The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. STANDARDS OF PROFICIENCY FOR H-B/H-HM/H/H-A CERTIFICATIONS

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1 The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. STANDARDS OF PROFICIENCY FOR H-B/H-HM/H/H-A CERTIFICATIONS The United States Pony Clubs, Inc., establishes Standards of Proficiency within the framework of the international Pony Club movement as the educational curriculum for a program of instruction and evaluation of its members for certifications in three primary areas: Horse Management, On the Flat, and Over Fences. The D-Levels offer an introduction to the fun and challenge of riding, establishing a foundation of safety habits and knowledge of the daily care of a mount and related equipment. The D-level Horse Management focuses on acquiring the knowledge and skills related to care and ground handling of the mount. The D level-member may also learn and be evaluated on riding independently on the flat, with control, maintaining a reasonably secure position at the walk, trot and canter. In addition, the D-level members may choose to learn and be evaluated while riding their mounts over low fences. All D certificates are awarded at the club/center level. The C-1 and C-2 Levels are for the Pony Club member learning to become an active horseman, to care independently for his/her mount and tack, and to understand the reasons for what he or she is doing with the mount while either mounted or unmounted. Similar to the D-level, the C-1 and C-2 levels focus on advancement and evaluation of Horse Management skills as well as show development towards a secure, independent seat and increasing control and confidence in all phases of riding, flat and/or jumping. The C-1 and C-2 certificates are awarded at the club/center level. The H-B, C-3, B, H-HM/H/H-A and A Certifications are facilitated on a national basis and require a greater depth of knowledge and proficiency than the earlier certifications. Successful candidates are competent, all-around horsemen, active and contributing members of USPC, who participate in a variety of Pony Club activities. They are also thoughtful leaders who set an example for all. Each of the nationallevel certifications have a minimum age requirement. The H-B Certification covers Horse Management knowledge and skills that demonstrate increasing awareness, education, and competence in the care and handling of horses and in teaching the same skills to others. It reflects the theory and study as well as the practical aspects of unmounted horse management that can be expected of a high school curriculum. The minimum age for the H-B certification is 13 years old. The H-HM/H/H-A Certification requires the knowledge, experience and maturity to evaluate and care for a mount s needs efficiently and in a variety of circumstances, to competently ground train horses; and to teach riding and horse care to others. It reflects the theory and study as well as the practical aspects of unmounted horse management that can be expected of a college curriculum. The minimum age for the H-H-M/H/H-A certification is 16 years old. At the national level, Pony Club members may choose to follow one or all of three riding tracks. They are: Traditional, Show Jumping or Dressage. The C-3 Certification reflects a basis of competence in riding, ground schooling, and horse care that will make possible a lifetime of pleasure with horses. The certification has both demonstration and discussion components. It is the first of the riding certifications to evaluate a member s ability to seamlessly transfer their riding skills from their own horse to an unknown horse. If the C-3 riding test is passed before the H-B, the member becomes a C+. The minimum age for the C-3 certification is 13 years old. The B Certification is for the active horseman and Pony Club members who are interested in acquiring further knowledge and proficiency in riding. The B is able to ride experienced mounts, both their own and others, with confidence and control. Similar to the C-3, the certification has both demonstration and discussion components. 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. The minimum age for the B certification is 14 years old. The A Certification is the highest riding certification available to members. 