The Pony Club Training structure encourages Members to take tests which enables them to learn progressively about horse and pony care and riding. The tests are taken at recommended ages and are designed with certain objectives in mind.

The following Tests have been updated for 2010: D, D+, C, C+, Road Rider, B Horse & Pony Care, B Riding, Lungeing and A.  The 2010 Coaching Certificate syllabus is also now available. 

The Scales of Training

Each of the Scales of Training acts as foundation or prerequisite for the next, so when the first scale is in place the horse is ready to begin working on the next.  These scales help to make training more logical and can help horse and rider improve as a partnership.

  The Scales of Training (17.31 kB)

Equine Working Notebooks

Mini Achievement Badges Not old enough to take the Achievement Badges? Why not take our Mini Achievement Badges

Achievement Badges Details of The Pony Club Achievement Badges Equine Badges, Non-Equine Badges

Progressive Tests The Progressive Tests are available to Members in Horsemanship and Riding and Road Sense. These allow Members to take Tests in modules throughout the different levels. Bronze, Silver, Gold, ...

E Standard This test is an entirely voluntary option which Members may choose to take before attempting the ‘D’ Test.

D Standard To have a basic understanding of ponies.  To achieve confidence in handling and riding a pony.  To improve and enjoy learning about ponies.  To hold more Mini Achievement Badges.

D+ Standard To be working towards developing a balanced seat independent of the reins.  As of January 2010, Members have to pass their D+ Test before taking their C Test.

C Standard To understand the importance of, and to be working towards a secure correct balanced seat, independent of the reins. To understand why a correct seat is important. 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.

C+ Standard To become an educated and practical rider.  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.  As of January 2010, Members have to pass their C+ Test before taking their B Test.

Road Rider Test The Pony Club is a leader in the promotion of road safety. Members are taught the importance and the need for care and courtesy on the roads and coached and prepared for The Pony Club or British Horse Society's Road Safety Test. The 'Road Rider' DVD and 'Junior Road Rider' book have been produced by The Pony Club and these can be had obtained from The Pony Club Office and are essential viewing and reading.

B Standard - Horse and Pony Care To gain practical experience and knowledge of the care of a stabled horse/pony and of a horse/pony at grass.  To look after these before, during and after the day's hunting, eventing or endurance.

B Standard - Riding To become an effective rider who knows the reasons for what he or she is doing.  To know the Scales of Training.  To understand the Scales provide a staircase of training suitable for all horses and ponies.  To be able to maintain a horse's way of going.  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 ride intelligently and with due regard for others in the country, with a knowledge of pace, distance and discipline when riding alone and in groups.

The B Test and the British Horse Society Exemption Members holding the full B Test are allowed direct entry to BHS Stage III. Read further details here.

Coaching Certificate The new Coaching Certificate is designed to give candidates a sound base of coaching knowledge, to enable them to teach a group of riders up to C standard and a group of C+ standard for horse care.

Lungeing Test To be able to work the horse for exercise on the lunge.  It is necessary to pass the Lungeing Test before attempting the AH Test.

AH Test The Pony Club 'AH' Test stands alone as the highest Test of horsemanship available in the Pony Club. It is recognized world-wide and is very much sought after. It is a pre-requisite for the 'A' Test Riding, replacing the Horsemastership section of that test. AH Test Syllabus, AH Test Exemption

A Test Riding The Pony Club A Test is the highest Test within The Pony Club structure. It is recognized world wide and is very much sought after! A Test Exemptions, A Test Syllabus

The Pony Club Hunting Certificate Information about The Pony Club Hunting Certificate

Polo Test (Lower) The test is designed to encourage children who have chosen PCP as their main sport to further their knowledge of horsemanship and care of the polo pony.

Polo Test (Higher) The test is designed to encourage children who have chosen Pony Club Polo as their main sport to further their knowledge of horsemanship and care of the polo pony.

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