B Test Celebrations
Sonja Walker • October 30, 2023
Our senior members headed up to Surrey and passed the ridden and/or care Pony B test efficiency tests this October half term week.
Firstly HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to members ….
Jess Perry
- passing Ride & Care
Beth Hobden
- passing Ride & Care
Hannah Gardiner
- passing Ride
Emily Sargent
- passing Care
These tests are not only Pony Club achievements but are also recognised within the industry as a measure of competence.
They follow a similar syllabus to college diplomas and BHS stages etc and it should not be underestimated how much work and commitment candidates put in to gain them, so well done girls!
The best thing about the Pony Club tests is all the different ways you can train for them - the girls above range from 14yrs to 20yrs old.
I thought I’d share their different pathways and hopefully inspire other members to aim for their next tests!
- Hannah was a direct entrant having gained qualifications previously at college.
- Beth passed her C+ earlier in the year and on the basis of her knowledge was encouraged to sit her B Test the same year.
- Jess and Emily attended many evening training sessions over the past two years, then went to a B Test training camp this summer held by our neighbouring pony club.
All the girls also took part in zoom training, working rallies and studied at home at their own pace.
….. And if your horse isn’t ready that’s ok! Emily has borrowed ponies, swapped rides & went to the mechanical horse training so has still been working on her riding while her horse has been recovering from an injury. She decided to take the Care part of the test this week and will take her Ride when her horse is ready in the spring.
So as you can see there’s lots of ways to access coaching and training, with help and support from our wonderful coaches at clinics, working rallies and camps - and once you’ve reached the minimum age for each test, there’s plenty of time to take it!
Your Pony Club tests give you the opportunity to show how much you’ve learnt and be #PonyClubProud
Well done - awesome job!
ESPC Members Facebook post by parent Liz Walker
November 2024 to February 2025 Organised by: OSB Hunt PC ESPC shoot venue: Dunstars Farm, Herstmonceux, BN27 4QS Targets will be shot at Dunstars Farm on training evenings which will be the first and third Monday's of the month starting on the 21st October. Contact: Lucinda Morgan ( dunstarsfarm@btinternet.com )
Sunday 13th October - 17th November - 8th December Hosted by: East Sussex PC at Bodiam Indoor Arena, TN32 5UJ Classes for Novice (lead/rein & assisted), Junior (up to 10yr) and Senior (11yr and up) Estimated timings morning Novice - midday Juniors - afternoon Seniors Secretary: Clare Bassett (East Sussex Pony Club) clare.espc@gmail.com
Saturday 9th November 2024 Saturday 7 th December 2024 Saturday 18th January 2025 Hosted by: Surrey Union PC Venue: Sands Farm Equitation Centre, Warnham, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 3SQF