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. Like the C-3 and the B, the A understands and is able to explain the reasons for what he or she is doing as well as demonstrate the skills required. The A understands and demonstrates a variety of training techniques and discusses their training techniques as a trainer. The minimum age requirement to take the A certification is 16 years old. NOTE: In addition to its instructional programs, USPC offers a variety of activities at club, regional, inter-regional and national levels for team and individual participation. Please visit for a list of activities. Achieving a certification does not necessarily qualify the Pony Club member for competition in any horse sport, discipline, or activity. Further study and preparation for a particular activity, including working as a team member, is necessary Our Mission: The United States Pony Clubs, Inc., develops character, leadership, confidence and a sense of community in youth through a program that teaches the care of horses and ponies, riding and mounted sports. Our Core Values: Horsemanship with respect to healthcare, nutrition, stable management, handling and riding a mount safely, correctly and with confidence Organized teamwork including cooperation, communication, responsibility, leadership, mentoring, teaching and fostering a supportive yet competitive environment Respect for the horse and self through horsemanship; for land through land conservation; and for others through service and teamwork Service by providing an opportunity for members, parents, and others to support the Pony Club program locally, regionally and nationally through volunteerism Education at an individual pace to achieve personal goals and expand knowledge through teaching others Heights of Fences D to A for Eventing Levels: Level Height Level D-2 18 D C C C B 3 7 A 3 9 Dressage Specialty Levels: C-3 = First Level** B = Second Level** A = Third Level** Heights of Fences for Show Jumping Specialty Levels: Height C m B m A m C-3=Level II-III** B=Level III-IV** A=Level V-VI** **See USEF Level Descriptions Explanation of H-HM/H/H-A Level: H-HM: A candidate who passes all requirements of the H-A test and is an H-B member H: A candidate who passes all requirements of the H-A test and is also a C-3 member H-A: A candidate who passes all requirements of the H-A test and is also a B member HEADGEAR: A properly fitted equestrian helmet, securely fastened, containing certification that it meets or exceeds the criteria established by a national or international safety body, is required to participate in any USPC activity (see USPC Policy 0125A).

2 THE H-B STANDARD Horse Management Expectations Candidates should be competent while demonstrating sound judgment and maturity in the continuing care of their mounts and equipment. Candidates should understand reasons for their decisions, knowing when to seek assistance, if necessary. They must show, through discussion and demonstration, knowledge of veterinary care and teaching principles. Candidates should have the ability to explain stable and veterinary routines to D-level Pony Club members. Tack Identify and discuss use and actions of three basic bit categories: snaffle, pelham and curb. Identify different types of bridles, nosebands, saddles, pads, girths, martingales, breastplates, cruppers, boots and bits. Discuss their use, purpose and fit. Demonstrate and discuss fit of a snaffle bridle. Conditioning Discuss factors to be considered before you begin conditioning your mount for an activity of choice. Discuss basic conditioning principles of: long slow distance, interval training, progressive loading, peaking, tapering, overloading, aerobic and anaerobic. Demonstrate how to take a horse s temperature, pulse and respiration at rest. Discuss normal ranges of TPR at rest, during strenuous work, and during recovery. Know indications of a horse in distress as indicated by changes in TPR. Nutrition Discuss feeding principles and their effect on the mount s digestive system and overall health. Discuss the 6 classes of nutrients needed by mount, why they are needed, and primary sources. Include discussion of water soluble and fat soluble vitamins as well as the importance of the calcium/phosphorous ratio. Identify and evaluate samples of hay, grain, and bedding for suitability and safety. For your area, know availability, cost, and origin of feed. List any supplements given to own mount and reasons for their use. Discuss seasonal variations of feeding mounts. Stable Management/Travel Safety Identify five safety practices/precautions in this facility. Describe procedure for morning and evening inspection of horses for health and safety in stable and in pasture. Discuss preventive measures that may decrease the spread of a disease for stabled and pastured mounts. Identify one to three examples/pictures of toxic plants in your area from the selection. Discuss specific signs of poisoning for each plant which would indicate a need to call the vet, i.e. change in temperature, pulse and respiration. Discuss preparation of mount for safe, comfortable travel for short and long distances. Discuss preparation and checklist for vehicle and trailer safety. Conformation and Lameness Identify the anatomy of the front and hind leg from shoulder and hip down, to include principal bones, tendons and ligaments of provided horse. Evaluate and discuss overall balance of mount being presented, to include good and