D Rating

The D Ratings are an introduction to the fun and challenge of riding, establishing a foundation of safety habits and knowledge of the daily care of a pony and tack. The D1 through D3 Pony Clubber learns to ride independently and with control, maintaining a reasonably secure position at the walk, trot and canter, and over low fences. All D ratings are awarded at the pony club level.

C Rating

The C is a Pony Clubber learning to become an active horseman, to care independently for pony 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. The C1 and C2 ratings are awarded at the Club level. The C3 is a Regional rating and reflects a basis of competence in riding and horse care that will make possible a lifetime of pleasure with horses.

B Rating

The B rating is for the active horseman and Pony Club member who is interested in acquiring further knowledge and proficiency in all phases of riding and horse care. The B is able to ride experienced horses with confidence and control on the flat, over fences and in the open, and should be able to ride and care for another person’s experienced horse, maintaining proper mental and physical condition without undoing any of the horse’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 Clubbers.

New for 2007... The H/B will cover knowledge for the C3 and B ratings which will become purely riding and horse management ratings. The H/B can be taken anytime after the C2 has been achieved.  Each pony clubber should become familiar with the new standards – all are available on the USPC web site. Additionally land conservation knowledge will be tested at every rating.

A Rating

The A, the highest rating, is divided into two parts: The H/A which covers horse management, teaching and training, and the A which tests the riding phase. The H/A has the knowledge, experience, and maturity to evaluate and care for a horse’s needs efficiently and in a variety of circumstances, and to teach riding and horse care to others. The A is able to ride horses at various levels of schooling with judgment, tact and effectiveness, to train young horses and to retrain spoiled horses.