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The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. STANDARDS OF PROFICIENCY FOR
H-B/H-HM/H/H-A CERTIFICATIONS
The United States Pony Clubs, Inc., establishes Standards of Proficiency within the Our Mission:
framework of the international Pony Club movement as the educational curriculum The United States Pony Clubs, Inc., develops for a program of instruction and evaluation of its members for certifications in three character, leadership, confidence and a sense primary areas: Horse Management, On the Flat, and Over Fences. of community in youth through a program The D-Levels offer an introduction to the fun and challenge of riding, establishing a foundation of safety
that teaches the care of horses and ponies, habits and knowledge of the daily care of a mount and related equipment. The D-level Horse Manage- ment focuses on acquiring the knowledge and skills related to care and ground handling of the mount.
The D level-member may also learn and be evaluated on riding independently on the flat, with control, Our Core Values:
maintaining a reasonably secure position at the walk, trot and canter. In addition, the D-level membersmay choose to learn and be evaluated while riding their mounts over low fences. All D certificates are Horsemanship with respect to health-
handling and riding a mount safely, correctly The C-1 and C-2 Levels are for the Pony Club member learning to become an active horseman, to care
independently for his/her mount and tack, and to understand the reasons for what he or she is doingwith the mount while either mounted or unmounted. Similar to the D-level, the C-1 and C-2 levels focus Organized teamwork including coopera-
on advancement and evaluation of Horse Management skills as well as show development towards a leadership, mentoring, teaching and foster- secure, independent seat and increasing control and confidence in all phases of riding, flat and/or jump-ing. The C-1 and C-2 certificates are awarded at the club/center level.
ing a supportive yet competitive environ-ment The H-B, C-3, B, H-HM/H/H-A and A Certifications are facilitated on a national basis and require a
greater depth of knowledge and proficiency than the earlier certifications. Successful candidates are
Respect for the horse and self through
competent, all-around horsemen, active and contributing members of USPC, who participate in a variety of Pony Club activities. They are also thoughtful leaders who set an example for all. Each of the national- conservation; and for others through service level certifications have a minimum age requirement.
The H-B Certification covers Horse Management knowledge and skills that demonstrate increasing
awareness, education, and competence in the care and handling of horses and in teaching the same
Service by providing an opportunity for
skills to others. It reflects the theory and study as well as the practical aspects of unmounted horse man- port the Pony Club program locally, region- agement that can be expected of a high school curriculum. The minimum age for the H-B certification ally and nationally through volunteerism The H-HM/H/H-A Certification requires the knowledge, experience and maturity to evaluate and care
Education at an individual pace to achieve
for a mount’s needs efficiently and in a variety of circumstances, to competently ground train horses; and to teach riding and horse care to others. It reflects the theory and study as well as the practical as- pects of unmounted horse management that can be expected of a college curriculum. The minimumage for the H-H-M/H/H-A certification is 16 years old.
Heights of Fences D
Heights of Fences for
At the national level, Pony Club members may choose to follow one or all of three riding tracks. They are: Tra- to A* for Traditional Show Jumping
ditional, Show Jumping or Dressage. Specialty Levels:
Height Level
The C-3 Certification reflects a basis of competence in riding, ground schooling, and horse care that
will make possible a lifetime of pleasure with horses. The certification has both demonstration and dis- cussion components. It is the first of the riding certifications to evaluate a member’s ability to seamlessly transfer their riding skills from their own horse to an unknown horse. If the C-3 riding test is passed be- fore the H-B, the member becomes a C+. The minimum age for the C-3 certification is 13 years old.
The B Certification is for the active horseman and Pony Club members who are interested in acquiring
further knowledge and proficiency in riding. The B is able to ride experienced mounts, both their own and others, with confidence and control. Similar to the C-3, the certification has both demonstration Dressage Specialty Levels:
and discussion components. 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 educa- tion. The B understands and is able to explain the reasons for what he or she is doing. The minimumage for the B certification is 14 years old.
Explanation of H-HM/H/H-A Level:
H-HM: A candidate who passes all requirements
The A Certification is the highest riding certification available to members. The A is able to ride mounts
at various levels of schooling with judgment, tact and effectiveness; to train young mounts; and to re- train spoiled mounts. Like the C-3 and the B, the A understands and is able to explain the reasons for what he or she is doing as well as demonstrate the skills required. The A understands and demonstratesa variety of training techniques and discusses their training techniques as a trainer. The minimum age A candidate who passes all requirementsof the H-A test and is also a B member requirement to take the A certification is 16 years old.