bad conformation points, and how they might relate to long-term soundness. Discuss conformation of the mount as it relates to interfering, over- reaching, forging, brushing, paddling, winging. Identify and discuss the following conformation faults: base narrow, base wide, back at the knee, bench knees, knock knees, cow hocks. Discuss the following: bog spavins, bone spavins, bowed tendon, corns, curb, bucked shins, cracks, navicular, osselets, ringbone, sidebone, splints, suspensory problems, and thoroughpins. Discusson should include common causes, specific locations, inner structure involved and comformation faults that might contribute to the disorder. Veterinary Care and Record Book (Health, Maintenance, Immunizations) Records are kept for one year and a hard copy brought to the test. Purpose: To supply an accurate and detailed outline of candidate s (or borrowed or virtual) mount s health care, feed schedule, hoof care, maintenance expenses, a list of equestrian activities and a sample of a typical riding plan for one week. In the event that candidate was laid up or called away for a prolonged period, the mount could be properly maintained. Candidates may use the USPC Health & Maintenance Record Book or their own record system. Records may reflect care of more than one horse. Identify and discuss the dental age characteristics of a mount of known age (age of mount will be provided to you). Discuss concept of the eruption of the teeth, and baby teeth replaced by permanent; locate and name the incisors; locate the cheek teeth, and the number of teeth (male and female). Discuss special problems such as overshot or undershot jaw and cribbing. Discuss the reasons for floating and prevention of dental problems. Discuss in depth the annual immunization and parasite prevention schedules for your horse. Discuss the simple life cycle and damage caused by the following internal parasites: bots, ascarids, small and large strongyles, pinworms and tapeworms. Know what signs might indicate a mount in distress, that requires emergency veterinary attention (eye injuries, severe bleeding, colic, etc.). Include vital signs and explain the care you would give before a veterinarian arrives. Discuss causes, signs, preventive measures and care of mount for the following: colic, laminitis/founder, Cushings, influenza, Strangle, tetanus, encephalomyelitis, rhinopneumonitis, heaves, choke skin problems, West Nile virus, rabies, and EPM.,

3 Teaching Bring all teaching tools to your unmounted lesson. Horses should not be used. If it is a lesson in the barn proper footwear is required. All students must wear USPC approved medical armbands or bracelets. Present a written lesson plan for a 10 minute, unmounted lesson, at D-1 D-3 Standard. The written plan and actual lesson taught should include integral parts such as, statement of objective, explanation, demonstration, hands on activity, question asked, summary of objective and a home activity. Teach the above unmounted lesson to a group of D-1 D-3 Pony Club members. Present two lesson plans* that represent twenty minutes of an hour long mounted lesson (i.e. warm-up for flat, flat exercises, gridwork, coursework, etc); one for flat work and one for jumping, up to C-1 Standard. *For Dressage Track candidates, present two lesson plans; one at D- Level and one at C-Level. Discuss how to do a safety check and other safety aspects of teaching. Candidate must bring a letter from DC/CA stating that he/she is assisting in simple mounted lessons at the D and up to C-1 level with supervision. A minimum of six hours teaching prior to the test is highly recommended. Foot & Shoeing Identify the principal outer and inner structures of the foot and their function. Identify basic farrier tools. With tools, imitate how to remove a shoe. Identify common types of shoes, materials they are made of, widths, and common features such as fullered grooves, heels, clips, concave surface, studs, caulks and pads. Land Conservation Provide a letter from the DC/CA certifying the candidate s involvement in a local, regional, or national equine land conservation issue or project. This letter will be brought to the test and the candidate will discuss the project or issue with the Examiners. Safety Name 2-3 heat related illnesses or conditions and explain how they are different. Know 8-10 signs or symptoms of a concussion. Describe the steps you should take when a rider under your supervision falls off a horse. Give the rationale for not returning to play/riding until the signs and symptoms of concussion have resolved. H-HM/H/H-A STANDARD Horse Management Expectations Candidates must demonstrate a sound knowledge of horses, their care, equipment, and training requirements including longeing. They must have comprehensive stable management knowledge and demonstrate the ability to make informed decisions about all aspects of running a