NEW SPURS TEST
The Pony Club takes the health & welfare of horses and ponies extremely seriously. We focus on the highest standards of equine welfare and veterinary care.
The policy regarding the use of spurs has been updated:
Members wishing to use spurs to enhance the leg aid must be able to ride with a still and stable lower leg, coupled with a thorough understanding of spurs and how to use them correctly.
From 1 January 2025 members wishing to wear spurs must have successfully completed the C+ Riding Test or the Spurs Test 2024
The Spur Test (2024)
Aims to educate Pony Club members regarding the welfare issues that might occur with the use of spurs and understand that any use of spurs which compromises the well-being of the horse will never be tolerated in The Pony Club. Spurs must only be used to give a more precise leg aid and to facilitate better communication from rider to horse. They are not to make the horse go faster.
All those involved with this Test should be aware that it involves an important practical ridden element. Candidates should be aware of the full welfare implications associated with the use of spurs and be able to demonstrate how to ride correctly whilst wearing them.
This Test may only be examined by a C+ Test assessor or above.
The new Spur Test 2024 syllabus can be found on the Pony Club Website: New Spurs Syllabus