Tests

Introduction

What are The Pony Club Tests?

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 – see below for the order in which tests are taken, test syllabuses, how to book, test fees and Direct Entry Guidelines/Exemptions.

Tests Available to Members

A Test, AH Test, B+ Test, Lungeing Test, B Test, C+ Test, C Test, D+ Test D Test and the E Test.

Members can take the Care and Riding Sections separately for the C Test, C+ Test and B Test.

Please find The Pony Club Training Pathway below, click on the image to view in full.

Progressive Awards

Progressive Awards allow Members to work towards Pony Club Tests in between Test levels E and C+. There are four levels of Progressive Tests; Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

How to Book

Pony Club Tests are booked differently depending on the level being taken.

E, D, D+, Road Rider, C and C+ Tests

These are organised by Branches and Centres – contact your DC, Chief Coach or Centre proprietor if you’d like to book on to one of these.

B, B+, Lungeing and AH Tests

These are organised by your club’s Area Representative – get in touch with them if you’d like a book a test. Contact details for Area Reps are available on the Committees page.

A Test

These are booked centrally via The Pony Club Office. The A Test Training and A Test Days are available to book below.

Candidates should ensure they meet the A Test entry requirements before applying. Online entry must be accompanied by a completed A Test nomination form which includes the signatures of the DC / Centre Proprietor and Area Representative. This nomination form should be sent to training@pcuk.org.

A Test Training Days

Wednesday 12th March – Wellington Riding, RG27 0LJ

Tuesday 8th April – Talland School of Equitation, GL7 5FD

Wednesday 17th September – Wellington Riding, RG27 0LJ

A Test Dates

Wednesday 16th April – Wellington Riding, RG27 0LJ

Wednesday 11th June – Talland School of Equitation, GL7 5FD

Wednesday 10th September – Talland School of Equitation, GL7 5FD

Wednesday 22nd October – Wellington Riding, RG27 0LJ

A Test Training Evening with A Test Assessor Catherine Cawdron

A Test Assessor Catherine Cawdron has kindly offered her time in kind to run two free online training sessions for members who are booked to complete their A Test in 2025, or who have attended one of the A Test Training Days. Bookings are via Entrymaster, through the button below.

Wednesday 3rd September, 18:00-19:00

Wednesday 8th October, 18:00-19:00

Direct Entry, Exemptions and Guidelines

A number of our tests are recognised as suitable for direct entry to British Horse Society examinations, and those holding specified BHS qualifications will be able to take Pony Club Tests at the level relevant to their experience.

Please be aware that Direct Entry only allows entry into the specified level. It is not a recognition of prior learning. For example if you hold your B Test and enter into the BHS Stage 2 Coach exam, you will be able to progress onto the Stage 3 Coach exam, but you will not hold the full Stage 2 Qualification because you have not passed the other BHS units.

You must have your certificates signed by the Area Representative and District Commissioner and apply for Direct Entry within 5 years of passing the test. If you wish to apply for Direct Entry into BHS exams after 5 years, you can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning, details on this process can be found below.

Tests resources available to Members

Test Coaching Resources

All test sheets, feedback forms, and result sheets for coaches and assessors are available on the resource hub. Please click the link below to access them.

Note: If the page appears empty after clicking the link, you may need to log in. If the page remains empty after logging in, you may not have the access level to view these documents. If you believe you should have access, please contact us at enquiries@pcuk.org.