barn, including daily routine, feeding programs, conditioning, care and emergency procedures. They will conduct a mounted lesson, showing understanding of safety practices and teaching techniques appropriate to different age levels. PART 1 - Stable and Pasture Management Presentation Show a mount in hand as if for sale. Show the mount to its best advantage, according to its suitability for the breed. The mount should be shown in a correctly fitted bridle, with at least 3 braids, and the candidate should show control of the mount while working on a triangle to show the mount s quality of movement at the halt, walk, and trot. The candidate should dress appropriately, in riding attire, including helmet, gloves and a whip, as if prepared to show how the mount performs. Discuss general condition of the mount, giving an evaluation of age, breeding, and shoeing. Discuss the mount s conformation, way of going and disposition related to the suitability for an appropriate activity and performance level. Determine the age of the assigned mount utilizing the candidate s knowledge of the following: incisors, structures and wear patterns, incisor angle changes, Galvayne s groove progression, and tooth eruption patterns. Explain the differences among immature, mature, and aged teeth. Discuss the following faults and how they might affect the horse: parrot mouth/overshot jaw and undershot jaw. Discuss the presented horse s shoeing as it relates to conformation, physical condition and riding discipline. Be familiar with the following shoes or features: keg, feathered edge shoe, polo, fullered, eggbar, heart bar, rocking toe, aluminum wide web, aluminum race plates, clips, caulks, and studs (tapped shoes). Discuss suitability and fit of tack used on the presented mount. Tack Describe inspection of saddlery for safety and fit, to determine need for adjustment, repairs and/or padding. Describe procedures for reclaiming neglected tack including synthetics. Identify indications that tack cannot be safely reclaimed. Discuss the best methods for long and short term storage of tack. Know how to make temporary adjustments in ill-fitting tack, such as saddle on withers, cantle too low, leathers too long, bridle too large, reins too long, bit too large or small, broken tree. Discuss elements of safety when making tack adjustments. Recognize types of bits and saddles, their fit, actions, and applications for various mounts. Indicate which discipline and level for which the equipment is appropriate. Bits: English snaffles, double bridle, curb, pelham, kimberwick, gag, elevator, and hackamores. Saddles: all purpose, dressage jumping, close contact, etc

4 Discuss correct fitting, uses and misuses of different types of bits, saddles, girths, martingales, overgirths, draw reins, side reins, boots, cruppers, and breast plates. Stable/Farm Design and Management Plan This template replaces several blocks and lines in the HM/H/H-A Standard under Stable Management: Record book Stable Management Stable Construction/Pasture Management Candidates will design, present and be prepared to discuss a detailed outline of a hypothetical facility and horse management plan for the care of 5-10 horses within a safe and efficient system based on best geographical best management practices. At the beginning of the test, candidates will present to the examiners): A drawing of the entire facility including barn, turnout areas, riding/training areas, driveways and walkways gates. A floor plan of the barn showing location and size of stalls, aisles, feed/hay/bedding storage, tack room, grooming area, windows, doors, etc. A detailed floor plan with dimensions of a stall, the tack room and feed area. A description of the materials chosen for construction to include flooring for all areas, fencing, footing for riding/training areas, doors, gates. A description of the type of facility. A sample schedule of daily facility care routine. Parasite management philosophy/routine/schedule Pasture management routine/schedule for facility Pictures, descriptions and poisoning symptoms for at least 5 poisonous plants in the candidate s area. Manure management plan for the facility A yearly inoculation and dental schedule for facility. Yearly schedule for farrier care. An emergency plan for facility with planning for potential crisis of both a general and a geographic nature. Seasonal differences or adjustments for above plans/schedule Nutrition Demonstrate ability to purchase feed responsibly by discussing the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of different types of grains, pellets, sweet and mixed feeds, bran, and extruded feeds. Discuss and define a complete nutritional program for various types of horses (i.e., aged, growing, breeding, lactating, working, idle, lay up, special health conditions) that includes consideration and common sources of protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, electrolytes; and