The annual Blue Cross Horse & Pony Care Competition features teams who demonstrate their knowledge and practical horsemanship skills taken from the Pony Club Efficiency Tests over a number of rounds.
The is an unmounted team competition with three members per team. There is an Area Qualifying round where the top teams qualify for the National Pony Club Championships in August. Ponies are provided for both the Area Qualifier and the National Championships.
The teams make their way around different stations, each of which covers a different theory or practical topic eg grooming, feeding, colours & markings, tack, veterinary care etc. There are three levels in the competition:
Mini
- Teams to consist of three members aged 10 years and under on the 1st January of the competition year, with one member to be 8 years or under.
- Questions to be based on the Care section of the E, D and easier parts of the D+ Efficiency Tests
Junior
- Teams to consist of three members aged 13 years and under on the 1st January of the competition year, with one member to be 11 years or under.
- Questions to be based on the Care section of the D, D+, C and easier parts of the C+ Efficienct Tests.
Senior
- Teams to consist of three members aged 25 years and under on the 1st January of the competition year, with one member to be 16 years or under.
- Questions to be based on the Care section of the C+, B and AH Efficiency Tests.
The OS&B usually enter a few teams to the Area Qualifier – please contact the Branch’s Horse & Pony Care organiser for more information and to register an interest in competing. Children of all ages and abilities can take part in the Area Competition, and it is very good experience for all Pony Club tests.
