2009 Changes to the Standards of Proficiency

Standards for D, C, HB, HA, and C3, B & A specialties can be found in the Forms section on the USPC site.  The standards were revised in 2009 and some of those changes have been noted below. 

2009 Changes to the D Standards of Proficiency

D-1 Standard

• Riding on the Flat - Pick up stirrups at the halt.
• Turn Out/Tack - Rider in safe and neat attire: collared shirt with long or shorts sleeves, long pants with shirt tucked in, short or tall riding boots or shoes that cover the ankle and have a boot heel, Pony Club pin and an ASTM/SEI approved helmet. Long hair neatly up or back Half-chaps, gloves, show coat and belt optional. No inappropriate jewelry.
• Stable Management - Bring a stall card for own mount to test.

D-2 Standard

• Riding Over Fences - In an enclosed area, ride a simple stadium course of four to five obstacles of cross bars and verticals (no spreads). The majority of fences should be set at, but not exceed, 18”.
• Riding in the Open - Jump a minimum of three simple and natural obstacles. The majority of fences should be set at, but not exceed, 18”. No ditches, banks, or water.
• Turn Out/Tack -
  • Rider in safe and neat attire: collared shirt with long or shorts sleeves, long pants with shirt tucked in, short or tall riding boots or shoes that cover the ankle and have a boot heel, Pony Club pin and an ASTM/SEI approved helmet. Long hair neatly up or back Half-chaps, gloves, show coat and belt optional. No inappropriate jewelry.
  • Mount to be clean and well brushed, with feet picked out and showing farrier care. Eyes, nose, lips, and dock wiped off.
  • Tack to be safe and clean, (properly adjusted with assistance, if necessary) with attention to stitching, girth and stirrups. No obvious jockeys or heavy dust.
• Stable Management -

  • Name 5 grooming tools and demonstrate how to use them.

  • Bring a stall card for own mount to test. Discuss what we put on a stall card.

D-3 Standard

• Riding on the Flat

  • Demonstrate correct mounting (using mounting block if necessary).

  • Perform balancing and suppling exercises for rider at walk and trot under direction of Examiner.

  • Demonstrate an increase and decrease of speed either alone or with others as appropriate.

  • Demonstrate a halt followed by a simple step back.

  • Discuss performance with Examiner including rider’s basic balanced position, and whether or not circles were round and natural aids were used correctly.
     

• Riding Over Fences

  • Ride over small gymnastic grid of trot poles followed by a cross rail, then a vertical set at, but not to exceed, 2’6” set a appropriate distances for mount’s stride.

  • Jump a simple stadium course of five to seven obstacles. The majority of fences should be set at, but not exceed, 2’6”.

• Riding in the Open - Jump four to five simple cross-country obstacles. The majority of fences should be set at, but not exceed, 2’6”.
• Turn Out/Tack

  • Rider in safe, neat, clean attire: collared shirt (polo, turtleneck, dress shirt or ratcatcher) with long or short sleeves, breeches, jodhpurs or riding tights with shirt tucked in, belt (if belt loops), tall boots or paddock boots with or without half chaps, Pony Club pin and ASTM/SEI approved helmet. Long hair neatly up or back. Gloves, neckwear, and show coat optional. No inappropriate jewelry.

  • Mount to be well brushed (no sweat), clean (no dirt), with feet picked out, showing farrier care. Mane and tail brushed and eyes, nose, lips and dock wiped off.

  • Tack to be safe – especially stitching on stirrups/girth - and clean – no jockeys or dust, stress points clean, stirrup pads (if used) clean, and bit clean.

  • Describe proper adjustment of curb chain if appropriate.

• Conditioning and Nutrition - Know vital signs of mount at rest.
• Stable Management

  • Demonstrate and discuss how to clean a dirty/soiled stall. Demonstrate the proper steps and methods for removing manure and wet areas, how to bank a stall, and discuss the reasons for and benefits of regular stall cleaning for the health and safety of your mount. For testing purposes, a soiled horse trailer may be used.

  • Demonstrate and discuss the proper methods of hanging a water bucket and hay net/hay bag, hanging both at a proper height for your mount, at either a trailer or stall. Discuss the different needs of your horse during a day rally or clinic, or overnight stay.