HEADGEAR: A properly fitted equestrian hel-
NOTE: In addition to its instructional programs, USPC offers a variety of activities at club, regional, inter-re-
met, securely fastened, containing certifica-
gional and national levels for team and individual participation. Please visit www.ponyclub.org for a list of tion that it meets or exceeds the criteria
activities. Achieving a certification does not necessarily qualify the Pony Club member for competition in any established by a national or international
horse sport, discipline, or activity. Further study and preparation for a particular activity, including working safety body, is required to participate in any
USPC activity (see USPC Policy 0125A).
STANDARDS OF PROFICIENCY FOR H-B/H-HM/H/H-A CERTIFICATIONS
THE H-B STANDARD
• Discuss preparation of mount for safe, comfortable travel for short Horse Management Expectations
• Discuss preparation and checklist for vehicle and trailer safety.
Candidates should be competent while demonstrating sound
Conformation and Lameness
judgment and maturity in the continuing care of their mounts and
• Identify the anatomy of the front and hind leg from shoulder and equipment. Candidates should understand reasons for their deci-
hip down, to include principal bones, tendons and ligaments of sions, knowing when to seek assistance, if necessary. They must
show, through discussion and demonstration, knowledge of vet-
erinary care and teaching principles. Candidates should have the
• Evaluate and discuss overall balance of mount being presented, ability to explain stable and veterinary routines to D-level Pony
to include good and bad conformation points, and how they Club members.
might relate to long-term soundness.
• Discuss conformation of the mount as it relates to interfering, over- reaching, forging, brushing, paddling, winging.
• Identify and discuss use and actions of three basic bit categories: • Identify and discuss the following conformation faults: base nar- row, base wide, back at the knee, bench knees, knock knees, cow • Identify different types of bridles, nosebands, saddles, pads, girths, martingales, breastplates, cruppers and boots. Discuss their use,purpose and fit.
• Know what conformation points might contribute to the listed blemishes or unsoundnesses and discuss the common causes of • Demonstrate and discuss fit of a snaffle bridle.
each, giving location and inner structure(s) involved: bog and Conditioning
bone spavins, bowed tendon, bucked shins, corns, cracks, curb, • Discuss factors to be considered before you begin conditioning navicular, osselets, ringbone, sidebone, splints, suspensory prob- your mount for an activity of choice. Present, discuss and evaluate a conditioning schedule of 8 weeks preparing a horse for a stated Veterinary Care and Record Book
activity or competition utilizing the above principles. (Health, Maintenance, Immunizations) • Discuss basic conditioning principles of: long slow distance, inter- • Records are kept for one year and a hard copy brought to the test. val training, progressive loading and peaking. • Purpose: To supply an accurate and detailed outline of candi-
• Demonstrate how to take a horse’s temperature, pulse and respi- date’s (or borrowed) mount’s health care, feed schedule, hoof care, ration at rest. Discuss normal ranges of TPR at rest, during strenu- maintenance expenses, conditioning and competitive plan. In the event that candidate was laid up or called away for a prolonged Nutrition
period, the mount could be properly maintained. Candidates may • Discuss feeding principles and their effect on the mount’s diges- use the USPC Pony Health & Maintenance Record Book or their own record system. Records should reflect the appropriate depthof knowledge for this level. Records may reflect care of more than • Discuss the 6 classes of nutrients needed by mount, why they are needed, and primary sources. Include discussion of water solubleand fat soluble vitamins as well as the importance of the cal- • Discuss the dental age characteristics of a mount of known age (age of mount will be provided to you). Discuss special problemssuch as over- or under-shot mouth, cribbing, and reasons for float- • Identify and evaluate samples of hay, grain, and bedding for suit- ing. Discuss concept of the eruption of the teeth, and baby teeth replaced by permanent; location of incisors and cheek teeth; num- • For your area, know availability, cost, and origin of feed. • List any supplements given to own mount and reasons for their • Discuss in depth the annual immunization and parasite preven- • Discuss seasonal variations of feeding mounts. • Discuss the simple life cycle and damage caused by the following Stable Management/Travel Safety
internal parasites: bots, ascarids, small and large strongyles, pin- • Identify five safety practices/precautions in this facility. • Describe procedure for morning and evening inspection of horses • Describe signs of mount in distress including vital signs, when you for health and safety in stable and in pasture. should call the veterinarian (eye injuries, severe bleeding, colic,etc.), and explain the care you would give before they arrive.
