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Certificates

The Pony Club Australia Syllabus of Instruction is built on certificate levels that enable the rider to continuously develop their skills in riding, horse care and citizenship.

About Certificates

      • Pony Club encourages riders to learn about horse and pony care as well as riding through its certification program.  
      • Members are encouraged to move through the certificates at their own pace but in the set order. 
      • At all certificate levels, riders are expected to understand correct safety practices and demonstrate correct use of appropriate safety equipment for horse handling and ground work (such as correct handling of a lead rope) and when riding (riding boots, helmet correctly fitted, body protector when jumping etc.) 
      • To achieve the certificate standard, riders will be required to complete the respective manual and demonstrate practical skills. 
      • An Assessor within our Club may test for E, D and D* Certificates.
      • C Certificates and above are assessed within Zone 1 on set days.
        (Workbooks to be completed and reviewed with HPC chief instructor before assessment day)
      • Riders 13yrs and over wishing to compete at State Championships must have a C Certificate.
      • Please refer to the Certificate Resources above for links to useful information.

Certificate Proficiency Standards

Please refer to Pony Club Australia's Syllabus for more details.

E Standard

The E Certificate is recommended by not compulsory.


Candidates working through the E Certificate will be riding on the lead line or transitioning to independent riding. Assessment can be completed on a lead line. 


E Certificates are assessed at a nominated time by a HPC Assessor.

D Standard

There are no prerequisites for the D Certificate but the E Certificate is recommended preparation.


Objectives 

  • To gain confidence in riding, handling and caring for a pony 
  • To be keen to learn and improve 
Candidates must have reasonable control of their ponies.


D Certificates are assessed at a nominated time by a HPC Assessor.

D* Standard

Prerequisites 

  • D Certificate 

Objectives 

  • To work towards a balanced seat and independence of the reins 
  • To improve the rider's control of the pony 
  • To have an elementary knowledge of the care of the pony 
Candidates must have control of their ponies and show a more secure and correct position for flat work and jumping. 


D* Certificates are assessed at a nominated time by a HPC Assessor.

C Standard

Prerequisites 

  • D* Certificate 

Objectives 

  • To attain a balanced seat, independent of the reins on the flat and over small fences. 
  • To show control of the pony at all paces. 
  • To demonstrate knowledge of horsemanship as outlined in the examination format. 
Candidates should be encouraged to ride in snaffle bits wherever possible. If another bit is used, the candidate should know the name and understand its action.

 

The rider should be able to maintain consistent contact through the reins. In checking diagonals or leading leg, the candidate may drop the eyes to look at the shoulders, but may not drop the head or lean forward. Ideally the concept of "feel" through the seat should be introduced at this stage. The forward jumping position/s with a steady lower leg should be established by the time of the test. To obtain a secure and steady seat candidates should be encouraged to hold on to the mane or a neck strap over the jump.


C Certificates are assessed periodically by a Zone 1 Assessor.

C* Standard

Prerequisites 

  • C Certificate 

Objectives 

  • To become an active rider with knowledge of the aids and how to apply them correctly and effectively. 
  • To ride simple cross country and showjumping fences 
  • To gain practical experience and knowledge of the care and conditioning of the horse in preparation for a strenuous event. 
  • To have a thorough knowledge of the Road Rules for horses as apply to your State. 
  • To ride safely and sensibly on the roads and in the country. 
This is an alternative Certificate to the K Certificate which bridges the gap between C and B Certificates. Its purpose is to provide an incentive for members who, having achieved C Certificate would value an interim test to check progress and maintain interest. 


C* Certificates are assessed periodically by a Zone 1 Assessor.

K Standard

Prerequisites 

  • C Certificate 

Objectives 

  • To widen the candidate's experience in various aspects of horsemastership. 
  • To become an active, efficient rider who is thoughtful for the horse. 
  • To improve skills in horsemastership, and other horse related activities. 
This is an alternative Certificate to C*, between C & B. It is designed for the active rider, and covers many equestrian aspects not included in other Certificates. The "K" comprises a compulsory section and a wide variety of optional subjects.


K Certificates are assessed periodically by a Zone 1 Assessor.

B Standard

Prerequisites 

  • C* or K Certificate 

Objectives 

  • To become a competent, all-round rider, who knows the reasons for what he/she is doing and is able to assess results. 
  • To ride over different types of fences at specified paces. 
  • To be capable of riding and jumping any well-mannered horse or pony, and commenting on its way of moving. •
  • To be capable of joining in any suitable Pony Club activities of interest to the rider, e.g. Eventing, hunting, trekking, Gymkhanas, etc. and looking after the horse before, during and after the day's activity. 
  • To gain knowledge and practical experience of the care and conditioning of horses and to be able to look after a stabled horse 
  • To ride intelligently and with due regard for others on the roads and in the country, with a knowledge of pace and distance. 

B Certificates are assessed annually by the PCQ Chief Instructor Panel.

A Standard

Prerequisites 

  • B Certificate 

Objectives 

  • To become an educated horse person, able to ride with confidence, style and polish on the flat and over fences. 
  • To understand the principles of training, including young horses, as taught in Pony Club and be able to put these principles into practice. 
  • To be capable of riding and jumping horses of all temperaments and stages of training and of assessing a horse's potential and how it could be schooled to improve ride and performance. 
  • To gain wide knowledge of the care and conditioning of horses. 
  • To have a sound knowledge of the organization and running of Pony Club Australia and the Candidate's own State Association 
  • Knowledge of other societies and organizations connected with horses. 
The preparation for the "A" test should be progressive and continuous. It is an exam for the serious and dedicated rider who is prepared to devote thought, time and effort to improving his/her riding and knowledge of training a young horse.


A Certificates are assessed annually by the PCQ Chief Instructor Panel.

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