{"id":3689,"date":"2026-09-15T17:06:31","date_gmt":"2026-09-15T16:06:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/branches.pcuk.org\/area5\/?page_id=3689"},"modified":"2026-09-15T17:06:36","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T16:06:36","slug":"area-5-training-update-january-2026","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/branches.pcuk.org\/area5\/area-5-training-update-january-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Area 5 Training Update – January 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n
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Area 5 Training Update<\/h3>\n

January 2026<\/h4>\n
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A Strong Start to 2026<\/h4>\n

Area 5 has launched into the new year with great energy and participation. With competitions quieter and many senior members about to head into university, college, or exam season, January provided an ideal moment to concentrate on lunging.<\/p>\n

Our lunge training sessions\u00a0were fully booked, with fantastic feedback from all who attended. It\u2019s been a confident start to our 2026 training programme and a positive sign of the enthusiasm across the area.<\/p>\n

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Coming Soon: Online Training<\/h4>\n

\ud83d\udcbb Zoom Training Series \u2013 Begins 9th February 2026<\/p>\n

We are excited to introduce a new cycle of online Zoom sessions covering key elements of the B Test syllabus.
\nPerfect for C+ level members and above, these sessions offer:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Expert-led content<\/li>\n
  • Interactive learning from home<\/li>\n
  • Topic\u2011focused sessions you can book individually<\/li>\n
  • Open access to members from all areas so get booking!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Full booking details and more information can be found on the Area 5 website.<\/p>\n

    https:\/\/branches.pcuk.org\/area5\/news\/area-5-zoom-training-series-upcoming-dates-and-booking-details-announced\/<\/a><\/p>\n

    \n

    AH Test Training – Industry days<\/h3>\n

    March brings the start of our AH Test Training Programme, which includes two exceptional Industry Days:<\/p>\n

    \ud83d\udccd Day 1 \u2013 Twemlows Stud<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

    A day dedicated to the AH Breeding Modules.
    \nLunch is included\u00a0for all attendees.<\/p>\n

    Full booking details and more information can be found on the Area 5 website.<\/p>\n

    https:\/\/branches.pcuk.org\/area5\/news\/area-5-ah-practical-training-31-03-26\/<\/p>\n

    \ud83d\udccd Day 2 \u2013 Training with International Event Rider Michael Owen<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

    Hosted at the yard of Michael Owen, this afternoon focuses on modules from the AH syllabus, including feeding, fitness, and competition horse management.<\/p>\n

    Full booking details and more information can be found on the Area 5 website.<\/p>\n

    https:\/\/branches.pcuk.org\/area5\/news\/area-5-ah-and-b-practical-training-michael-owen-06-01-26\/<\/a><\/p>\n

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    Tests and Guidelines for 2026<\/h3>\n

    A full list of Area 5 test dates for 2026 can be found on the Area 5 website. Please note closing dates are 1 month from the date to allow time to book and confirm the assessors and venues required.<\/p>\n

    Full booking details and more information can be found on the Area 5 website.<\/p>\n

    \n

    C+ Test and Spur Test Updates<\/h3>\n

    As agreed last year:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Branches and centres may organise their own C+ and Spur Tests.<\/li>\n
    • All relevant Pony Club guidelines to be followed.<\/li>\n
    • The Area Representative\u00a0must be involved before the test is booked, to support and oversee the process.<\/li>\n
    • Area 5 will continue to run additional C+ Tests to support smaller branches and improve access for all (dates on the test page above).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      C+ Test guidance for organisers is available in the Guide to Pony Club Training. Page 22&23<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

      Spur Test national organisers guidance available in the resource hub.<\/p>\n

      https:\/\/resources.pcuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/National-Guidelines-Organisation-of-The-Spurs-Test-v.3.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

      Area 5 Spur Test nomination trial<\/h4>\n
        \n
      • Area 5 will run several Area\u2011organised Spur Tests this year.<\/li>\n
      • Members who wish to take part should complete the nomination form on the Area 5 website\u2014<\/li>\n
      • participation will be confirmed with the DC\/proprietor, and then members will be offered tests dates.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        This system is also being trialled in another area and will help us understand the demand and the best geographical locations for future tests<\/p>\n

        Area 5 – Spurs test expression of interest …<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n