An Intro to Pony Club's Testing_Standards of Proficiency

 

    The United States Pony Clubs, Inc., henceforth referred to as USPC, allows people of all ages to gain an in-depth understanding of all things related to horses. USPC uses a testing system to determine proficiency in both riding and horsemanship. This testing system may seem daunting at first, which is why we have provided a short break-down of everything.

Certification (or rating) is broken down into two main categories: riding and horse management. Before you can ride a test, you must first prove horse management skills of the same or higher level.

The levels are as followed:

D1, D2, D3, C1, C2, C3, B, A

D-Levels

The D Level is an introduction to the fun and challenge of riding, establishing a foundation of safety habits and knowledge of the daily care of a horse/pony and tack. D-1 through D-3 Pony Club members learn to ride independently, with control, maintaining a secure position at the walk, trot and canter on the flat and over low fences. Starting at D-2, testing is divided into phases: Horse Management, Riding on the Flat and Riding over Fences. There are various routes or emphasis available including Eventing, Dressage, Western and  Hunter/Jumper/Equitation. Horse management at the D-level is all relatively simple and fundamental. You should be able to list basic horse facts, grooming techniques, and medical knowledge as well as be able to tack up with assistance (if necessary). Starting at D3, you begin to develop record keeping skills and a more detailed knowledge of  horse care. This testing is awarded at the local level and hosted by the members' club or riding center.

C-Levels

The C Level Pony Club member is learning to become an active horseman, to care independently for horse and tack, and to understand the reasons for what and why they are doing those tasks. The C Level pony clubber shows development toward a secure, independent seat and increasing control and confidence in all phases of riding. The C-1 and C-2 ratings are awarded at the local level. The C-3 and B level ratings are national certifications and reflect a basis of competence in riding and horse management that are recognizable by knowledgeable equine professionals.

B-A Certification levels

The B certification is for the active horseman who is interested in acquiring further knowledge and proficiency in all phases of riding and horse. The B is able to ride experienced horses with confidence and control on the flat, over fences and out in the open. They should be able to care for another person's experienced horse, maintaining proper mental and physical condition without un-doing any of the horse's education. The B members understands and is able to explain the reason for what they are doing and contributes to the education of younger members.

The H-A to A Pony Clubber is a knowledgeable horseperson of experience and maturity who can care for a horse's needs efficiently, teach riding and horse care to others and ride or train horse of various schooling levels with judgement, tact and effectiveness. They are able to train young horses or re-train spoiled ones.

The USPC testing system and Standards of Proficiency provides Pony Club members with an instructional program that will enable them to become competent and able horsepeople. Secondly, it provides a framework for equestrians of the same abilities to compete equitably since most Pony Club competitions or rallies are configured around Certification levels. Thirdly, it provides a quick gauge for knowledgeable instructors on the skill level and abilities of their Pony Club students.

Find out more about USPC Standards of Proficiency and the certification process HERE