• Discuss preventive measures that may decrease the spread of a disease for stabled and pastured mounts. • Discuss causes, signs, preventive measures and care of mount for the following: colic, laminitis/founder, insulin resistance, influenza, • Identify at least three examples/pictures of toxic plants in your strangles, tetanus, encephalomyelitis, rhinopneumonitis, heaves, area. Discuss general signs of poisoning which would indicate a choke, skin and tooth problems, West Nile virus, and rabies. need to call the vet, i.e. change in temperature, pulse and respi-ration.
STANDARDS OF PROFICIENCY FOR H-B/H-HM/H/H-A CERTIFICATIONS
Teaching
H-HM/H/H-A STANDARD
• Present a written lesson plan for a 10 minute, unmounted lesson, Horse Management Expectations
• Teach the above unmounted lesson to a group of D-1 – D-3 Pony Candidates must demonstrate a sound knowledge of horses, their
Club members. Bring all teaching tools to your unmounted lesson.
care, equipment, and training requirements including longeing.
Horses should not be used. If it is a lesson in the barn proper They must have comprehensive stable management knowledge
footwear is required. All students must wear armbands with com- and demonstrate the ability to make informed decisions about all
pleted USPC Medical Card inside with name visible.
aspects of running a barn, including daily routine, feeding pro-
• Present two lesson plans* that represent twenty minutes of an grams, conditioning, care and emergency procedures. They will
hour long mounted lesson (i.e. warm-up for flat, flat exercises, conduct a mounted lesson, showing understanding of safety prac-
gridwork, coursework, etc); one for flat work and one for jumping, tices and teaching techniques appropriate to different age levels.
PART 1 - Stable and Pasture Management
*For Dressage Track candidates, present two lesson plans; one at D- Presentation
• Show a mount in hand as if for sale. Show the mount to its best • Discuss how to do a safety check and other safety aspects of advantage, according to its suitability for the breed. • The mount should be shown in a correctly fitted bridle, with at • Candidate must bring a letter from DC stating that he/she is as- least 3 braids, and the candidate should show control of the sisting in simple mounted lessons at the D and up to C-1 level with mount while working on a triangle to show the mount’s quality supervision. A minimum of six hours teaching prior to the test is of movement at the halt, walk, and trot. The candidate should dress appropriately, in riding attire, including helmet, gloves anda whip, as if prepared to show how the mount performs. Foot & Shoeing
• Identify the principal outer and inner structures of the foot and
• Discuss general condition of the mount, giving an evaluation of age, breeding, and shoeing. Discuss the mount’s conformation,way of going and disposition related to the suitability for an ap- propriate activity and performance level.
• With tools, imitate how to remove a shoe. • When aging by mount’s teeth, be familiar with the foal’s mouth, • Identify common types of shoes, materials they are made of, the maturing and aging of incisors and cheek teeth, and the inci- widths, and common features such as fullered grooves, heels, sors’ shapes as wear progresses, tooth angles, wolf teeth, Gal- clips, concave surface, bar features, studs, and pads.
vayne’s groove, and cheek teeth wear. Explain differences among Land Conservation
a foals mature and an aged horse’s mouth. • Provide a letter from the DC certifying the candidate’s involve- • When identifying mount’s shoeing, be familiar with: keg, feath- ment in a local, regional, or national equine land conservation ered edge shoe, polo, fullered, eggbar, heart bar, rocking toe, alu- issue or project. This letter will be brought to the test and the can- minum wide web, aluminum race plates, clips, caulks, studs didate will discuss the project or issue with the Examiners.
• Discuss suitability and fit of tack used on the presented mount.
• Safe, working attire, pants preferred (Bermuda shorts acceptable in warmer climates), including proper footwear, must be worn in • Describe inspection of saddlery for safety and fit, to determine the barn area and when working around mounts. Proper informal need for adjustment, repairs and/or padding. attire (boots and breeches) is required for teaching mounted les- • Describe procedures for reclaiming neglected tack and for storing sons, longeing, and riding phases. Refer to USPC Horse Manage- ment Handbook, USPC Rules for Eventing, and USPC Manuals ofHorsemanship, Volume I, II and III.
