Each child joins Pony Club as an unrated member and progresses through the ratings at his/her own pace. The lower-level ratings (D-1 through C-2) are awarded within the local club. The C-3 and H-B are regional ratings. The B, H/H-A, and A are national ratings, conducted by the National Testing Committee.
According to the Space Coast Pony Express policies, members must fill out a Rating Request Form with concurrence by their parent and riding instructor and turn it in to the DC to request a rating.
The following is a brief overview of each level:
The 'D' Rating is an introduction to the fun and challenge of riding, establishing a foundation of safety habits and knowledge of the daily care of a pony/horse and tack. The D-1 through D-3 Pony Club member learns to ride independently, with control, maintaining a secure position at the walk, trot and canter on the flat and over low fences. All D ratings are awarded at the club level. Completed Prep Guides must be submitted when scheduling a rating. For your convenience, a link is shown below.
D1 - D1_Prep_Guide.doc
D2 - D2_prep_guide.doc
D3 - D3_prep_guide.doc
The 'C' Pony Club member is learning to become an active horseman, to care independently for horse and tack, and to understand the reasons for what he or she is doing. The C shows development toward a secure, independent seat and increasing control and confidence in all phases of riding. The C-1 and C-2 ratings are awarded at the club level. The C-3 is a national rating and reflects a basis on competence in riding and horse care that will make possible a lifetime of pleasure with horses.
Completed Prep Guides must be submitted when scheduling a rating. For your convenience, a link is shown below.
C1 - C1_Prep_Guide.doc
C1 - C2PrepGuide-Jan2004Standard.doc
C1 - Provided by Region.
(C3 consists of two portions - C+ is the riding portion and HB is the knowledge portion that encompasses knowledge for C3 and B level.) For details: http://www.ponyclub.org/forms.php#D click on D under Forms on D1 - Guidelines for D-1 to C-2 Testing. Source: http://www.ponyclub.org/ click on P under Forms and Parent's Answer Book.
HB, B, HA and A Rating are all national ratings and details can be found on http://www.ponyclub.org/ under forms and the letter of the rating. Those starting with H are the knowledge portion.