B+ Test

Minimum Age: 16

Standards of Efficiency Test Sheet 2012

General

The Test is a non-compulsory riding test taken after the Lungeing Test and either before or after AH. It is a ‘stepping stone’ between B (full test) and A Test.

Candidates will be required to ride their own plus two horses belonging to other Members. It is a requirement that candidates allow their horse to be ridden by two other candidates on the flat and over show jumps including a course. Horses should be fit, suitable for other riders to use and go quietly in a double bridle.

Objective

Riders will be able to:

• Ride horses in harmony and balance.
• Be an effective rider on the flat, in show jumping and across country. Showing balance and security of position (as described in Pony Club Publications).
• Assess horses’ way of going on the flat and over show jumps up to 90 cm.
• Correctly assess horses’ levels of work on the flat & over fences from the young horse up to Pony Club Eventing Level 4.  Cross country fences up to 85 cm.
• Discuss plans to develop horses’ training.

Riding

What you need to know and demonstrate when Riding:

• Ride your own horse on the flat in a double bridle.
• Riding horses in harmony and balance.
• Correct assessment of horse’s rhythm, suppleness, and contact as per the Scales of Training.
• Ability to assess horses way of going and plan for improvement.
• Plan and demonstrate progressive work designed to improve and develop weak areas in rhythm suppleness and contact.
• Show understanding of the relationship between school figures and lateral work, in enhancing the gaits and balance of the horse being ridden.
• Be able to show leg yielding, counter canter, shoulder-in and direct transitions including walk to canter relative to the horses training.
• Show a secure balanced jumping position over fences and undulating terrain at all paces.
• Develop and maintain a horse’s balance and confidence in the open and over cross country fences.
• Show effective riding in demonstrating smooth fluent turns and balanced approaches to fences.
• Effective riding on the flat, show jumping and across country, showing balance and security in position (as described in Pony Club Publications).
• Demonstrate understanding of pace and balance requirements for a variety of fence types and terrain, both in Show Jumping and Cross Country jumping
• Correct assessment of horses’ levels of work on the flat and over fences from the young horse up to Pony Club Eventing Level 4 (Intermediate).
• Assess and describe aspects of their horse’s strengths and weaknesses both on the flat and jumping.  Describe suitable plans to accommodate and improve those aspects.

Theory you need to know and discuss:

• Describe the horse’s gaits and explain the various states (e.g. working, medium) within the gaits.
• Explain the first five Scales of Training.
• Give reasons for school figures and appropriate lateral work used to develop the first three Scales of Training.
• Explain correct build-up work for lateral work exercises and give the reasons for their use.
• Give the uses of; trotting, canter and ground poles, related distances (fences up to 1 metre), in training and practice.
• Explain the demands / considerations regarding the riding of specific obstacles e.g.;
  Cross Country:  Going into water, into dark, angled rails, corners, drops, ditches, banks.
  Show Jumping:  Verticals, oxers, two & one striding doubles, dog legs and related distances.
  
• How to deal with: refusals, run-outs, loss of confidence, rushing, jumping flat.
• Explain principles and considerations when course walking.
• Explain development of speed and pace as required for Pony Club Eventing Level 4.
• Give examples of training young horses in preparation for first show or first outing in company.

Read

Pony Club Publications:

• The Manual of Horsemanship.
• Breeding, Backing and Bringing on Young Horses.
• A Young Persons Guide to Eventing - Gill Watson.
• To Be A Dressage Rider - Jane Kidd.
• A Young Persons Guide to Show Jumping - Tim Stockdale.
• Look No Hands - Eric Smiley.
• Endurance Riding.
• The Stablemates Series.

Felt colour: Pale purple