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 Tests in between Efficiency 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

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.

BHS Qualification Direct Entry Information Evening for The Pony Club

On Tuesday 11th February (7:00pm – 8:00pm) the BHS are hosting a webinar for Pony Club members (past and present) who would like to find out more about how they can use their Pony Club Tests to gain entry to BHS qualifications.

As well as explaining the entry routes available, the BHS will also talk about how BHS qualifications can support your career whether you intend to work with horses or work in a completely different industry.

This talk is open to all so if you hold Pony Club Tests but are no longer a member or you’re a PC parent or coach who would like to find out more please register to join the BHS for this webinar.

Please register by clicking the registration link 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.