlery
• Grooming
• Aids (Omit gallop and rein-back)
• Jumping position
• Pony Club Booklet 'Junior Road Rider'

Watching

• Pony Club Videos
• 'You and Your Pony' Programme 1
• Handling and Leading
• Health and Condition
• Top Rider Part 1

Riding & Road Safety

Standards of Efficiency Test Sheet 2006

A Certificate and a Badge can be awarded to succesful candidates

Objective

• The aim of the Riding and Road Safety Test is to promote safety on the road by recognizing riders who can show that they ride with courtesy and responsibility, are aware of, and obey the law, the Highway Code and The Pony Club or British Horse Society Riding and Roadcraft Manual.

Before being awarded the C Test Certificate, candidates must have trained for and attained The Pony Club Riding and Road Safety Achievement Badge or The BHS / Pony Club Riding and Road Safety Test. Before attempting either part of the B Test candidates must have trained for and attained the BHS or Pony Club Riding and Road Safety Test.

Examination Panel

• Riding Examiner: A Pony Club C Test or above examiner who is also an experienced driver.
• Road Safety Examiner: A police or road safety officer, or a Pony Club examiner who has been to a one-day course in basic road safety, organised and run by the local authority and is also an experienced driver.

Test

The Test is of the rider's roadcraft and riding ability and not of the horse or pony.
Note: There is no such thing as a bomb proof horse or pony.
Test candidates are required to take the test in three parts consecutively:

Theory Test

Designed to test a rider's knowledge of the Highway Code and of the generally accepted rules of riding on the highway as set our in the current edition of the Riding and Road Safety Manual. Questions may be given orally or in the form of a test paper and should invite factual answers, not opinions. Recommended sample questions are given at the back of the Riding and Road Safety Manual.

Tack and Turnout Inspection

This inspection is entirely a safety measure carried out to make sure that the horse's tack and rider's clothing are in a safe and satisfactory condition for riding. It is neither a test nor a 'show' inspection. Hats must be to the current BSI Standard(s) and properly secured.

Simulated Road Route

Designed to test in safe but simulated road conditions, a rider's precautions against, and reactions to, a series of noises and sights which could be reasonably be met with locally on the roads and which might make a horse shy. Road junctions must be included so that candidates may demonstrate their road craft and ability to use arm signals. Hazards must so be replaced as to permit candidates to show trot between each or any of them. Trot must be shown by candidates at this stage of the test.

Road Test and the Public Highway

Designed to test in practice the rider's knowledge of road craft application of the requirements of the Highway Code and the current edition of the Society's Riding and Road Safety Manual.

As in the Simulated Road Route, trot must be shown by candidates on the Public Highway. The stretch of Public Highway should afford candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their grasp of road craft together with their riding ability.

Marking

• The candidate to be successful must pass in all three parts of the test.
• A candidate who fails in either part one, or part two, may not take part three.
• The test is of the rider not the horse.
• To be successful, the candidate must satisfy the examiners in the three parts of the test consecutively.
• Eight of the ten theory questions must be correctly answered.
• Candidates must satisfy the examiners in parts two and three of the test at a level of 80% if an arithmetical method of marking is used
• Alternatively a safe tick or unsafe cross or 'B' for borderline may be used from a possible ten.
• Any manoeuvre which judged as dangerous to other road users, e.g. failure to look behind before a signal is given will result in instant failure.

Reading

• The Highway Code - Current Edition available from HMSO and Stationers.
• The British Horse Society Riding and Road Safety Manual - Current Edition available from The Pony Club.
• The Children's Highway Code - Current Edition available from the Society's book shop
• The Pony CLub Junior Road Rider

Watching

• Horsense: Roadcraft for the Rider
• Ride Safely

Caution

The Pony Club and the Society recommend that young riders who have passed the Riding and Road Safety Test shall ride on the road unaccompanied only when the person responsible for their safety is entirely satisfied that, in their opinion, it is safe for the young person(s) so to do.

C Standard

Standards of Efficiency Test Sheet 1998

Objective

• 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

NOTE: Before being awarded the C Test Certificate, candidates must have rained for and passed The Pony Club's Road Safety Achievement Badge.