interpretation of the nutritional value of feed available from label information. Describe a basic, appropriate ration to include composition of concentrates vs. roughages and percentages of protein, fat and fiber and need for specific vitamins and minerals. Be able to discuss the nutritional management of health conditions including Equine Cushing s Disease, Equine Metabolic Syndrome, and Insulin Resistance Discuss cost of and safe storage methods for different varieties and quantities of feed. Discuss criteria used to determine whether or not feed supplements or nutraceuticals are needed. Discuss benefits and dangers of use. Discuss differences in care, as related to seasonal weather changes for mounts at grass. Conditioning Present, discuss and evaluate an 8 week conditioning plan that is designed to prepare a horse for a stated activity, competition, injury rehabilitation or return from roughing off. The plan needs to include description of mount (e.g., age, breed, current fitness level, body condition score, etc.). Discuss how you will evaluate the effectiveness of your plan and what factors might alter your plan. Discuss the nutritional changes that might occur as the plan progresses. Land Conservation Discuss the relationship between land conservation concerns and initiatives and equine sports and horse management. Discussion may include current and future challenges from the local area to the global environment. Describe appropriate methods to include land conservation awareness into an unmounted curriculum. PART 2 - Veterinary Knowledge Health/Systems/Diseases Candidates will be presented with disease scenarios and should have sufficient knowledge to identify major anatomical parts and to describe the basic functions of the following systems: respiratory, urinary, circulatory/lymphatic, nervous, digestive, reproductive, skeletal, and major muscle groups involved with locomotion (circle of muscles). i.e. Trapezius Rhomboideus Triceps group Biceps brachii Longissimus dorsi Rectus abdominis Pectoral group Gluteal group Digital extensor group Digital flexor group Quadriceps group Biceps femoris Hamstring group (Semitendinosus & Semi-membranosus) Locate and discuss the following disorders/diseases according to the anatomical system involved, causative agent, signs, and care: colic, gastric ulcer, choke, heaves, laminitis, recurrent uveitis (periodic ophthalmia), eye problems, rhinopneumonitis, influenza, Equine viral arteritis, encephalomyelitis, tetanus, strangles, equine infectious anemia, rabies, Potomac horse fever, EPM (Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis), botulism, West Nile, metabolic disorders, (Equine Cushing s Disease, insulin resistance, Equine metabolic syndrome). Discuss predisposing factors, including symptoms and care of mount for the following: fever, tying up, inflammation, edema, arthritis, shock, and dehydration. Discuss diseases associated with travel and exposure to strange mounts.

5 Bandaging Discuss and demonstrate the application of selected specialty bandages using appropriate materials, such as: sheet cotton, flannel, track bandages, vet wrap, elastic adhesive bandages, Ace bandages, conforming gauze, quilt batting, quilts, diapers, towels, etc. (see the manual). Discuss values and potential dangers when any of the above materials are prescribed. Demonstrate one specialty bandage that includes the knee or hock joint from the following selection: spider or figure eight. Demonstrate one specialty bandage from the following selection: shipping bandages, sweat, poultice, pressure, hoof abscess, heel grab, cold water, and ice. Special Care Discuss possible indications for use of the following drug classes. Understand the possible complications that can result from their use and when a veterinarian should be consulted prior to or during their use. Discuss administration and storage of each drug. Discuss any management concerns that need to be addressed for a horse on those drug classes. NSAIDS Firocoxib (Equioxx ) Phenylbutazone (Bute) Flunixin meglumine (Banamine ) Diclofenac (Surpass ) Tranquilizers Acepromazine (PromAce ) Sedatives/Pain Relievers Xylazine (Rompun ) Detomidine (Dormosedan ) Romifidine (Sedivet ) Butorphanol (Torbugesic*) Corticosteroids Dexamethasone (Azium ) Triamcinolone (Vetalog ) Methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol ) Gastric Ulcer Treatments Omeprazole (Gastrogard /Ulcerguard ) Osteoarthritis Treatments Hyaluronic Acid (Legend, Conquer ) Polysulfated glycosaminoglycans (Adequan*) Discuss specific precautions when shipping, feeding and restraining a sedated mount. Discuss twitches-benefits, dangers and different types. Describe other methods of physical restraint, from mild to aggressive. Conformation and Lameness With horse(s) present, the candidate locates and discusses the following conformation