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IRISH PONY CLUB STANDARDS OF EFFICIENCY TEST SHEET 2010
'C+' STANDARD

GENERAL

• Candidates must have the IPC/or BHS Riding Road Safety Certificate.
• The test centre must be prepared in advance, ready for Show Jumping & Cross Country course walk by candidates before test begins.
• The practice of bringing pressure to bear on Area Representatives, D.C.s, Examiners and other I.P.C. officials to treat as special cases those who happen to be using the test as an entry/professional qualification is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

OBJECTIVE

• To become practical horseman.
• To ride over simple show-jumping and cross country fences at trot and canter.
• To gain practical experience and basic knowledge of the care of a stabled pony and basic care of fields.
• To ride sensibly and with due regard for others on the roads and in the country and with a knowledge of pace, distance and discipline when riding alone and in groups.
• To be capable of riding another pony on the flat in the test.
• The syllabus for C+ includes all the work for previous certificates.

RIDING

• Discuss own horse's way of going and explain tack used.
• Candidates will be asked to ride another candidate's horse on the flat only and comment on observations of how the brief went.
• Mount and dismount correctly on either side.
• Position at walk, trot, canter and gallop.
• Show practical knowledge of even paces and of pony accepting contact.
• Understand what is meant by "going forward in rhythm and balance".
• Work without stirrups at, walk, trot and canter at Examiner's discretion.
• Know the aids for and be able to carry out:

(i) increases and decreases of pace.
(ii) circles - l0 metres in walk, l5 metres in trot and 20 metres in canter.
(iii) Sitting trot, rising trot on correct diagonal.
(iv) Loops and serpentines.
(v) Quarter or half turn on or about the forehand,
(vi) change of leg at canter through trot.
(vii) free walk on a long rein or loose rein.
(viii) Halt and salute.

• Know the sequence of legs at different paces.
• Show that jumping position is secure and balanced.
• Know what to look for and how to walk a jumping course.
• Jump a show-jumping course to include a one or two stride double including bending line at trot and canter.
• Jump up and down hill, drop fences, banks and ditches and cross country fences of varied heights (recommended not over 95 cm.)
• Ride at a suitable cross country pace with regard to ground condition

HORSEMASTERSHIP

• Knowledge of the care and working of a stabled pony.
• Have knowledge of the different items of forage in common usage
• Know the rules and principles of watering and feeding.
• Identify feeds in common use including how to make bran mash & prepare beet pulp.
• Know about the nutrients required to maintain a healthy pony; the working out of a ration.
• Describe own mount's feeding programme at different times of year. Devise feed chart for own horse.
• Know about types of bedding and how to maintain them.
• Have a general knowledge of how to get a horse fit and relate to feeding.
• Have a knowledge of types of bit in everyday use.
• Be able to fit a jointed snaffle, bridle and saddle.
• Recognise the different types of martingale; understand uses and fitting.
• Care of a horse before a day out and after a strenuous days work.
• Travelling - equipment used, how to load and care of a horse on a long journey (inland, 5/6 hours journey).
• The foot and shoeing - have a knowledge of the parts of the shoe and be aware of the type of shoes normally used.
• Basic knowledge of the structure of the horse's foot (internal and external).
• Name the Farrier's tools and what they are used for.
• Clipping - know the names and uses of the different types of clip and how to prepare a pony for clipping.
• Rugs - have a knowledge of the different types of rugs and their uses i.e. exercise sheet, cooler rug, blanket and roller and know how to fit and put on a rug and blanket correctly.
• Know how to put on a stable bandage, tail bandage and know how to put on boots for exercise e.g. tendon, over-reach boots, travelling boots and brushing boots.
• Know the main indications for health in a stabled or grass kept pony.
• Recognise when your horse is sick and know how to care for a sick horse i.e. know how to take temperature, pulse, respiration.
• Know when a horse is lame and what to check for.
• Worms - know the indications of a pony suffering from worm infestation , state when to worm and why.
• Have a basic knowledge of the treatment of wounds i.e. puncture, laceration, over-reach, girth-galls etc..
• Know about tying up/azoturia, cracked heels, laminitis, sweet itch, mud fever, colic, & rain rash etc..
• Poultices - how to prepare and apply.
• Know the importance of regular teeth inspections and vaccinations.
• Know the essential of a veterinary/medicine cupboard.
• When to call the vet and what to tell him and know when to ask for adult help.
• Recognise a horse sick field and how to remedy it.

READ
Pony Club Publications:
'The Manual of Horsemanship'
`Notes for Taking C+ Test` by Anthea Rainsbury
View: 'Top Rider' DVD Part 1 and 2.

Minimum age 14 years (in year of test).
Disc Colour - Pink

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