Tests and badges manager – Sarah Rozee

testsandbadges@southnottspc.org

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Road Rider Badge

Congratulations to everyone achieving their Road Rider badge in October.  Further training for the Road Rider test will be during half term, with the test to follow.

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How do I take a Pony Club test or badge?

We run training for tests and badges during the year.  Lots of the Pony Club tests are specific to different age groups but the badges can be done at any time. For anyone interested in taking Pony Club tests, working notebooks  are available for purchase

E Test min age 4+

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.
Candidates should be accompanied by an instructor. The Test may be taken on or off the lead rein.

• To improve and enjoy learning about ponies
• To be happy both on and around ponies
• To know the basic points of the pony

D Test  Minimum age 8

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.

• 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.

D+ Test minimum age 10

• To be working towards developing a balanced seat independent of the reins.

C Test minimum age 11

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.

• 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.

C + Test Minimum age 13

Before taking the ‘C+’ test, candidates must have passed the ‘C’ test, including the Road Rider Test. Riders may be required to change horses or ponies for some flat work.

• 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.

Road rider Test  min age 12

• The aim of the Road Rider Test is to promote safety on the road by recognizing 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.
• To be taken at C+ to B Test Level.  Members should attain this level before going on to take their ‘B’ 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.

B Test Horse and pony Care  min age 15

The ‘B’ 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. 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.

• 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.

B Test Riding min age 15

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.

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.

Candidates will be required to ride more than one horse.

The practice of bringing pressure to bear on Area Representatives, DCs, Examiners and other Pony Club Officials to treat as special cases those who happen to be using the Test as an Entry/Professional Qualification is unacceptable.

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.

Lungeing  Test  min age 16

Before taking the Lungeing Test, Candidates must have passed the B Test or B Standard Horse & Pony Care.

It is necessary to pass the Lungeing Test before attempting the AH Test.

This Test is examined by an AH Examiner.

To be able to work the horse for exercise on the lunge.

AH Test

Recommended Minimum Age: 17. Only those 16 years or over are eligible for AH Test.

The Pony Club A Test is the highest Test within The Pony Club structure. It is recognised world wide 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 examiner can also take the Test.

B Plus Riding Only  min age 16

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.

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 85 cm.
• Discuss plans to develop horses’ training.

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2019 South Notts Pony Club Test Achievements
D Test – Frankie Taylor
D+ – Freya Church, Issy Dennett, Fennella & Ellie Hancox, Sofia & Georgia Fullwood.
C Test (Horse & Pony Care) – Sofia & Georgia Fullwood
C Test – Ryan & Philippa Batchlor, Issy Grainger, Lili Jaine, Annabel & Jess Trott, Lottie Warham.
B Test (Riding) – Tasha Kimminau, Poppy Prince, Gabi Pritchard.

Good Luck to everyone working towards tests this year, results will be put here once you have all passed with flying colours!