faults. Discussion should include the effects these might have on movement and how they might contribute to lameness. base wide short upright pasterns base narrow standing under cow hocks bench knees sickle hocks knock knees toe-in calf knees toe-out over at the knee contracted heels bow leg camped out in front straight stifle/post leg long sloping pasterns Discuss the functional anatomy of the legs to include the joints, the groups of locomotor muscles and insertions of major tendons and ligaments. Have a basic understanding of the biomechanics of movement and self carriage (Circle of Muscles). Observe a mount in motion to assess its athletic ability and suitability use as it might be affected by any of the conformation faults listed above and below: straight shoulder, long back, too long or short neck, mutton/high withers, various slopes of croup, slab sided, and ewe neck. Observe a mount in motion and identify obvious front and hind leg unsoundness. PART 3 - Teaching & Training Teaching Techniques Know techniques included in USPC Manual of Horsemanship, Vol. III and be able to demonstrate knowledge of those skills as acquired through teaching experience. Discuss ways to handle the following lesson situations: mixed age or skill group, effective use of assistant, interfering coach or parent, unsuitable and/or unsound mount, runaway mount, disobedient mount, fall of rider, arguing student, uninterested student, fearful student, unfit condition of mount or student, change in weather or environment prior to or during a lesson, and any problems beyond a teacher s ability or training to solve. Discuss how to recognize and to adapt teaching technique(s) for students who might have physical differences or different learning styles. Discuss skills that would be covered in teaching a C Pony Club member to longe a mount safely and effectively. Demonstrate knowledge of D, C, and B Standards requirements. Discuss and demonstrate as directed the use of general first aid equipment. Discuss instructor emergency preparedness and risk management suitable for any teaching situation. For the safety of their lessons a candidate should bring: hat, cell phone, local emergency number (might not always be 911), address of teaching location, rubber bands, extra pair of rein stops, tape measure, towel, whip, spurs, gloves, first aid kit and your teaching tools, (i.e., cones) Know the local phone numbers for a farrier, vet, ambulance and fire department. All candidates should be in riding attire including proper footwear. All students must wear USPC approved medical armbands or bracelets.

6 Teaching a Class Prepare a lesson plan for assigned lesson. Lesson topics and levels will be assigned by examiners at the test site. Demonstrate teaching a safe, informative 20-minute lesson to a group of three to five riders (D-1 to B or adult volunteers). Each lesson must demonstrate the candidate s ability to teach a key concept, movement or skill that is a level or two above the current riding ability of the students in the group, as appropriate on the USPC Standards of Proficiency. Emphasis should be placed on the correctness of the figure or skill, the explanations of correct aids and their uses, the riders basic balanced position, and the candidate s ability to make appropriate corrections and improvements in the performance of the riders and/or mounts. Evaluate the lesson plan used and discuss whether the teaching objectives were achieved, how the lesson could be improved, and what, if any, changes were made to the lesson plan for safety considerations. Discuss a student s riding position and suggest three exercises to help solve any problem, including exercises on the longe. Discuss and/or demonstrate appropriate safety considerations when setting up a jumping lesson, including use and spacing of cavalletti/trotting poles and distances between fences in a grid or a jumping line. Training/Longeing Discuss and demonstrate proper fit and use of equipment, to include side reins or other training equipment described in the manual. Discuss and demonstrate safe, confident, effective longeing techniques. Demonstrate techniques for longeing appropriate to the mount s level of training. Should demonstrate free forward movement, with a regular rhythm, demonstrating horse s acceptance of aids to develop lateral and longitudinal suppleness. Discuss additional safety precautions to be considered when longeing a rider. Evaluate performance and training of mount before, during, and after longeing session. Safety Discuss the symptoms of heat stroke and how you would care for a rider suspected of heat stroke. Discuss concussion to include symptoms and immediate care of a rider with suspected concussion. Discuss knowledge of how to manage the aftermath of a rider fall, to include consideration of circumstance (e.g., in arena vs. in the open). Discuss the detailed procedure involved in determining if a rider should continue riding after a fall using USPC s Concussion Return to Play protocol