• Know how to make temporary adjustments in ill-fitting tack, such as saddle on withers, cantle too low, leathers too long, bridle too • A medical armband and a properly fitted equestrian helmet, se- large, reins too long, bit too large or small, broken tree. Discuss el- curely fastened, containing certification that it meets or exceeds ements of safety when making tack adjustments.
the criteria established by a national or international safety body,is required to participate in any USPC activity (see USPC Policy • Recognize types of bits and saddles, their fit, actions, and appli- cations for various mounts. Indicate which discipline and level forwhich the equipment is appropriate. Bits: English snaffles, doublebridle, curb, pelham, kimberwick, gag, elevator, and hackamores.
Saddles: all purpose, dressage jumping, close contact, etc.
• Discuss correct fitting, uses and misuses of different types of bits, saddles, girths, martingales, overgirths, draw reins, side reins,boots, cruppers, and breast plates.
STANDARDS OF PROFICIENCY FOR H-B/H-HM/H/H-A CERTIFICATIONS
Stable/Farm Design and Management Plan
• Discuss criteria used to determine whether or not feed supple- This template replaces several blocks and lines in the HM/H/H-A Stan- ments or nutraceuticals are needed. Discuss benefits and dangers • Discuss differences in care, as related to seasonal weather changes Land Conservation
• Candidates will design, present and be prepared to discuss a de- • Discuss the relationship between land conservation concerns and tailed outline of a hypothetical facility and horse management initiatives and equine sports and horse management. Discussion plan for the care of 5-10 horses within a safe and efficient system may include current and future challenges from the local area to based on best geographical best management practices. At the beginning of the test, candidates will present to the examiners): • Describe appropriate methods to include land conservation • A drawing of the entire facility including barn, turnout areas, rid- awareness into an unmounted curriculum.
ing/training areas, driveways and walkways gates.
PART 2 - Veterinary Knowledge
• A floor plan of the barn showing location and size of stalls, aisles, feed/hay/bedding storage, tack room, grooming area, windows, Health/Systems/Diseases
• Candidates will be presented with disease scenarios and should have sufficient knowledge to identify major anatomical parts and • A detailed floor plan with dimensions of a stall, the tack room and describe basic functions of the following systems: respiratory, uri- nary, circulatory/lymphatic, nervous, digestive, reproductive, • A description of the materials chosen for construction to include skeletal, and major muscle groups involved with locomotion (cir- flooring for all areas, fencing, footing for riding/training areas, • Locate and discuss the following disorders/diseases according to • A description of the type of facility.
the anatomical system involved, causative agent, signs, and care: • A sample schedule of daily facility care routine. colic, gastric ulcer, choke, heaves, laminitis, recurrent uveitis (pe- • Parasite management philosophy/routine/schedule riodic ophthalmia), eye problems, rhinopneumonitis, influenza,Equine viral arteritis, encephalomyelitis, tetanus, strangles, equine • Pasture management routine/schedule for facility infectious anemia, rabies, Potomac horse fever, EPM (Equine Pro- • Pictures, descriptions and poisoning symptoms for at least 5 poi- tozoal Myeloencephalitis), botulism, West Nile, metabolic disor- sonous plants in the candidate’s area.
ders, (Equine Cushing’s Disease, insulin resistance, Equine • Manure management plan for the facility • A yearly inoculation and dental schedule for facility.
• Discuss predisposing factors, including symptoms and care of • Yearly schedule for farrier care.
mount for the following: fever, tying up, inflammation, edema,arthritis, shock, and dehydration.
• An emergency plan for facility with planning for potential crisis of both a general and a geographic nature.
• Discuss diseases associated with travel and exposure to strange • Seasonal differences or adjustments for above plans/schedule Bandaging
Nutrition
• Discuss and demonstrate proper application of shipping and sta- • Demonstrate ability to purchase feed responsibly by discussing ble bandages. (Sheet cottons and flannels are recommended, and the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of different candidates may be asked to demonstrate with these as well as types of grains, pellets, sweet and mixed feeds, bran, and extruded • Demonstrate application and know how to maintain two of the • Discuss and define a complete nutritional program for various following bandages: sweat, poultice, pressure, spider, figure eight, types of horses (i.e., aged, growing, breeding, lactating, working, knee, hock, hoof abscess, heel grab, cold water, and ice. Discuss idle, lay up, special health conditions) that includes consideration values and potential dangers when any of them are prescribed.