Riding

• Turn-out of pony and rider
• Mount and dismount correctly on either side
• Hold the reins correctly
• Alter stirrups when mounted
• Tighten and loosen girth when mounted
• Position at walk, trot, canter and gallop
• Use of legs and hands as aids to increase and decrease pace
• Simple turns and circles at walk, trot and canter
• Aids for canter on a named leg on a circle
• Walk with a long rein
• Ride up and down hill
• Independent work in the open
• Walk and trot over heavy poles as a preliminary to jumping
• Ride over small fences and ditches
• Riding in the countryside, across farm land and bridle paths

Horse Mastership

• Care and working of a pony off grass
• Elementary feeding, watering and cleanliness of the pony
• Names and uses of the essential grooming kit
• Picking up and picking out the feet
• Know when a pony needs shoeing and what to look for in a newly shod foot
• Elementary care and cleaning of saddlery
• Know the main indications for health in the pony
• Elementary knowledge of the treatment of minor wounds
• Recognise when a pony is lame
• Lead a pony in hand walking, trotting and turning
• Know how to take a pony in and out of a horse-box or trailer
• Understand the importance and the means of protecting the legs while travelling
• Put on a rug, roller and tail bandage, and a New Zealand Rug
• Points of the Pony, colours and markings

Reading

• 'Keeping a Pony at Grass' - The whole book
• 'The Manual of Horsemanship'
• Points of the horse
• Mounting and dismounting (Omit 'to dismount using the stirrup)
• The stirrups
• The position of the rider in the saddle
• Holding the single rein
• Position of the rider in motion
• The aids
• The basic paces (Omit 'the rein back')
• Jumping
• The correct approach Fig 19.
• Handling and leading a horse
• To lead in hand
• Classification and identification
• Saddlery - General considerations
• Saddling up
• Putting on and fitting a bridle, unsaddling (Omit 'fit and adjust the curb chain')
• Care of saddlery
• The signs of good health
• Lameness - Identifying the lame leg
• Loading - with an assistant
• Unloading
• 'The Country Code' - The Countryside Commission

Watching

• Pony Club Videos
• Top Rider Parts 1 and 2
• When to Call the Vet
• Handling and Leading, Health and Condition

Notes

• Recommended minimum age 11 or 12
• Felt Colour - Green

C+ Standard

Standards of Efficiency Test Sheet 1998

General

• This is an official voluntary Test of a Standard half way between C & B. It is not necessary to either take or pass it before attempting B.

NOTE: Before taking the C+ Test, candidates must have passed all phases of C Test including Road Safety.

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

Riding

• Mount and dismount correctly on either side
• Position at walk, trot, canter and gallop
• Sitting trot, rising trot on either diagonal, change of diagonal
• Application of aids for increase and decrease of pace, turns and circles
• Turns on the forehand from the halt
• Stand still. Salute
• Free walk on a long rein or with a loose rein
• Change of leg at the canter, through the trot
• Know sequence of legs at all paces
• Ride with reins in one hand
• Ride up and down steep hills and banks
• Bits and their uses
• Jump up and down hill. Jump doubles

Road Sense

• Behaviour when riding in groups and in pairs
• Dealing with an accident

Horse Mastership

• Practical care and working of a pony off grass
• Knowledge of the care and working of a corn-fed stabled pony
• Know principles of watering and feeding. Have a knowledge of the difference items of forage
• Know the articles of grooming kit and be able to use them
• Be able to rug up and put on a stable bandage correctly
• Shoeing. Know something of the structure of the horse's foot
• Know the names of the farriers tools
• Be able to name parts of the foot and describe a hunter's shoe
• Be able to fit a saddle and bridle
• Know when a horse is lame, sick or in poor condition. Elementary first aid
• Be able to carry out prescribed treatment of wounds, ailments and lameness

Reading

• Pony Club Publications
• 'The Manual of Horsemanship'
• 'Keeping a Pony at Grass'
• BHS Riding and Road Safety Manual - Riding Safely on the Roads'
• 'The Country Code' - The Countryside Commission

Watching

• Pony Club Videos 'You and Your Pony'
• Programme 1 - Chapters 4, 5, 8, 9 & 10
• Programme 2 - Chapters 1 - 7
• Handling and Leading, Health and Condition
• Top Rider Parts 1 and 2
• When to Call the Vet

Notes

• Recommended minimum age 14
• Felt Colour - Pink

B Standard (Horse & Pony Care)

Standards of Efficiency Test Sheet 2001

Notes

The Test may be taken as a whole or in two parts:

• B Standard Riding
• B Standard Horse and Pony Care

These Tests may be taken on different occasions and in any order.

