What's a rating?

1. It's a Standard of Proficiency established by United States Pony Clubs. The rating system as a whole defines the curriculum for a program of instruction and testing of USPC members.
2. It's the name for an event where Pony Clubbers can demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in order to achieve new Pony Club ratings. (As in, "We're having a C1 rating at Happy Horse Farms tonight!").

What's the difference between a rating and a rally?

A rally is a competition. A rating is an examination in which Pony Clubbers demonstrate knowledge and proficiency to achieve new Pony Club ratings.

What are the different ratings, and what do they mean?

Ratings go from D-1 (lowest) to A (highest). The USPC's Standards of Proficiency summarize the different ratings as follows:

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 mount and tack. The D-1 through D-3 Pony Club member 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 club level."

C Rating: "The C is a Pony Club member learning to become an active horseman, to care independently for 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. The C-1 and C-2 ratings are awarded at the club level. The C-3 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, H/HA, and A Ratings: "B, H/H-A, and A ratings are scheduled on a national basis and require a greater depth of knowledge and proficiency than the earlier ratings. 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 levels."

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 mounts with confidence and control on the flat, over fences, and in the open. 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."

A Rating: "The A, the highest rating, is divided into two parts: the H/HA, which covers horse management, teaching, and training, and the A, which tests the riding phase. 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. 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."

The United States Pony Clubs has established Standards of Proficiency within the framework of the international Pony Club movement as the curriculum for a program of instruction and testing of it's members. Achieving a rating does not necessarily qualify the Pony Club member for competition in any horse sport.

How high do I have to jump at a Rating?

"In response to the discussions about the jumping heights for ratings, please remember that each and every candidate for a rating is expected to meet the Standard in each section of the test. If the required jump height on the Standard is 2’6”, then each rider is expected to be proficient in jumping 2’ 6” in order to meet the Standard and pass the rating. Proficiency in jumping a certain height does not mean the child has once in their lives jumped a single fence that was 2’6” in height or that they should expect to come to a rating and jump only one fence at that height. Proficiency means that they are capable of doing it whenever asked, both mentally and physically. If you have candidates that don’t want to or are not capable of jumping a required
height to advance in their ratings, there is nothing saying that they have to take that rating. If they have a horse that is not capable of jumping the height, it is acceptable for them to borrow or lease a horse that is. This is done all the time and it is perfectly acceptable for a child to have a jumping horse and a flat horse for their ratings.

Most of the time the reason that children are afraid to jump a certain height is because they haven’t done it enough to feel comfortable and confident in their ability. This must be addressed in your club instruction programs and you must make sure that you don’t send children for their ratings until they are really ready to attempt that next level. We all know that children are sometimes impatient and want to keep moving up for various reasons, but common sense and good judgment must be used while keeping the child’s best interest at heart.

Candidates for all ratings should be made aware that they will be expected to jump the height stated on the Standard. It is up to the examiner’s discretion to set the fences and heights. For example, on a certain day an examiner might only set the fences at 2’ because there is a lot of mud which could make jumping higher unsafe. The examiner’s experience will enable them to make the necessary judgments in a variety of situations. But no one should go to a rating knowing they are not willing and/or able to jump the height required on the Standard."

Lynn Anthony
Instruction Services Director

Who determines when a rating is to be held?

When one or more Pony Clubbers want to rate at a higher level, they should first get their Prep Guides completed, then ask their DC to set up a rating.

DC's can set up local ratings for D-1 through C-2. The DC can then:

1. organize the rating; or
2. delegate the task of organizing the rating to someone else, or
3. find out if someone else in the region nearby will be holding a rating at the level requested in the near future.

C-3 ratings and above follow a different process, because they are national examinations. If you are interested in rating at this level, consult your DC.

How do I prepare for a rating, as a rider?

First, become familiar with what's expected of a rider at the rating you are testing for. Links to the USPC Standards of Proficiency for various levels are given below. Click on the links, open or download the files, print them out, and READ THEM!!! (You'd be surprised how many candidates don't even do that much.)

Once you know what's expected of you, practice, study, and above all have fun riding.

You need to have your Prep Guide for the level you're rating at completed, signed-off, and with you.

Tips to Help Make Your Rating a Success

Please follow this link to find study aids for every level:

http://midcal.ponyclub.org/study_aids.htm if this does not work please try "Before you test"

Courtesy of Ronda Davenport, Vice RS and webmaster, Middle California Region
 

How do I prepare for a rating, as a parent?

• Know the date, time, and place of the rating, and contact information for the organizer;
• Make sure that your child and horse are tacked and dressed appropriately for the Pony Club standard for which they are rating (formal or informal);
• Make sure that your child and horse have food and water during the rating. Don't forget food and water for you, too.
• Be patient. Depending on the number of kids being rated, a rating can take a long time. Bring a book. Take a walk.
• Be supportive, without being opinionated.

How do I prepare for a rating, as an examiner?

• Know the Standards of Proficiency for each level that you are rating.
• Review the test sheet for each level that you are rating.
• Review the USPC Examiner's Handbook, available from the USPC bookstore.

How do I prepare for a rating, as an organizer?

• Find a facility that meets the standard for the rating being tested for.
• Choose a date.
• Find two examiners for the rating.

Pony Club Pin Colored Felt Backing

Maintained by the Oregon Region.
Copyright © 1999 Oregon Region of USPC, Inc.
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