and common sources of protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrates,minerals, vitamins, electrolytes; and interpretation of the nutri- Special Care
tional value of feed available from label information. Describe a • Discuss possible indications for use of the following drug classes.
basic, appropriate ration—to include composition of concentrates • Understand the possible complications that can result from their vs. roughages and percentages of protein, fat and fiber and need use and when a veterinarian should be consulted prior to or dur- • Be able to discuss the nutritional management of health condi- • Discuss administration and storage of each drug.
tions including Equine Cushing’s Disease, Equine Metabolic Syn- • Discuss any management concerns that need to be addressed for • Discuss cost of and safe storage methods for different varieties STANDARDS OF PROFICIENCY FOR H-B/H-HM/H/H-A CERTIFICATIONS
PART 3 - Teaching & Training
Teaching Techniques
• Know techniques included in USPC Manual of Horsemanship, Vol.
III and be able to demonstrate knowledge of those skills as ac- Tranquilizers
• Discuss ways to handle the following lesson situations: mixed age or skill group, effective use of assistant, interfering coach or par-ent, unsuitable mount, runaway mount, disobedient mount, fall Sedatives/Pain Relievers
of rider, arguing student, uninterested student, fearful, student, mount or student in unfit condition, change in weather or envi- • Romifidine (Sedivet®)• Butorphanol (Torbugesic*) • Discuss indications that students may have: Corticosteroids
• Discuss skills that would be covered in teaching a C Pony Club member to longe a mount safely and effectively.
Gastric Ulcer Treatments
• Demonstrate knowledge of D, C, and B Standards requirements.
• Omeprazole (Gastrogard®/Ulcerguard®) • Discuss and demonstrate as directed the use of general first aid Osteoarthritis Treatments
equipment. Discuss instructor emergency preparedness and risk • Hyaluronic Acid (Legend®, Conquer®) management suitable for any teaching situation. For the safety of • Polysulfated glycosaminoglycans (Adequan*) their lessons they should bring with them: hat, cell phone, local • Discuss specific precautions when shipping, feeding and restrain- emergency number (might not always be 911), address of where you are teaching, rubber bands, extra pair of rein stops, tapemeasure, towel, whip, spurs, gloves, first aid kit and your teaching • Discuss twitches-benefits, dangers and different types.
tools, example: cones. Know the local phone numbers for a farrier, • Describe other methods of physical restraint, from mild to aggres- vet, ambulance and fire department. All candidates should be in riding attire including proper footwear. All students must wear Conformation and Lameness
armbands with completed USPC Medical Card inside with name • With horse(s) present Candidate will locate and discuss lameness which might be associated with conformation faults, to include: Teaching a Class
• Prepare a lesson plan for assigned lesson. Lesson topics and levels will be assigned by examiners at the test site.
• Demonstrate teaching a safe, informative 20-minute lesson to a group of three to five riders (D-1 to B or adult volunteers). Each lesson must demonstrate the candidate’s ability to teach a key concept, movement or skill that is a level or two above the current riding ability of the students in the group, as appropriate on the USPC Standards of Proficiency. Emphasis should be placed on the correctness of the figure or skill, the explanations of correct aids • Discuss the anatomy of the leg, including bones, principle joints and their uses, the riders’ basic balanced position, and the candi- (i.e., hock, knee, stifle—not looking for each bone in the men- date’s ability to make appropriate corrections and improvements tioned joints), principal tendons, and ligaments from the shoulder in the performance of the riders and/or mounts. • Evaluate the lesson plan used and discuss whether the teaching • Be able to determine 1 or 2 appropriate disciplines for presented objectives were achieved, how the lesson could be improved, and what, if any, changes were made to the lesson plan for safety con- • Observe a mount in action and assess his athletic ability and suit- able use as it may be affected by any of the conformation faults • Discuss a student’s riding position and suggest three exercises to listed above and below: straight shoulder, long back, parrot help solve any problem, including exercises on the longe.
mouth, too long or short neck, mutton/high withers, various • Discuss and/or demonstrate appropriate safety considerations slopes of croup, slab sided, overshot jaw, ewe neck, shortness of when setting up a jumping lesson, including use and spacing of cavalletti/trotting poles and distances between fences in a grid or • Observe a mount’s motion and identify front and hind leg sound- STANDARDS OF PROFICIENCY FOR H-B/H-HM/H/H-A CERTIFICATIONS
Training/Longeing
• Discuss additional safety precautions to be considered when • Discuss and demonstrate proper fit and use of equipment, includ- • Evaluate performance and level of mount before, during, and after • Discuss and demonstrate safe, confident, effective longeing tech- • Demonstrate techniques for longeing appropriate to the mount’s level for exercise, training, and/or warm-up to include free forwardmovement and to establish regular rhythm.