• Leading and Longeing -Demonstrate correctly jogging mount, moving mount forward with whip (if necessary).
• Boots and Bandaging - Note: Stable wrap no longer required.

2009 Changes to the C Standards of Proficiency (C1 & C2)

C-1 Standard

• Riding on the Flat

  • Ride consistently demonstrating riding test expectations.

  • Demonstrate suppling exercises for rider without stirrups at walk.

  • Discuss candidate’s warm-up for both rider and mount with examiner.

  • Work mount at walk, trot, and canter, with smooth transitions, demonstrating correct bend, performing straight lines on centerline, 20-meter circles, and figure eights with simple transitions at each gait.

  • Demonstrate a rein back (2-3 simple steps back).

  • Discuss aids for and then demonstrate a turn on the forehand.

  • Discuss performance with Examiner discussing the following: the rider’s basic balanced position, whether or not mount was moving freely forward in balance and rhythm, and whether rider established a light contact.

• Riding Over Fences

  • Ride over small gymnastic grid of three fences finishing with an ascending oxer set at, but not to exceed, 2’9” set at appropriate distances for mount’s stride.

  • Ride over jump course of 6-8 obstacles: include a two-stride combination set at an appropriate distance for mount’s stride. The majority of fences should be set at, but not exceed, 2’9”.

  • Grid distances and two-stride combination may be adjusted for individual mounts.

  • Discuss performance with Examiner, including steadiness of pace and ways ride could be improved.

• Riding in the Open

  • Discuss and demonstrate riding safely over varied terrain, incorporating as many of the following elements as local conditions allow: hills, small/shallow ditches, low banks, flat open areas and shallow streams.

  • Ride over five to seven cross-country obstacles at appropriate speed (240-350 meters per minute). The majority of fences should be set at, but not exceed, 2’9”.

• Turn Out/Tack

  • Attire to be correctly formal or informal. Note: DC no longer designates attire. Pony Club pin. Long hair neatly up or back. No inappropriate jewelry.

  • Mount to be well groomed, reflecting regular care with a healthy coat; no sweat or dirt. Mane and tail brushed with little, if any dandruff. External areas around sheath/udder clean. Feet picked out and reflecting regular farrier care. Eyes, nose, lips, dock clean.

  • Tack to be safe, properly adjusted, supple and reflection regular care. No jockeys or dust. All stress points clean. No cracked leather. Metal clean and polished and stirrup pads clean.

  • Demonstrate proper adjustment of blanket/sheet and halter.

• Travel Safety - Demonstrate trailer safety check from trailer safety checklist (on USPC website under Forms).

• Teaching

  • Demonstrate a safety and tack inspection for a D Pony Club member under direct supervision of Examiner.

  • Explain to the D member the reason for the check, the process, and any safety issues found.

• Leading and Longeing - Demonstrate jogging mount, moving mount actively forward from the whip, with smooth transitions.

• Bandaging - Apply stable bandage under direct supervision and with assistance of Examiner. Note: Shipping bandage no longer required.

C-2 Standard

• Riding on the Flat

  • Ride consistently demonstrating riding test expectations.

  • Work mount at walk, trot, and canter, changing directions at least twice in each gait, using coordinated aids, maintaining even rhythm, balance and impulsion and smoother transitions.

  • Demonstrate 15- and 20-meter circles, figure 8’s, serpentines and work on center or quarter lines to develop suppleness and straightness.

  • Demonstrate a free walk on a long rein, returning to a walk on contact.

  • Halt squarely on centerline and stand quietly for five seconds.

  • Discuss aids for and demonstrate a rein back of 2-3 steps.

  • Discuss aids for and then demonstrate leg yield at walk.

  • Discuss performance with Examiner including the rider’s position, and whether mount was moving forward in balance and rhythm.

• Riding Over Fences

  • Perform simple gymnastic grid exercises set at appropriate distances for mount’s stride at trot or canter, finishing with an ascending oxer set at 3’. Fences not to exceed 3’.

  • Develop a plan of how to ride a stadium course. Course to consist of 7-9 jumps. The majority of fences should be set at, but not exceed, 3’.

  • Discuss performance with Examiner, including rhythm maintained throughout the course.

• Riding in the Open

  • Demonstrate riding safely over varied terrain, as conditions allow.

