Pony Club Tests are a structured series of assessments designed to help members develop and demonstrate their riding and horse care knowledge. These tests form the backbone of the Pony Club’s progressive training system, guiding members from beginner levels through to advanced horsemanship and coaching.
Pony Club Tests at Peak Pony Club
Pony Club Tests at Peak Pony Club
Pony Club Tests at Peak Pony Club
Pony Club Tests at Peak Pony Club
Pony Club Tests at Peak Pony Club
Pony Club Tests at Peak Pony Club
Pony Club Tests at Peak Pony Club
Pony Club Tests at Peak Pony Club
The Pony Club offers a series of nationally recognised Tests and Progressive Awards that encourage members to improve their knowledge and develop their riding and stable management skills. These awards are designed to build confidence, independence, and responsibility — both in and out of the saddle!Pony Club Tests
The Pony Club Test pathway starts with the E Test and progresses through D, D+, C, C+, B, B+, AH and A. Members work through the pathway at their own pace, developing their knowledge and practical skills as they progress.
The Tests have recommended minimum ages, but these are intended as guidance rather than deadlines. Members can continue to work towards their Tests as they develop their skills and confidence.
Tests & Progressive Awards at a Glance:
| Stage | Recommended Minimum Age | Progressive Award | Pony Club Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🐴 Getting Started | 4+ | — | E Test |
| 🌱 Foundation | 8+ | Bronze 3 → Bronze 2 → Bronze 1 | D Test |
| 🌿 Developing | 10+ | Silver 3 → Silver 2 → Silver 1 | D+ Test |
| ⭐ Progressing | 11+ | Gold 3 → Gold 2 → Gold 1 | C Test |
| 🏆 Advancing | 13+ | Platinum 3 → Platinum 2 → Platinum 1 | C+ Test |
| 🎓 Advanced | 14+ | — | B Test |
| 🎓 Advanced Plus | 16+ | — | B+ Test |
| 🏅 Advanced Horsemanship | 16+ | — | AH Test |
| 🏆 Highest Level | 18+ | — | A Test |
The Progressive Awards provide bite-sized stepping stones between the main Pony Club Tests, allowing members to continually develop their riding, horse care, knowledge and road-safety skills.
There are four Progressive Award levels:
Bronze → Silver → Gold → Platinum
Each level is divided into three stages:
Stage 3 → Stage 2 → Stage 1
This gives members achievable goals to work towards as their skills develop. The awards sit between the main Test levels:
Bronze Awards: between the E and D Tests
Silver Awards: between the D and D+ Tests
Gold Awards: between the D+ and C Tests
Platinum Awards: between the C and C+ Tests
For example, a member working towards their D Test can work through Bronze Stage 3, Stage 2 and Stage 1, building their knowledge and practical skills along the way. Once they have progressed to the D+ pathway, they can move on to the Silver Awards, and so on.
The Progressive Awards are designed to complement the Tests rather than replace them. They give members more opportunities to set goals, gain recognition for their achievements and develop valuable skills at a pace that suits them.
Click here for more detailed information on the Pony Club Tests and Progressive Awards.
Training and Testing
Through our mounted and on-foot rallies, we train and prepare our members for both the Pony Club Tests and Progressive Awards. We host formal testing days throughout the year for members who are ready to certify. These include friendly, supportive examiners, real-time feedback, certificates and badges upon passing, and a great sense of achievement and progress!
Successful Test candidates receive a certificate and a felt disk to be worn behind their Pony Club badge. The Pony Club Test pathway is a valued mark of proficiency in the equestrian industry and can unlock many opportunities, including international Pony Club teams and the Pony Club coaching pathway.
We run training courses, Progressive Awards and Tests throughout the year and encourage all members to take part, set themselves goals, learn new skills and celebrate their progress along the way!