7 Information for National Level Candidates Requirements for Candidates Be a Pony Club Member in Good Standing as approved by your Regional Supervisor. Be at least 13 years of age by January 1st of the certification year for the H-B and C-3; 14 years of age for the B, and 16 years of age for the H-HM/H/H-A and A. Must have competed in at least one mounted rally on a mounted or unmounted basis during their USPC career. Have a thorough knowledge of requirements for the certifications and be able to discuss and/or demonstrate any requirements from all previously attained standards. Adhere to the USPC Code of Conduct at all times. Application Process There is no waiting period between the H-B/C-3 through A certifications. All applications are required to be submitted by the application deadline. Candidates may take the H-B or C-3 certification in whichever order they choose. Candidates must successfully complete all sections of the H-B and C-3 before presenting for the B certification, and all sections of the H-A before taking the A certification. H-B rated candidates may take the H-HM/H//H-A certification without completing the national level riding certifications. The National Testing Committee determines certification dates and locations in response to Regional requests. Candidates may apply for the date of their choice. Information on testing dates, sites and equipment needed may be obtained from the DC, CA, or RS; the USPC website; or the National Office. All National Level Testing applications are to be filled out and submitted with payment online through the USPC website. Applications for the H-HM/H/H-A must include proof of compliance with the First Aid requirement. Application Deadlines See Upper Level Testing Schedule on USPC website club.org. Late applications will be handled by the National Office and National Testing Committee and considered on a case by case basis. Candidate Preparation Candidates should do outside reading and independent study in an effort to expand knowledge and understanding of all aspects of horsemastership. For the appropriate testing level, this in-depth study should develop sophistication in riding, maturity in training a mount or rider, and flexibility to adapt to horsemastership techniques that vary according to geographic area. Candidates should also prepare themselves through practical experience in all requirements and possess a thorough understanding of the level evaluated. However, it is at the discretion of National Examiners as to what is covered during a certification. H-HM/H/H-A applicants must provide proof of successful completion of a basic First Aid certification course (typically a 4-hour course) with their testing application. Candidates planning to take their H- HM/H/H-A should make plans early to get their certification done well before the testing application deadline in case their class is canceled or rescheduled. Verification of completion of a First Aid course must be sent to testing@ponyclub.org or mailed to the National Office before the test date. Proof of enrollment in a course is not acceptable. There are many different organizations offering first aid certification and any basic first aid course is acceptable including on-line basic First Aid courses. The attitude and maturity of the candidate is considered throughout the certification. Respect for other people and handling of the mounts are considered a direct reflection of the candidate s maturity level. Attire H-B: Safe, working attire, pants preferred (Bermuda shorts acceptable in warmer climates), including proper footwear must be worn in the barn area and when working around mounts. H-A: Safe, working attire, pants, polo shirt, proper footwear must be worn in the barn area and when working around mounts. Proper informal attire (boots and breeches) is required for teaching mounted lessons and longeing. Refer to USPC Horse Management Handbook, USPC Rules for Eventing, and USPC Manuals of Horsemanship, Volume I, II and III. USPC policy-approved headgear with full harness and with chin strap in place must be worn during turnout and when riding or longeing. Safety vest wear is at the discretion of the member, parent, or guardian. A USPC or USEA medical armband or bracelet must be on the candidate s person, as described by the Horse Management Rulebook. Presentation of the Mount for Turnout Standards for turnout are indicated in the Standards of Proficiency and in each appropriate test sheet. Please refer, as well, to the Horse Management Rulebook. Equipment For the national level riding certifications, any saddlery and bitting equipment must comply with the Horse Management General Rule on Saddlery and Bitting and with the appropriate USPC discipline rules for Saddlery and Bitting. Any discipline rule change following publication of the current Horse Management Handbook will supersede these rules. Appropriate Horse USPC s commitment to safety for all horses and riders is paramount during a certification at any level. Candidates may bring their own, borrowed, leased or rented mount(s) to a certification. They may present with more than one mount at a certification. The care of each of the candidates mounts at a certification is the responsibility of the candidates themselves. There are no candidate mount requirements for either the H-B or the H-HM/H/H-A certifications. Horses or ponies are provided for demonstration and evaluation for these certifications