  • Ride over five to seven cross-country obstacles, at appropriate speed (350-375 MPM) connecting fences as a course. The majority of fences should be set at, but not exceed 3’.

• Turn Out/Tack

  • Attire to be correctly formal or informal. Note: DC no longer determines. Pony Club pin. Long hair neatly up or back. No inappropriate jewelry. Boots polished and in good repair. Spurs (if used) polished and put on properly.

  • Mount to be thoroughly groomed, reflecting regular care with a healthy coat; no sweat or dirt. Mane and tail brushed with no dandruff. Sheath or udder showing regular attention. Feet picked out and reflecting regular farrier care. Eyes, nose, lips, dock clean.

  • Tack to be safe, clean and properly adjusted, reflecting regular care/conditioning with metal polished. No jockeys or dust, no cracked leather, and all stress points clean.

  • Demonstrate proper adjustment and reason for tack used on mount.

• Conditioning - Know vital signs of own mount at work.

• Teaching - Demonstrate knowledge of safe grooming, handling and tacking up by assisting a D-1 or D-2 to prepare for turnout under direct supervision of Examiner. Explain to the D member what the appropriate steps are and what safety procedures should be followed. Asses turnout and equipment for safety and explain to the D member any safety concerns and how to fix them.

2009 Changes to the Standards of Proficiency HB / H / HA
 

HB Standard

• Tack - Demonstrate and discuss fit of a snaffle bridle.

• Conditioning - Present, discuss and evaluate a conditioning schedule of 8 weeks preparing a horse for a stated activity or competition.

• Nutrition - Identify and evaluate samples of hay, grain, and bedding for suitability and safety.

• Veterinary Care & Record Book - Discuss how diseases are spread and care needed.

• Teaching - Bring all teaching tools to your unmounted lesson. If it is a lesson in the barn proper footwear is required. Medical releases for all students must be on the grounds.

• Land Conservation - Provide a letter from the DC 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.

 H/HA Standard

Stable and Pasture Management

• Presentation

  • The mount should be shown in a correctly fitting bridle, with at least 3 braids, and the candidate should show control of the mount while 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.

  • Explain differences amount a foal’s, mature, and an aged horse’s mouth.

• Tack - Discuss elements of safety when making tack adjustments.

• Record Book - Present a conditioning book to show an understanding of keeping records and finding information.

• Stable Management - Outline a complete parasite control program for a stable; give reasons for this program including deworming drug classifications and fecal egg count relative to parasite cycles.

• Stable Construction/Pasture Management -

  • Discuss good stable construction for safety and health, with attention to ventilation…in accordance with local agricultural practices.

  • Discuss the importance of soil testing, fertilizers; pasture rotation, and seeding for proper soil management (in accordance with local agricultural practices).

• Nutrition

  • Discuss common sources of protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrates in typical equine rations for mounts:  aged, growing, working.

  • Discuss appropriate rations – to include composition of concentrates vs. roughages and percentages of protein, fat, and fiber – for a variety of mounts (i.e. aged, growing, working, idle, and breeding).

• 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.

Veterinary Knowledge

• Health/Systems/Diseases - Locate and discuss the following disorders/diseases according to the anatomical system involved, causative agent, signs, and care:  West Nile, metabolic disorders (PPI, Cushing’s, insulin resistance).

• Special Care - Discuss common tranquilizers, sedatives, anti-inflammatory and analgesics, specifically:  Acepromazine (PromAce)…Hyaluronic Acid (Legend), Romifidine (Sedivert), Polysulfated Glycosamino-glyccan (Adequan), Surpass (Diclufenac).

• Conformation and Lameness - Be able to determine 1 or 2 appropriate disciplines for presented horse.

Teaching & Training

• Teaching Techniques -

  • Discuss ways to handle the following lesson situations:  mount or student in unfit condition, change in weather or environment prior to or during lesson.

  • Discuss and demonstrate as directed the use of general first aid equipment.

  • For the safety of their lessons they (instructor) should bring with them:  hat, cell phone, local emergency number (might not always be 911), address of where you are teaching, rubber bands, extra pair of rein stops, tape measure, towel, whip, spurs, gloves, first aid kit and your teaching tools, example:  cones. Know the local phone numbers for a farrier, vet, ambulance, and fire department. All candidates should be in riding attire including proper footwear. Medical releases for all students must be on grounds.

