Throughout their Pony Club career, riders are encouraged to undertake various efficiency tests according to their age and ability - commencing with the basic ‘E’ Certificate through to the ‘A’ Certificate. These certificates aim to encourage the interest and improvement in knowledge of its members. They are viewed as a measure of a rider’s progress in their overall proficiency. In working for them riders acquire valuable knowledge and skills, which enhance their riding experience.
A copy of the Pony Club Australia Syllabus of Instruction should be obtained by each member as this contains all information relating to the requirements for tests. ‘Riding’ is also an excellent reference manual for riders and parents as it contains information concerning all aspects of riding and horse care. These can be purchased through the State Office here.
The following certificates are available to members:
E Certificate
Candidates have reasonable control of their ponies at the walk and trot. Some help may be given, such as allowing ponies to work in company. Minimal help can be given with other tasks.
D Certificate
Elementary knowledge of grooming, feeding and general care of the horse. Basic riding ability.
D Star Certificate
Further knowledge of grooming, feeding, care of horses, parts of the horse. More capable riding ability.
C Certificate
Independent seat required, with correct aids and a degree of competence in other aspects of riding. General knowledge of horse care and parts of the horse.
C Star certificate
Active riding skills at a fast pace, using a correct, strong seat, well established in forward jumping position. Good horse knowledge.
K Certificate
Action activities and a 40km ride. The K certificate is a non-jumping alternative to the C* Certificate.
B Certificate
Active, capable rider who understands the aids thoroughly and can apply them appropriately.
A Certificate
Strong rider able to ride a variety of mounts. High standard of horsemanship and general knowledge.
| Certificate | Recommended Ages |
| E Standard | Under 7 years |
| D Standard | 7 Years |
| D Star Standard | 9 Years |
| C Standard | 12 Years |
| C Star Standard | 14 Years |
| K Standard | 14 Years |
| B Standard | 16 Years |
| A Standard | 17 Years |
Particulars of all certificates may be found in the Australian Pony Club ‘‘Syllabus of Instruction’’ available to download below.
- The E Certificate is optional, but recommended.
- The D, D*, C and B Certificates are pre-requisites for the following certificates.
- The C Certificate is recommended as the baseline for all members and will ensure that the rider has a good foundation of skill, safety and horsemanship.
- Candidates can progress from C to B via either the C* or the K Certificate.
ASSESSOR: An Assessor within a Club may test for E, D and D*. Each State must have a panel of Assessors for certificates C and above. Assessors should not test in their own Club unless circumstances, such as excessive distance, make this necessary.
To remain on the Assessor's Panel, Assessors must be active members of a Pony Club and attend current refresher courses conducted by their State. The names of Assessors on the Panel will be reveiwed by each State every three years.
ASSESSMENT CREDITS: Any section of a Test passed by the candidated will be held as credit/s until such time as all sections are passed (maximum two years from original practical Assessment date).
JOURNALS AND WRITTEN PAPERS: Written papers are no longer required for E, D, D* and C Certificates. Candidates will be required to keep a journal for C* and above. Written papers are an option for some parts of the higher certificates.
CERTIFICATE MANUALS: Candidates will be required to work through the syllabus using Pony Club Australiacertificate resources(i.e.Certificate Manuals).
WORKSHEETS: Worksheets are available for B and A which guide Candidates throughout the Syllabus requirements. There is no course content in the worksheets as it is expected that Candidates at this level will gather their knowledge from a variety of sources.
SUPLMENTARY TESTS FOR PRACTICAL SECTIONS: Supplementary testing may be required where horses or conditions are unsuitable on the scheduled day of assessment or where further development is required from the rider. Supplementary testingmay be undertaken at a time agreed by the Assessor and candidate once the candidate is readyand within two years of the first assessment at this level. Where possible,one of the original assessors should be engagedfor the supplementary test.
PRESENTATION:
- For ridden assessments, candidates must wear Pony Club or PCA Accredited Centre formal uniform.
- The horse must be clean and tidy, with hooves showing evidence of care.
- All tackmust be clean and fit correctly, and be in good repair.
- Riders should ride in a snaffle bit where possible. If another bit is used for higher certificates, the candidate should be able to explain its action
HORSES: Horse and rider combinations for practical assessment must have attended a minimum of 2 working rallies and must be the rider's qualified mount as per State/Territory Rules.
CERTIFICATES AND CLOTH PATCHES: Certificates and cloth patches are available from the Pony Club NSW association office for presentation to members gaining certificates. Cloth patches are to be worn on the right-hand sleeve of shirt or jumper above the elbow starting with D at the top.
RECOMMENDED READINGS:
- Syllabus of Instruction (available for download here)
- Riding Book (Green Book) (available for purchase here)
- Pony Club Manual No. 1 (NZ) D & C Certificates
- Pony Club Manual No. 2 (NZ) B, H & A Certificates
- Manual of Horsemanship (BHS)
To order any of the above publications please visit our online store here: shop.pcansw.org.au
Certificate manuals must now be ordered via Pony Club Australia shop: http://www.ponyclubaustralia.com.au/Manuals.aspx
Tools for riders and parents to check if they are ready for assessment (E, D, D*)