SUGGESTED PROGRAMME OF TRAINING

On passing ‘B’ Test and whilst working for A Test Horse and Pony Care read the Test Sheet for ‘A’ Standard. Make sure you fully understand all they imply.

Work first on the areas that your ‘B’ Test Examiners may have criticised you on.

Begin the reading programme of The Pony Club Publications mentioned on the Test Sheet.

Work continuously on your position in the saddle and never become complacent about it.

Ride as many different horses as you can and practise putting into words what you think about them (Assessment). Remember that jumping is a major part of the test, so continuous practice on a variety of horses is essential to develop confidence and fluency.

Try to spend time helping in a good yard where there are plenty of horses at different levels of training including untrained horses.

Be observant when looking at horses, so that you train your eye to recognise faults.

Visit horse sales, with someone knowledgeable if you can, and make assessments of conformation.

Continue with the progressive training of your own horse. If you have had the same horse for two or three years, you will probably have begun early lateral work and variations of stride, etc.

Find someone who is an experienced trainer and who uses and accepts BHS methods, and offer your services as an assistant when they are handling and training a young horse.

Continue to ride as much as you can under instruction. Always ask the advice of your Branch chief instructor.

Help in your Branch as an assistant and then as a junior instructor.

Develop a common-sense approach and try to simplify.

Gain competitive experience and learn to handle your ‘nerves’.

Re-read all Pony Club publications mentioned on the Test Sheet.

Ride with a double bridle and become confident in its use.

Ride trained horses.