STANDARDS OF PROFICIENCY FOR H-B/H-HM/H/H-A CERTIFICATIONS
Information for National Level Candidates
Candidate Preparation
Candidates should do outside reading and independent study in an
Requirements for Candidates
effort to expand knowledge and understanding of all aspects of • Be a Pony Club Member in Good Standing.
horsemastership. For the appropriate testing level, this in-depthstudy should develop sophistication in riding, maturity in training • Be at least 13 years of age by January 1st of the certification year a mount or rider, and flexibility to adapt to horsemastership tech- for the H-B and C-3; 14 years of age for the B, and 16 years of age niques that vary according to geographic area.
• Be recommended by the District Commissioner (DC) or Center Ad- Candidates should also prepare themselves through practical expe- ministrator (CA), and the Regional Supervisor (RS). May be subject rience in all requirements and possess a thorough understanding to change when application goes online. of the level evaluated. However, it is at the discretion of National Ex-aminers as to what is covered during a certification.
• Compete in at least one mounted rally on a mounted or un- H-HM/H/H-A applicants must provide proof of successful comple- • Have a thorough knowledge of requirements for the certifications tion of a basic First Aid certification course (typically a 4-hour course) and be able to discuss and/or demonstrate any requirements from with their testing application. Candidates planning to take their H- HM/H/H-A should make plans early to get their certification donewell before the testing application deadline in case their class is can- • Adhere to the USPC Code of Conduct at all times.
celed or rescheduled. A copy (both sides) of their current First Aid Application Process
card MUST accompany the application or it will be considered in- There is no waiting period between the H-B/C-3 through A certifi- complete and returned to their RS. Proof of enrollment in a course cations. All applications are required to be submitted by the appli- is not acceptable; candidate must have completed the course by
the application deadline, and include a copy of the First Aid cardwith the H-HM/H//H-A application. There are many different organ- Candidates may take the H-B or C-3 certification in whichever order izations offering first aid certification and any basic first aid course is acceptable including on-line basic First Aid courses.
Candidates must successfully complete all sections of the H-B and The attitude and maturity of the candidate is considered throughout C-3 before presenting for the B certification, and all sections of the the certification. Respect for other people and handling of the mounts are considered a direct reflection of the candidate’s maturity H-B rated candidates may take the H-HM/H//H-A certification with- out completing the national level riding certifications .
The National Testing Committee determines certification dates and Safe, working attire, including proper footwear, must be worn in the locations in response to Regional requests. Candidates may apply barn area and when working around mounts. for the date of their choice, but those living within the host Region Refer to the H-B and H-HM/H/H-A Standards of Proficiency in this are given priority. May be subject to change when application goes document, for proper Turnout, teaching, and longeing attire.
USPC policy-approved headgear with full harness and with chin Information on testing dates, sites and equipment needed may be strap in place must be worn during turnout and when riding or obtained from the DC, CA, or RS; the USPC web site; or the National longeing. Safety vest wear is at the discretion of the member, parent, Certification applications, and a check for the test fee, must be A USPC medical information armband must be on the candidate’s mailed through the DC or CA and to the RS. The RS forwards all com- person, as described by the Horse Management Rulebook.
pleted application materials (with required signatures) to USPC Na-tional Office, postmarked by the application deadline. May be subject Presentation of the Mount for Turnout
to change when application goes online. Standards for turnout are indicated in the Standards of Proficiencyand in each appropriate test sheet. Please refer, as well, to the Horse Applications for the H-HM/H/H-A must include proof of compliance Equipment
Application Deadlines
For the national level riding certifications, any saddlery and bitting See Upper Level Testing Schedule on USPC web site www.pony equipment must comply with the Horse Management General Rule on Saddlery and Bitting and with the appropriate USPC discipline Late applications will be handled by the National Office and National rules for Saddlery and Bitting. Any discipline rule change following Testing Committee and considered on a case by case basis. publication of the current Horse Management Handbook will super-sede these rules.
