Pony Club runs on a Tuesday 5:30 till 7:00pm and a Thursday 5:30pm till 7:00 Saturdays 1.30pm till 3 pm during term time only. Please ask for more information on joining the Pony Club.
Sessions are £50.00 per half term block. At the end of each full term, we present badges these are £1.50 each, we also encourage children to study and complete the non-equine bages at home as well.
Pony Club is based in our Pony Club room and in the yard. We ask all the children to dress appropriately for being on the yard riding hats, boots, and according to weather conditions.
Members can work towards badges equine related and non-equine, progressive tests and learn about the general care and welfare of horses and ponies.
We hold regular Pony Club Assessment mornings (NEXT DATE TO BE CONFIRMED) FROM 9 - 11am £20 per person. Membership must be up to date to attend. Limited spaces, book early to avoid disappointment.
The Pony Club Training structure encourages members to take tests throughout their Pony Club career enabling them to learn progressively about horse and pony care and riding. The tests are normally taken at recommended ages and are designed with certain criteria. Each test is awarded a different colour felt to be placed under their Pony Club badge.
The Pony Club Efficiency test levels are acknowledged as a high level of achievement worldwide and are definitely worth attaining as an additional qualification for your CV.
Once you reach C+ level the exam is split into two sections C+ Horse Care and C+ Riding. You need to pass both before progressing to B test Riding or B test Horse Care. Once you have passed your C+ you can do your UKCC level 1 coaching certificate and start assisting in instructing.
B TEST - Passing your B test enables you to go straight to BHS stage 3.
For information on what is required for each test, please visit The Pony Club website here.
For fun help in revising for the D, D+ and C Tests, visit the PonyPrep website Pony Prep.
‘D’ Test
To pass ‘D’ Test, Members should have a basic understanding of ponies, be confident handling, and riding a pony. You should be about 8 or 9 years old.
D+’ Test
To pass the ‘D+’ Test, Members should understand the aids and be able to apply them.
You should be about 10 years old.
Riding and Road Safety Test
The Riding and Road Safety Test aim to promote safety on the road. Riders must show that they ride with courtesy and responsibility and that they are aware of the law, the Highway Code and guidance laid down in The Pony Club Riding and Road Safety Manual.
C Test
Objective – To understand the importance of, and to be working towards a secure seat independent of the reins. 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.
The recommended minimum age is 11 or 12
‘C+’ Test
Objective – To become an educated and practical horseman 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.
The recommended minimum age is 14 years.
‘B’ Standard Horse and Pony Care
Objective – To gain practical experience and knowledge of the care of a stabled pony and of a pony at grass. To look after a pony before, during, and after the day’s hunting or other activity.
The recommended age is 15/16 years.
‘B’ Standard Riding
Objective – To become an effective horseman who knows the reasons for what he is doing. 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 look after a pony before, during, and after the day’s hunting or other activity. To ride intelligently and with due regard to others in the country, with a knowledge of pace, distance and discipline when riding alone and in groups.
The recommended age is 15/16 years
The Efficiency test structure is shown below.
Working notebooks can be purchased Equine Working Notebooks to aid your child's progression through the tests.
More information about the Pony Club can be found on the Pony Clubs website www.pcuk.org
