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

OBJECTIVE

• To be able to show how to ride your pony in a confident, balanced position and in an even pace.
• To be working towards developing a balanced position.
• To understand basic aids and how to use them.
• To ride in a confident and capable manner.

RIDING

• Mount using mounting block or leg-up if required.
• Hold and shorten the reins correctly and carry a whip in either hand.
• Be able to walk on a long rein.
• To be able to control a quiet pony in company, on the roads and in the countryside.
• Walk without stirrups.
• Show use of natural aid to control your pony.
• Simple turns and circles in walk and trot.
• Be able to canter.
• Ride up and down hills in walk.
• Ride over a single pole and very small fence.

ROAD SENSE

• To know on which side of the road you should ride.
• To understand a simple Junior Road Rider code.
• How to ride along a road, cross a road and say 'thank you', and how to signal to turn right or left.
• To know it is safer to ride on the road with adults or parents.
• To show an awareness of dangers when riding on the road, understanding what is likely to frighten a pony or cause him to slip.
• To understand how to ride with a friend whilst on the road.
• Recognise the dangers to ponies from cars and other traffic.

HORSEMASTERSHIP

• Know the basic needs of and care for a pony living in a field.
• Put on a saddle and bridle with assistance.
• Be able to tell if saddle & bridle are fitting correctly..
• Know how to clean and care for saddlery.
• Catching a pony and turn it away in the field.
• Lead a pony in hand at walk and trot, and turn correctly.
• Tie up a pony correctly.
• Names and uses of grooming kit.
• Recognise if pony needs shoeing.
• Pick up and pick out feet.
• Points of the pony, colours and markings.
• Be able to recognise turn-out rugs/cooler rugs/ and a night rug.
• Basic signs of good health in your pony.

READ
The following sections in 'The Manual of Horsemanship':
Points of the Pony.
Colours and markings.
Care and working a pony off grass.
Putting on a saddle.
Putting on a bridle.
Unsaddling.
Saddle fitting.
Bridle fitting.
To tie up correctly.
Care of saddlery.
Grooming.
Aids (Omit gallop and rein-back).
Jumping position.
The Pony Club Publication 'Junior Road Rider'
VIEW
The Pony Club Stablemanagement Series

Minimum age 10 (in year of the test). Disc Colour - White

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