STANDARDS OF PROFICIENCY FOR H-B/H-HM/H/H-A CERTIFICATIONS
Appropriate Horse
Candidates will be allowed to re-test certain sections of a test with USPC’s commitment to safety for all horses and riders is paramount Examiner approval. Check your testing packet for re-test information during a certification at any level.
on your specific certification. All re-testing must take place by De-cember 31st of the certification year.
Candidates may bring their own, borrowed, leased or rentedmount(s) to a certification. They may present with more than one An adult designated by the host Region must be present through- mount at a certification. The care of each of the candidates’ mounts out the certification day(s). In addition, USPC expects the use of “Im- at a certification is the responsibility of the candidates themselves. There are no candidate mount requirements for either the H-B or National Examiners
the H-HM/H/H-A certifications. Horses or ponies are provided for Please review the Examiners Handbook for specific information demonstration and evaluation for these certifications.
about the criteria, selection, and expectations of Examiners.
For the national level riding certifications, it is the responsibility of The Chair, National Testing Committee, determines and organizes the candidate and his/ her parent(s) or guardian(s) to bring appro- the National Examiner panel for each national level certification. The priate mount(s) to the certification. The properly conditioned panel is comprised of no less than two National Examiners, with one mounts must be capable of the skills required by the certification individual overall responsible for the conduct of the certification for level, to include standing for evaluation of the turnout and the that given day or consecutive days. H-B tests may be conducted with bandaging and longeing. For the riding sections, the mounts must one examiner for 4 or less candidates.
be capable of completing the flat and jumping phases at the heights National Examiners are selected with care and are completely indicated at the appropriate levels. In addition, the mount(s) must knowledgeable of the Standards of Proficiency at the level(s) and also be available and suitable for change of riders during the appro- skills they are testing, as well as the level(s) and skills above and priate section of the certification.
below the one(s) they are evaluating that given certification day or Failure to follow these guidelines will make it difficult for the candi- consecutive days. Each National Examiner is chosen only after a pe- date to meet the standards on that given day.
riod of apprenticeship and with recommendations of other Exam-iners, USPC leaders, and/or equestrian professionals. They must Information on Conducting a Certification
attend regular seminars and participate in continuing education op- The testing shall be a constructive working session. The candidates portunities. They receive regular peer evaluations as well as those shall be required to demonstrate and maintain adequate ability in remarks shared by candidates and national level certification organ- performance and knowledge for the level and skill being evaluated.
At the national level, the certifications are designed to and should Responsibilities and Authorities
be conducted within a two or two-and-half day period. Depending The USPC Board of Governors approves the Standards of Proficiency on the number of candidates and the test site logistics, the H-B and designates the USPC Vice President, Instruction (VPI), as respon- through the A certification may be conducted within one day, but sible for both the Standards of Proficiency and the general USPC cer- may still require travel time for the candidates on either end of the tifications program management. For national level certifications, certification day. However, due to the demands of the evaluative the host RS is responsible for the organizing and conduct of the cer- sections as well as the test site logistics, the H-HM/H/H-A certifica- tifications, although the actual oversight of a specific certification tion is normally a two-and-half or three day evaluation, not includ- may be delegated to a designated Regional official. This may be in ing travel. The National Examiner panel, in coordination with the coordination or cooperation within the Region or between neigh- certification organizer, will determine the certification schedule as soon as the candidate applications are processed, but not later thanfour weeks prior to the certification.
Any special certification requests, including exceptions or exemp-tions, must be submitted to the USPC National Office, Attention: Oral testing and/or demonstration are required for all parts of the Testing Coordinator [email protected], through the DC or the CA horse management phase. Written tests are not allowed. However, and the RS. The Testing Coordinator forwards exceptions or exemp- at the discretion of the Examiners, candidates may use their own tions requests to the Chair, National Testing Committee, for recom- writing and/or drawing to convey their answers during the ques- mendations. The Vice President of Instruction is the final approval tioning and/or discussion periods of the certification.
2012 The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. Copying permitted for internal use only by members and volunteers of the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. 4041 Iron Works Parkway • Lexington, KY 40511 Phone (859) 254-7669 • Fax (859) 233-4652 • email [email protected] • website www.ponyclub.org

Source: http://covered.ponyclub.org/2012_HB_HA_Standards.pdf