The UPPC try hard to make everything we do as enjoyable as possible for those taking part.  At the same time we encourage our members to learn to make life easier for their ponies by riding to the best of their ability, and by looking after them in a thoughtful way through the knowledge which they’ve gained with us.

To help us to do this, we use the Pony Club Training Pathway including the Achievement Badges and the Efficiency Tests.

The Badges come in a wide range of “horsey” and “non-horsey” topics, and have three levels – mini, standard and senior.  The Badges link in with the Efficiency Tests from E – C+.  For attaining each there is an embroidered Badge which can be sewn onto anything, especially the sleeve of a Branch sweatshirt.  We do a lot of the work for these at our Club Nights on Wednesday evenings through the winter.

The ten Efficiency Tests run through from E for those just starting on their equestrian journey, through to AH and A which are roughly A-level equivalents.  They are all super for goal-setting, especially for those who aren’t keen on competitions.  It’s always more interesting to have an aim for your learning, and to have the reward and satisfaction of achieving the award at the end.  We encourage our members to work through the Test system to at least C level.

For those aiming a little higher, from C+ upwards the holder may move across into the British Horse Society exam system without having to start at the very bottom.  And from BHS Stage 3 upwards, their qualifications carry UCAS points.

The UPPC encourages our members to try competing in various disciplines:  show jumping, dressage, eventing, mounted games and horse & pony care.  If we have members of a suitable standard and interest, we enter them in Pony Club competitions at Area level.  But we are aware that not everyone wants to compete, and won’t push those who really don’t want to.

We hold mounted rallies throughout the year which are all both instructional and fun.  And we occasionally put on extra training for Tests or competitions if require.  And of course we have Camp.  See the Camp page for more information.

We also hold show jumping and dressage competitions, and put on fun rides.  All these are open to everyone, not just Pony Club members, and are very useful to the Branch as fund-raisers.