Have a look at this video for some information about Pony Club Efficiency tests and badges which can be taken
Charges – Seskinore Harriers Branch subsidises the cost of Efficiency Tests as they require venue hire and examiners which come with considerable cost. Efficiency tests are a measure of progression through Pony Club for both Riding and Horse and Pony Care. As you go up through Pony Club the tests are more difficult and from C test upwards are classed as professional exams.
From September 2024
Road Safety badge testing £10
E test – £10
D test – £20
D+ test – £20
C test – £30/section
C+ test – £40/section
B test upwards charges are set by PCUK
The B test is a worldwide recognised qualification opening doors to BHS examinations as well and in recognition of the many hours of work and study preparing for this test we would like to support Seskinore Harriers candidates for this test and any further tests with a 50% subsidy of the fees for the first attempt at both or either sections of the B test.
Turnout for Pony Club Tests – Your pony should be clean and tidy with feet well shod or trimmed. For D+ test up ponies should be plaited. Ponies always look smarter with oiled feet – you don’t have to use hoof oil – any hoof dressing or ointment will look just as smart. Tack should be clean, safe and fit correctly. Don’t forget to check the size of the stirrups; they don’t grow with your feet! There should be just enough room to get a finger either side of your boots. Numnahs or saddle pads must only be black, white, brown or dark blue and not so big that they swamp your pony. You should wear a tweed/show jacket, with Pony Club badge and felt on the left lapel. Shirt and Pony Club tie. Gloves, correctly fitted body protector for jumping (if required), Jodhpur boots and half chaps or long fitted boots. Jodhpurs can be white, cream or beige. Hats must be PC approved & display the current PC tag. Hair should be in a hairnet, if long, and tied so it is above shoulder height. Absolutely no jewellery – other than a wrist watch. Earrings & other piercings are really dangerous! No button holes or other adornments. Spurs may only be worn if you have passed your B test or with the DC’s permission – this will only be given after you have been assessed using them by a Pony Club accredited instructor. You do need to know how to use them correctly, or they will do more harm than good.
The Pony Club offers Mini Achievement Badges for younger Members’ as well as both equine and non-equine Achievement Badges. Both types of achievement badge will help you to learn a wide range of skills like first-aid, farming, map reading, saddlery, road safety and grooming.
The Progressive Tests are available to Members in Horsemanship and Riding and Road Sense. These allow Members to take Tests in modules throughout the different levels.
The Pony Club offers 4 levels of Progressive Tests: Bronze Silver Gold Platinum
The Pony Club Training structure encourages members to take tests which enables them to learn progressively about horse and pony care and riding.
Members are encouraged to take part in test training and to take exams alongside their friends of similar age and experience. Pony Club tests are unique and are highly regarded in the equestrian industry. As you progress up the grades your test results count towards other equestrian exams such as BHS or HSI. The process of learning and progressing through the test system can give members invaluable practical experiences such as interview practice & presentation skills as well as learning about our equine friends and improving horsemanship.
The Pony Club training structure encourages Members to take tests which enables them to learn progressively about horse and pony care and riding. The tests are taken at recommended ages and are designed with certain objectives in mind. You can download the Test training system to see what order they should be taken in.
This is an official voluntary test for young new members. It is not necessary to either take or pass this Test before attempting the D test.
Objective: To improve and enjoy learning about poniesTo be happy both on and around poniesTo know the basic points of the pony
Candidates should be accompanied by an parent/suitable adult. The Test may be taken on or off the lead rein.
For D & D+ tests Branches can adjust the recommended age level, taking into consideration both the rider and pony ability and will be guided by instructors.
The Efficiency Tests provide a staircase of knowledge and progression when taken in sequence.
The Road Rider Mini Achievement Badge is a prerequisite before taking the D Test.
Objective: To have a basic understanding of ponies. To achieve confidence in handling and riding a pony. To improve and enjoy learning about ponies. To hold more Mini Achievement Badges
This is a test half way between ‘D’ and ‘C’. The efficiency tests provide a staircase of knowledge and progression when taken in sequence.
Objective: To be working towards developing a balanced seat independent of the reins
The efficiency tests provide a staircase of knowledge and progression when taken in sequence.
Before being awarded the ‘C’ test certificate, candidates must have trained for and passed The Pony Club’s Road Rider Achievement Badge or The Pony Club Road Rider Test or the BHS Riding and Road Safety Test.
Objective To understand the importance of, and to be working towards a secure correct balanced seat, independent of the reins. To understand why a correct seat is important. To apply simple aids correctly. To have a knowledge of the care and working of a pony off grass. To be in control of the pony on the roads and in the countryside. To have a proper regard for country lore.
Certificate and badge is awarded to successful candidates.
To be taken before C+ Test Level.
Aim
The aim of the Road Rider Test is to promote safety on the road by recognising riders who can show that they ride with courtesy and responsibility, are aware of and obey the law, the Highway Code and The Pony Club Road Rider book and British Horse Society Riding and Road Craft Manual.
