Certificates & Examinations

Certificates are an essential part of the Pony Club system, providing incentive and encouragement to learn and improve members riding skills at all levels. Pony Club Manuals 1 contains all the syllabus information needed for the Certificates D, D+ and C. The syllabus information for Certificates C+, B, A and H is to be found in Pony Club Manual 2.

Beginner riders start with their D certificate then work towards D+, C, C+, B and A certificates. More experienced riders new to pony club may after assessment by their branch head coach be able to start working towards their C certificate. However they will need to complete and undertake any earlier certificate examinations, while working towards their target certificate.



D Certificate
Approximately 8/9 years

D + Certificate
Approximately 9/10 years
C Certificate
Approximately 10/11 years
Examinations for D, D+  and C certificate can be organised by Branch Head Coaches

The Branch however must submit names of riders and examiner to the
District Commissioner & Chief Coach
at least a month before the proposed examination date
C+ Certificate
Approximately 12/13 years
Examination for C+, B and A&H certificates can only be organised by FDPC Chief Coach

Special district assessment (Mock exam) for C+ , B and examination days are set each season and will be promoted to branches well in advance. Branch head coaches need to nominate the names of branch members ready to sit these certificate examinations to FDPC Chief coach at least 2 months before district examination date. The branch head coach must also ensure that all the necessary paperwork has been completed before the member attends the examination.
B Certificate
Approximately 14/15 years
A and H Certificate
> 16 years, are organised Nationally through NZPCA

RESPONSIBILITIES
Riders must:
- Attend enough Pony Club rallies to:
-  Establish eligibility to sit the Certificate test — the Five-Rally Rule applies.
- Obtain sufficient instruction to cover the entire Certificate syllabus.
- Ensure that they have achieved the required standard and that all sections of their Record Cards
are signed off by their instructors.
- Study relevant sections of the Pony Club Manual and be present at theory lessons offered in addition to rallies — this is especially necessary for higher-level Certificates.
- Accept their instructors’ judgement about their readiness to sit Certificate tests. (Instructors are
in the best position to evaluate your child’s readiness.)
- Make themselves available on the day chosen by their club for the test, well presented and well
prepared. If test dates clash with competition dates, the rider may have to choose which takes
priority — competing in events or sitting a Certificate test.
- Inform their instructor if problems arise with availability of their nominated mount, through
injury, for example, before test day.

Parents need to:
- Support the riders to fulfil their responsibilities.
- Provide transport to and from rallies, theory lessons, and tests, as required.
- Help set up and put away equipment for Assessments and tests. NB: it is not the instructors’ job to build jumping courses or set up dressage
arenas.
- Provide food on test day for examiners (and, at C+ and B tests, for the Technical Delegate),
when requested.
- Back up decisions made by instructors and examiners. Remember they are valuable volunteers, giving their time and knowledge to your child. Discuss any concerns you have with the Club President, Club Chief Instructor, or District Commissioner.
Instructors work to:
- Cover the syllabus and sign off Record Cards.
- Decide and advise on riders’ readiness to sit Certificate tests.

Club President has to:
- Approach the District Commissioner when a rider needs dispensation from the Five-Rally Rule.
- Inform the DC of D Certificates passed at Branch level.
- Inform the DC of Certificate dates, examiners used, and passes granted for C Certificate at
Branch level.
- Request advice on examiners at C+ Certificate.
District Commissioner’s responsibilities are to:
- Grant dispensation from the Five-Rally Rule where appropriate.
- Supervise the choice of examiners and technical delegate for C+ tests.
- Inform Area Representative of B Certificate candidates, one month before B Certificate test.
The Area Rep acts as Technical Delegate or delegates that role.
- Arrange assessments for B, H, and A Certificates, with the help of the Branch Head Instructor and the Club Chief Instructor.
- Ensure that all certificates passed are recorded in the Club Minutes for archival purposes.