Objective

• To gain practical experience and knowledge of the care of a stabled horse/pony and of a horse/pony at grass
• To look after these before, during and after the day's hunting or other activity

Before being awarded the C Test Certificate, candidates must have trained for and attained The Pony Club Riding and Road Safety Achievement Badge or The BHS / Pony Club Riding and Road Safety Test. Before attempting either part of the B Test candidates must have trained for and attained the BHS or Pony Club Riding and Road Safety Test.

Note: Before taking the 'B' Test, Candidates must have passed the 'C' Test including BHS or Pony Club Road Safety Test. The practice of bringing pressure to bear on Area Representatives, D.C.s, Examiners and other Pony Club Officials to treat as special cases those who happen to be using the Test as an Entry/Professional Qualification is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Horse Mastership

• Knowledge of the care and working of a pony off grass and of a corn-fed, stabled horse and of exercising and getting a horse fit
• Daily routine
• Have some knowledge of stabling - ventilation, light, drainage, shelter and warmth
• Know principles of watering and feeding and be able to put them into practice. Have a knowledge of the different items of forage
• Know the articles of grooming kit and be able to use them
• Be able to rug up and bandage correctly for stable and for travel and discuss types of rug, surcingles, tail and poll guards etc
• Prepare a horse for travel and be capable of loading and unloading it in a horse box/ trailer having first inspected the vehicle for safety and road-worthiness
• Describe a horse, recognising good and bad points of conformation
• Know something of the structure of the horse's foot. Be able to name parts of the foot
• Know the parts of the horse's shoe and different types of shoe
• Understand the methods of shoeing. Know the names of the blacksmith's tools and their uses
• Know when a horse is lame, sick or in poor condition, and know the most common causes of these ailments
• Elementary first aid
• Be able to carry out prescribed treatment of wounds, ailments and lameness
• Organisation and fitting of tack room
• Understand and discuss the action of the three basic types of bit i.e. snaffle, pelham and the double bridle
• Know how to fit, care for, clean, store, inspect for soundness and stitching saddlery, rugs , bandages etc
• Recognition of various types of saddle and use

Reading

• The Manual of Horsemanship
• Keeping a Pony at Grass
• Young Persons Guide to Eventing
• Grassland Management for Horse and Pony Owners - (BHS)

Watching

• When to call the Vet
• Handling and Leading
• Health and Condition
  

Notes

• Only those 14 years or over are eligible for B Standard.
• The recommended age is 15/16 years.
• Felt Colour - Brown

B Standard (Riding)

Standards of Efficiency Test Sheet 2001

Notes

The Test may be taken as a whole or in two parts:

• B Standard Riding
• B Standard Horse and Pony Care

These Tests may be taken on different occasions and in any order.

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 all these activities
• To ride intelligently and with due regard for others in the country, with a knowledge of pace, distance and discipline when riding alone and in groups

Note: Candidates may be required to ride more than one horse.

Before attempting either part of the B Test candidates must have trained for and attained the BHS or Pony Club Riding and Road Safety Test.

Note: The practice of bringing pressure to bear on Area Representatives, D.C.s, Examiners and other Pony Club Officials to treat as special cases those who happen to be using the Test as an Entry/Professional Qualification is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Riding

• Mount and dismount correctly
• Basically correct position at walk, trot, canter, gallop and over fences
• Understand and apply the correct aids for the movements ridden during this Test
• Try a horse at his basic paces, transitions, turns and circles, and comment on what you find
• Understand the meaning of balance, impulsion, rhythm and tempo
• Understand the aids for, and ride, turn on the forehand from the halt and work towards half pirouette at the walk
• Sitting trot, rising trot on either diagonal and change of diagonal
• Lengthened strides and leg yielding in walk and trot
• Halt and salute
• Free walk on a long rein
• Change of leg at the canter through the trot
• Ride with reins in either hand
• Candidates should have some knowledge of riding with two pairs of reins
  Elementary riding school drill
• How to show off a horse
• Open a gate mounted
• Ride up and down steep hills and banks
• Jump a variety of fences and ditches at trot and canter
• Jump up and down hill; jump drop fences, jump doubles and awkward fences
• Show a knowledge of pace and balance suitable for the level of training and fitness of their horse whilst riding at a cross-country speed

Reading

• The Manual of Horsemanship
• Young Persons Guide to Eventing
• Endurance Riding and Trekking
• Rule Books for Pony Club Dressage, Show Jumping and Horse Trials

Watching

• Top Rider Parts 1 and 2

Notes

• Only those 14 years or over are eligible for B Standard.
• The recommended age is 15/16 years.
• Felt Colour - Red

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