Gaining skills

Heard about PC Tests?  They are known universally in the Equestrian World.  There is definitely a PC way of doing things which might not fit every discipline’s initial guidance BUT the PC way will never be wrong – whatever discipline you are working in, wherever you are in the world.

We are thrilled to support members’ tests that all direct test training and test fees are covered by the branch (subject to change)!

There is a minimum age for each test BUT…..it is very, very, very rare that children are ready for the test at this given age. Tests are not compulsory and they are not essential to being a good rider or carer for a pony/horse. Please do not rush your child into taking a test when they are not ready but know that we adore children working their way up the test ladder and are here to help them!

The Achievement Badge is an excellent pathway, providing valuable stepping stones on as your child progresses towards Tests. They can be done alongside test training and aren’t dependent on each other, just offer a brilliant learning opportunity.  You will see Badge rallies advertised on the rally calendar throughout the year. More info via the links below…

• Mini Achievement Badges: https://pcuk.org/mini-achievement-badges/
• Achievement Badges: https://pcuk.org/achievement-badges/
• Advanced Achievement Badges: https://pcuk.org/advanced-achievement-badges/

Here is our (unofficial) guide to each test, what is required and what you need to do

This is an easy, fun test meant as a gentle introduction to PC tests. The syllabus for the E test is really helpful as it tells you exactly what the children need to know to pass. We will try to run E Tests before or after rallies for children interested in taking them.

Again, the syllabus for this test is really helpful, giving a clear explanation of what is required to pass the test.  We plan to run stand alone D Test days, with theory and riding practice in the morning and a test in the afternoon. We do ask that you have recently attended at least 1 working rally in advance of signing up to test and let the instructor at that rally know that you are hoping to take your D test.  They will be able to advise you if they think your member’s riding needs more help to prepare. They can give you some practice questions too!

Children may be tested by their usual branch coaches for both these tests.

There are 2 parts to this test. Riding and Care. It is a BIG step up from the D+. The expectation is that children looking to take their C Test are knowledgeable enough to be left in the sole care of a grass kept pony whilst their owner/rider is away for a short break – say a weekend.

They need to be able to independently identify if it was lame or had a medical issue. Be able to apply basic first aid or know when to call the vet. Lead or ride the pony safely on the road. Ride it safely and sensibly in a way that is commensurate to the fitness level and ability of themselves and the pony. They also need to be able to fit tack correctly and know what the tack is for! They will not be able to seek advice or phone a friend!

Again, we have found the online syllabus for this is not enough to explain all you need to know (unless you are a coach). Like in the D+ test, we have worksheets containing the knowledge required for children to work through at their own pace. We ask that any child taking their C test has gained their Road Rider Badge in advance of signing up for the test. Also that they have been regularly attending working rallies and spoken to the instructors about their riding in relation to the level required for C test.

All children taking the test must attend theory rallies and at least 1 rider rally. They are also expected to work independently outside of these rallies and learn the theory to a high standard. The test takes nearly 2 hours.
Children may be tested by an OBH coach but not one who has been directly involved in training them.

Those children taking the B test are deemed capable of caring for and riding a competition pony/horse and knowing how to school it correctly. Not improve it but definitely not teach it any bad habits.

At this level you can start to coach. You should have a VERY wide range of knowledge regarding tack, its fitting and use.

Much of this training is done with children from other branches and an external test assessor is used.
Children are tested by an external examiner.

B Test is the first of the Pony Club tests that is internationally recognised so can help with UCAS points, job applications and direct entry into BHS exams. However, just like any exams of a level comparable to GCSE, success relies on a mix of natural talent (horse and rider) and hard work, in varying quantities.

It is best approached in a year that works well for the rider; usually dictated by availability for training before the test, access to a suitably capable horse and sufficient funds for the training.

The minimum age is 15, older candidates tend to have a more successful outcome and it is a test that fits well in the break in study after GCSEs.