2024 Certification Testing Dates:
Spring: TBD
Fall: TBD
Congratulations to members who successfully achieved new Club-level certifications in 2023:
C-2 Eventing: Olivia
C-1 Dressage: Judy, Bernard
D-3 Eventing: Valerie, Annaliese
D-1: Mercy
Remember that National Testing registration deadlines are 12 weeks before the test.
Old Dominion Region requires members to participate in a test-appropriate prep clinic prior to attempting a national rating.
Contact the ODRPC VRS-Instruction if you have questions, and
visit the USPC website for full national testing schedules, requirements, and deadlines.
For club-level testing, you must have your Intent-to-Test form and testing fee
in to the rating coordinator at least 30 days prior to the rating.
C-2 Eventing: Olivia
C-1 Dressage: Judy, Bernard
D-3 Eventing: Valerie, Annaliese
D-1: Mercy
Remember that National Testing registration deadlines are 12 weeks before the test.
Old Dominion Region requires members to participate in a test-appropriate prep clinic prior to attempting a national rating.
Contact the ODRPC VRS-Instruction if you have questions, and
visit the USPC website for full national testing schedules, requirements, and deadlines.
For club-level testing, you must have your Intent-to-Test form and testing fee
in to the rating coordinator at least 30 days prior to the rating.
Testing Paperwork:
RVPC Intent-to-Test Form
Club Level Tests: Flow Charts & Test Sheets (D-1 through C-2) Alternative Testing FAQs Remember that you need to contact Gwen in writing at least 30 days prior to your test, and you must submit your $25 testing fee with your Intent-To-Test form at that time. You will not be allowed to test if you have not paid your testing fee. Fee is refundable only in case of illness or lameness. Also make sure you've had your Check List printed and been working on all the items on it with your pony club instructors for a good while prior to your test so that you are as prepared for your test as possible. We want you all to be successful, and that comes from being well prepared! |
About USPC Certificates & Certifications
Pony Club members progress through theStandards of Proficiency at a pace that comfortable for them. The D-1 through C-2 testings are administered by the local club. The H-B, C-3, B, H/H-A, and A are national certifications and are administered by the National Testing Committee. During a test, the members' skills and knowledge are tested against the Standards of Proficiency which outline the expectations to be met at each level in each section - Horse Management, Riding on Flat and Riding Over Fences.
D Level (D-1, D-2, D-3) are an introduction to the fun and challenge of riding, establishing safety habits and knowledge of the daily care of a pony and
tack. The D member learns to ride independently, with control, maintaining a secure position at the walk, trot and canter and over low fences.
C Level (C-1, C-2) are members learning to become an active horseman, to care independently for a mount and tack and to understand the reasons for what he or she is doing. The C shows development towards a secure, independent seat, and increasing control and confidence in all phases of riding.
H-B Level covers Horse Management knowledge that demonstrates increasing knowledge and competence in the care and handling of horses.
C-3 Level reflects a basis of competence in riding and horse care that will make possible a lifetime of pleasure with horses.
B Level is for the active horseman and Pony Club member who is interested in acquiring further knowledge and proficiency in riding. The B is able to ride experienced mounts with confidence and control. 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 education. The B understands and is able to explain the reasons for what he or she is doing and to contribute to the education of younger Pony Club members.
H/H-A Level covers horse management, teaching and training. The H/H-A has the knowledge, experience and maturity to evaluate and care for a mount's needs efficiently and in a variety of circumstances, and to teach riding and horse care to others.
A Level is the highest level. The A is able to ride mounts at various levels of schooling with judgment, tact and effectiveness; to train young
mounts; and to retrain spoiled mounts.
D Level (D-1, D-2, D-3) are an introduction to the fun and challenge of riding, establishing safety habits and knowledge of the daily care of a pony and
tack. The D member learns to ride independently, with control, maintaining a secure position at the walk, trot and canter and over low fences.
C Level (C-1, C-2) are members learning to become an active horseman, to care independently for a mount and tack and to understand the reasons for what he or she is doing. The C shows development towards a secure, independent seat, and increasing control and confidence in all phases of riding.
H-B Level covers Horse Management knowledge that demonstrates increasing knowledge and competence in the care and handling of horses.
C-3 Level reflects a basis of competence in riding and horse care that will make possible a lifetime of pleasure with horses.
B Level is for the active horseman and Pony Club member who is interested in acquiring further knowledge and proficiency in riding. The B is able to ride experienced mounts with confidence and control. 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 education. The B understands and is able to explain the reasons for what he or she is doing and to contribute to the education of younger Pony Club members.
H/H-A Level covers horse management, teaching and training. The H/H-A has the knowledge, experience and maturity to evaluate and care for a mount's needs efficiently and in a variety of circumstances, and to teach riding and horse care to others.
A Level is the highest level. The A is able to ride mounts at various levels of schooling with judgment, tact and effectiveness; to train young
mounts; and to retrain spoiled mounts.