Members should attain this level before going on to take their ‘C+’ Test. Those wishing to take their British Horse Society Stages will need to achieve the British Horse Society’s Riding and Road Safety Test. For details of the BHS test contact the BHS Safety Office.
Details of the training, running, organisation and administration of The Pony Club Road Rider Test can be found on the Pony Club website
Riders must be over 12 years old and should have been well prepared by working up the three Pony Club Road Rider test levels:
The Pony Club Road Rider Mini Achievement Badge (E/D Test)The Pony Club Road Rider Achievement Badge (D+/C Test)The Pony Club Road Rider Test (C+/B Test)
can be taken separately– Minimum Age: 13 – Pink felt
Before taking the ‘C+’ Test, candidates must have passed the ‘C’ Test and The Pony Club Road Rider Test or BHS Riding & Road Safety Test. Riders may be required to change horses or ponies for some flat work.
Objective: To become an educated and practical rider. To ride over fences at all paces. To gain practical experience and knowledge of the care of a stabled pony and of a pony at grass. To be capable of riding a well-mannered pony out hunting and in all pony club activities. To ride intelligently and with due regard for others on the roads and in the country, and with a knowledge of pace, distance and discipline when riding alone and in groups.
Before taking the ‘B’ Test, Candidates must have passed the ‘C+’ Test and The Pony Club Road Rider Test or the BHS Riding & Road Safety Test.
The ‘B’ Test may be taken as a whole or in two parts:B Standard RidingB Standard Horse and Pony Care
These Tests may be taken on different occasions and in any order. Before taking the ‘B’ Test, Candidates must have passed the ‘C+’ Test and The Pony Club Road Rider Test or the BHS Riding & Road Safety Test.
Objective
To gain practical experience and knowledge of the care of a stabled horse/pony and of a horse/pony at grass. To look after these before, during and after the day’s hunting, eventing or endurance.
Before taking the ‘B’ Test, Candidates must have passed the ‘C+’ Test and The Pony Club Road Rider Test or the BHS Riding & Road Safety Test.
The Test may be taken as a whole or in two parts: B Standard Riding, B Standard Horse and Pony Care
These Tests may be taken on different occasions and in any order. Candidates will be required to ride more than one horse.
Objective: To become an effective rider who knows the reasons for what he or she is doing. To know the Scales of Training. To understand the Scales provide a staircase of training suitable for all horses and ponies. To be able to maintain a horse’s way of going. To ride over fences at all paces. To be capable of riding a well-mannered horse or pony out hunting, in horse trials, or on a long distance ride. To ride intelligently and with due regard for others in the country, with a knowledge of pace, distance and discipline when riding alone and in groups.
A red felt is awarded upon the successful completion of both parts of the B test.
Before taking the Lungeing Test, candidates must have passed the B Test or B Standard Horse & Pony Care.
Objective: To be able to work the horse for exercise on the lunge.
The Test is a non-compulsory riding test taken after the Lungeing Test and either before or after AH. It is a ‘stepping stone’ between B (full test) and A Test.
Candidates will be required to ride their own plus two horses belonging to other Members. It is a requirement that candidates allow their horse to be ridden by two other candidates on the flat and over show jumps including a course. Horses should be fit, suitable for other riders to use and go quietly in a double bridle.
Objective
Riders will be able to: Ride horses in harmony and balance. Be an effective rider on the flat, in show jumping and across country. Showing balance and security of position (as described in Pony Club Publications).Assess horses’ way of going on the flat and over show jumps up to 90 cm. Correctly assess horses’ levels of work on the flat & over fences from the young horse up to Pony Club Eventing Level 4. Cross country fences up to 85cm. Discuss plans to develop horses’ training.
It is necessary to pass the Lungeing Test before attempting the AH Test. This Test is assessed by an AH Assessor. The Pony Club A Test is the highest Test within The Pony Club structure. It is recognised worldwide and is very much sought after! The AH Test is the Stable Management phase of the A Test. Those who have passed B (horse & pony care) Test only and have been recommended after an assessment by an AH assessor can also take the Test. The AH Test is divided into four sections; candidates may attempt sections individually or a combination of two, three or four sections. Candidates attempting the full Test (four sections) will be given priority. Applications must be made to The Pony Club Office on the official form having first been sanctioned by the District Commissioner and Area Representative.
The Pony Club A Test is the highest Test within The Pony Club structure. It is recognised worldwide and is very much sought after!
Nominations must be made to The Pony Club Office on the official form having first been sanctioned by the District Commissioner and Area Representative.
Any candidate who fails just one of the four sections of the A Test (Outside Riding, Inside Riding, Lungeing, or Training the Young Horse) may retake one half of the A Test in order to gain a pass. If they fail one riding section, they must retake both the Outside and Inside Riding sections. If they fail Lungeing or Training the Young Horse, they must retake both of those sections. If they fail more than one section, they must retake the complete test.
Candidates who pass all four sections of the ‘A’ Test on the same day will be awarded a pass with Distinction. The Assessors may convert a Distinction into an Honours pass in the case of an exceptional candidate, and this will be awarded with a purple felt.