8 For the national level riding certifications, it is the responsibility of the candidate and his/ her parent(s) or guardian(s) to bring appropriate mount(s) to the certification. The properly conditioned mounts must be capable of the skills required by the certification level, to include standing for evaluation of the turnout and the bandaging and longeing. For the riding sections, the mounts must be capable of completing the flat and jumping phases at the heights indicated at the appropriate levels. In addition, the mount(s) must also be available and suitable for change of riders during the appropriate section of the certification. Failure to follow these guidelines will make it difficult for the candidate to meet the standards on that given day. Information on Conducting a Certification The testing shall be a constructive working session. The candidates shall be required to demonstrate and maintain adequate ability in performance and knowledge for the level and skill being evaluated. Depending on the number of candidates and the test site logistics, the schedule will be determined by the national examiners assigned to the test. Oral testing and/or demonstration are required for all parts of the horse management phase. Written tests are not allowed. However, at the discretion of the Examiners, candidates may use their own writing and/or drawing to convey their answers during the questioning and/or discussion periods of the certification. Candidates will be allowed to retest certain sections of a test with Examiner approval. Check USPC retest policy for information on your specific certification. An adult designated by the host Region must be present throughout the certification day(s). In addition, USPC expects the use of Impartial Observers. National Examiners Please review the Examiners Handbook for specific information about the criteria, selection, and expectations of Examiners. The Chair, National Testing Committee, determines and organizes the National Examiner panel for each national level certification. The panel is comprised of no less than two National Examiners, with one individual overall responsible for the conduct of the certification for that given day or consecutive days. H-B tests may be conducted with one examiner for 4 or less candidates. National Examiners are selected with care and are completely knowledgeable of the Standards of Proficiency at the level(s) and skills they are testing, as well as the level(s) and skills above and below the one(s) they are evaluating that given certification day or consecutive days. Each National Examiner is chosen only after a period of apprenticeship and with recommendations of other Examiners, USPC leaders, and/or equestrian professionals. They must attend regular seminars and participate in continuing education opportunities. They receive regular peer evaluations as well as those remarks shared by candidates and national level certification organizers and officials. Responsibilities and Authorities The USPC Board of Governors approves the Standards of Proficiency and designates the USPC Vice President, Instruction (VPI), as responsible for both the Standards of Proficiency and the general USPC certifications program management. For national level certifications, the host RS is responsible for the organizing and conduct of the certifications, although the actual oversight of a specific certification may be delegated to a designated Regional official. This may be in coordination or cooperation within the Region or between neighboring Regions. Any special certification requests, including exceptions or exemptions, must be submitted to the USPC National Office, Attention: Testing Coordinator testing@uspc.org, through the DC or the CA and the RS. The Testing Coordinator forwards exceptions or exemptions requests to the Chair, National Testing Committee, for recommendations. The Vice President of Instruction is the final approval authority The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. Copying permitted for internal use only by members and volunteers of the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. The United States Pony Clubs, Inc Iron Works Parkway Lexington, KY Phone (859) Fax (859) uspc@ponyclub.org website