Congratulations to Cassie & Laurel - Cassie is our newest Nationally Certified member - Great Job on the C-3!
Standards of Proficiency Every member in Pony Club will progress through our Standards of Proficiency at a pace that comfortable for them. At the lower-levels (D-1 through C-2) testings are administered by the our club. The H-B, C-3, B, H/H-A, and A are national certifications and are administered by the National Testing Committee. During a test, whether done at the local or national level, the members' skills and knowledge are tested against the Standards of Proficiency which outline the expectations to be met at each level in each section - Horse Management, Riding on Flat and Riding Over Fences. For each element outlined in the Standards for a particular level, members will be judged as to if they Meet the Standards, Exceeded the Standards, or Did Not Meet the Standards.
The following is a brief overview of each level: D Level (D-1, D-2, D-3) are an introduction to the fun and challenge of riding, establishing safety habits and knowledge of the daily care of a pony and tack. The D member learns to ride independently, with control, maintaining a secure position at the walk, trot and canter and over low fences.
C Level (C-1, C-2) are members learning to become an active horseman, to care independently for a mount and tack and to understand the reasons for what he or she is doing. The C shows development towards a secure, independent seat, and increasing control and confidence in all phases of riding.
Upper Levels - National Certifications H-B Level covers Horse Management knowledge that demonstrates increasing knowledge and competence in the care and handling of horses.
C-3 Level reflects competence in riding and horse care that will make possible a lifetime with horses.
B Levelis for the active horseman and Pony Club member who is interested in acquiring further knowledge and proficiency in riding. The B is able to ride experienced mounts with confidence and control. The B should be able to ride and care for another person's experienced mount, maintaining proper mental and physical condition without undoing any of the mount's education. The B understands and is able to explain the reasons for what he or she is doing and to contribute to the education of younger Pony Club members.
H/H-A Level covers horse management, teaching and training. The H/H-A has the knowledge, experience and maturity to evaluate and care for a mount's needs efficiently and in a variety of circumstances, and to teach riding and horse care to others.
A Level is the highest level. The A is able to ride mounts at various levels of schooling with judgment, tact and effectiveness; to train young mounts; and to retrain spoiled mounts. Specialty CertificationAt the C-3 level members may choose to "specialize." Members may choose to continue on with the "traditional" Eventing track, or with the Show Jumping or Dressage specialty certifications. The Standards for Dressage and Show Jumping have been tailored for specific rider development in those disciplines.