Achievement Badges and Efficiency Tests provide a fun and interactive way for members to develop both practical horsemanship skills and their equestrian knowledge. Efficiency Tests include a theory element, helping members learn about horse care, tack, health, and stable management, while badges focus on building skills and confidence in caring for ponies to the highest standards. There’s a wide range of badges and test levels to suit all abilities, providing a clear path for progression. Mini Achievement Badges, are designed for younger members up to D+ level and introduce the topics covered in full Achievement Badges.
Building on badgework and theory, horsemanship competitions such as the Dengie Quiz and the Blue Cross Horse & Pony Care allow members to put their knowledge and skills to the test in a supportive, friendly environment. Teams work together to answer questions, demonstrate practical skills, and complete tasks based on Pony Club Efficiency Test cards. Open to both riding and non-riding members, these events help develop confidence, teamwork, and communication while celebrating a love of ponies.
The first of the Area Competitions are just around the corner, with the Area Quiz on 1st March and the Area Horse and Pony Care on 14th March. From January to March 2026, we will run a series of horsemanship training sessions for members aged 14 and under. These sessions are perfect for anyone who wants to earn Achievement Badges, practice Efficiency Test theory and skills, train for Horse and Pony Care competitions, or simply learn more about looking after their ponies. More details on our Horsemanship training will be available in the next couple of weeks. This year, North Down sent its first-ever team Horse and Pony Care team to the JCB National Championships . Eliza, Tilly, and Lucy experienced the excitement of the biggest Pony Club event of the year, and this year we aim to qualify even more teams for the Championships. Let’s get training and see how many teams we can send
Test successes
In 2025 we had a record number of members passing their Pony Club efficiency tests. Well done everyone! Stay tuned for more information on upcoming training at all levels!
D Test: Eme Roelle, Carter Greeves, Amy Reid, Mia Lynn, Lucy Prior, Lily Muir, Natasha Smyth, Mylie McAllister, Maddie McChesney, Emma Berry, Tilly Jones
D+ test: Natasha Smyth, Lucy Prior, Mylie McAllister, Maddie McChesney, Grace Kelly, Erin Gordon, Lucy Thursfield, Mia Lynn, Eme Roelle, Georgia Davis, Lily Muir,
C test: Tilly Ham, Molly Reid, Anna Reid, Daniel Kennedy, Emily Adamson, Erin Doherty, Gigi Roelle, Eliza Taggart
C+ test: Rachel Booth (riding), Evan Kennedy (riding), Daniel Kennedy (riding), Sophie Herron (riding), Kerry McGrady (riding), Zac Hanna (riding), Mia Jackson (riding), Holly Webber (riding), Harley McKeag (full)
B test: Louise Brown, Jessica Byrne, Alice Salters, Carys Black