Shillelagh Hunt Branch

TESTS IN THE SHILLELAGH PONY CLUB

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND MEMBERS

In the Shillelagh Pony Club, tests are usually held during the Summer.

The D and D+ tests are taken during Camp. You must pass your D+ test before being allowed to do your C Test.

The C test is always held shortly after camp (which is in early July) as the children will have worked to prepare for it during camp. Sometimes there is a C Tests held later in the Summer or during the Easter holidays to accommodate children who were unable to attend the one after camp, but a minimum of five members are needed to do this.

The Riding and Road Safety Test is usually held in August (following a Road Safety Rally) and is usually taken the year after the C test. (It is compulsory to have this before attempting the C+).

The C+ test is usually held in August and special rallies are held to prepare for it.

It is usual that two years elapse between the C+ and B test to allow plenty of time for the candidates to mature and prepare for this demanding test. This is not run by the branch but is organised by our Area Representative and assessment is carried out before being allowed to take it.

We generally try to prepare our members well before they attempt a Pony Club test and you should remember that what you learn for your test should be put into practice in the daily care of your pony and not just on the day of the test.

If you have a query about any matter regarding Pony Club Tests in the Shillelagh Pony Club, e.g. need a Test Card, will be away for a test, etc. please contact Jackie or Polly who are responsible for arranging tests. See Who's Who

It is important to remember that no test may be taken outside a member’s branch without the written permission of both D.C.’s and the Area Representative and no parent can organize a test for their child.

Test Cards detail the complete syllabus for each test. These are available from Polly and are the test syllabus is also available on the Irish Pony Club Website.

The tests are taken at recommended ages and are designed with certain objectives in mind.

All Pony Club tests are optional but members are encouraged to progress through them during their time in the Pony Club.

Unfortunately, many parents and members can become unnecessarily stressed about tests in the Pony Club. However, they are proper tests and not a formality so it is better to wait until you are ready before attempting one. That way you have a higher chance of success and can avoid the disappointment of not being successful.

If a member fails a test, a minimum of two months must elapse before retaking the test.

When you pass a test, you get a signed certificate and a coloured disc to wear behind your Pony Club Badge. There are different coloured certificates and discs for different tests.

The D.C., with advice from an instructor, will advise when a candidate should take a test. The practice of bringing pressure to bear on Area Reps., D.C.’s, Examiners and other Irish Pony Club officials regarding Pony Club Tests is unacceptable.

SEQUENCE OF TESTS
All Pony Club tests must be taken in sequence, starting with D Test.

The test order is D, D+, C, Road Safety, C+, B, H, B+ (new), A.

Click here to visit the Irish Pony Club website for more information on tests.