Assessor Training

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Start Your Journey as a Pony Club Test Assessor

To ensure the highest standards across our training and assessments, all Pony Club Assessors from D to A Test level must follow the National Assessor Pathway. This includes holding the required technical qualifications, having sufficient experience, and completing any probationary periods with appropriate verification — as detailed in the Assessor Pathway Document. Becoming a Pony Club Assessor is a rewarding way to support the development of members while sharing your knowledge and experience.
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Meet the Minimum Requirements

To assess at any level (D–A Test), you must:

  • Be an Accredited Pony Club Coach, listed on The Pony Club Coach Database
  • Hold the minimum technical qualification required for the level you wish to assess
  • Have appropriate coaching and equestrian experience
  • Be familiar with The Pony Club structure and ethos and abide by the Assessor Code of Conduct
Attend Assessor Training
  • Attend an Assessor CPD (Continuing Professional Development) Workshop every two years for each level you assess

  • Complete a Soft Skills Workshop (mandatory for C+ Test and above)

Interested?

If you’re ready to begin your journey or want to learn more, reach out to your District Commissioner/Centre Proprietor or Area Representative or check the Assessor Pathway Document for full details.

Test LevelAssessor Requirements
E Test
– Can be from within or outside the Branch.
– No specific requirements, but should be familiar with the level being assessed, plus the level above and below
D Test
– Preferably from outside the Branch (best practice).
– No formal qualifications required, but assessors must:
• Be familiar with the test level and those above/below.
• Attend a D/D+ Assessor Training Workshop.
• Shadow an experienced assessor (recommended).
Centres: Invite an assessor from your local Branch.
D+ Test
– Same as D Test requirements.
– Preferably from outside the Branch.
– Must attend a D/D+ Assessor Training Workshop.
– Recommended to shadow an experienced assessor before assessing independently.
Centres: Invite an assessor from your local Branch.
C Test
   
– Assessors should be more experienced.
– DCs can select suitable assessors.
– Must attend a C Test Assessor Training Workshop.
– Recommended to shadow and then co-assess before assessing independently.
Centres: Invite an assessor from your local Branch.
C+ Test

– Two assessors required:
• One must be a B Test assessor.
• One must be external to the Branch.
– In some cases, one B Test assessor external to the Branch may assess alone.
Centres: One assessor must be a B Test assessor. Centre Co-ordinator or Area Rep can assist.
– New assessors must attend a C+ Assessor Training Workshop and are recommended to shadow and co-assess before assessing independently.
B Test


– Area Rep manages the panel of approved assessors.
– Assessors must be approved and listed with The Pony Club Office.
– Must attend a study day every two years.
– New assessors must probation at least two B Tests before joining the panel.
Lungeing Test
– Assessed by an AH Test assessor.
B+ Test

– Must have experience assessing at B Test level.
– Attend a B+ Assessor CPD every two years.
– Must shadow at least two B+ Tests and be signed off by an AH or A Test Assessor.
– May need to shadow more than once depending on performance.
– Refer to Assessor Code of Conduct.
AH Test
– Four assessors from the AH Test panel for up to eight candidates.
– An AH Chief Assessor may attend for consistency.
– New assessors must probation at least three AH Tests and be approved by the Area Rep and Chief Assessor.
A Test
– Three assessors from the A Test panel for up to eight candidates.
– An additional panel assessor may attend for consistency.

Need more information?

Please see the contact details to the right.

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Ellie El Khamlichi

Lead Training Officer
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Rosa Dakin

Training Officer