• Teaching a Class - Evaluate the lesson plan used and discuss whether the teaching objective was achieved, how the lesson could be improved, and what, if any, changes were made to the lesson plan for safety considerations.

2009 Changes to the  Traditional Standard of Proficiency

C3 Level

• Presentation of Horse and Rider 

  • If dressed Informally, the rider must bring and demonstrate the proper tying of a stock tie, and placement of a stock pin.

  • Discuss the purpose and correct fit of mount’s equipment used on the flat and over fences.

• Riding on the Flat

  • Be prepared to ride the current USEF Training Level A dressage test.

  • Ride schooling figures to include 15 and 20 meter circles, half circles, figure 8, serpentines, work on center or ¼ lines, and straight lines at each gait.

  • Demonstrate free, working, and medium walk, working trot and working canter. Ride a 20-meter circle at the rising trot allowing horse to stretch forward and down.

  • Demonstrate leg yield.

  • Ride without stirrups at all gaits while demonstrating Riding Test Expectations.

  • Evaluate performance with Examiner, including accuracy of transitions and figures, and whether or not mount maintained free forward movement and correct bend.

• Riding Over Fences

  • Ride through a simple gymnastic grid that will progress in height to  3’3”.

  • Ride without stirrups over simple gymnastic grid on own mount (not to exceed 3’).

  • Ride over stadium course. The majority of fences should be set at, but not exceed, 3’3”. Course will include 8 -12 jump efforts with oxers, verticals, bending lines, related distances, and at least one combination.

  • Demonstrate ability to ride a different mount over stadium course, showing confidence and control, not to exceed 3’.

• Riding in the Open

  • Ride over 5 – 8 cross-country obstacles at height and pace (350-400mm) appropriate to terrain. The majority of fences should be set at, but not exceed 3’3”, to include ditches, banks, drops, water and combinations, if available.

  • Evaluate mounts condition, including measuring working pulse and respiration.

B Level

• RIDING TEST EXPECTATIONS - Be prepared to discuss the Training Pyramid as related to the B Traditional Standard.

• Riding on the Flat

  • Be prepared to ride the current USEF Preliminary Test A dressage test.

  • Be prepared to ride the following movements, demonstrating accurate and smooth transitions and correct use of aids:  counter canter, rein back.

  • Evaluate and discuss performance as it relates to the Riding Test Expectations.

  • Demonstrate ability to ride different mount(s) with confidence, tact, and effectiveness at all gaits while performing basic schooling figures.

• Riding Over Fences

  • Discuss benefits of trotting poles, including distances in simple gymnastic grid.

  • Demonstrate warm-up for jumping, including trotting poles and gymnastic grid, not to exceed 3’7”.

  • Ride without stirrups over a grid set at 3’3” while showing a secure and independent seat.

  • Ride a stadium course of at least 10 -12 obstacles including a triple combination. The majority of fences should be set at, but not exceed, 3’7”.

• Riding in the Open

  • Ride safely in a group.

  • Ride mount over a variety of cross-country fences. The majority of fences should be set at, but not exceed 3’7”, to include ditches, banks, drops, water, and combinations.

A Level

• RIDING TEST EXPECTATIONS - The candidate should maintain a basic balanced position appropriate for dressage, jumping, and cross-country riding, based upon the development of an independent seat and coordinated use of aids. Candidates must be able to competently ride different mounts (schooled, green or spoiled) at various stages of training displaying confident and effective performances. They should assess and demonstrate schooling techniques beneficial to each mount, and ride with tact and empathy for its capabilities, utilizing the Training Pyramid and its importance to each phase of Eventing. After each performance the candidate will evaluate the mount’s stage of schooling (strengths and weaknesses) and discuss whether they, the rider/trainer, have been effective in achieving their goals.

• Riding on the Flat

  • Perform exercises and movements to improve each mount’s rhythm, balance, engagement, suppleness, and ride the mount “on the aids” demonstrating an understanding of the Training Pyramid, with and without stirrups.

  • Be prepared to ride the current USEF Intermediate Test A dressage test.

  • Ride the following schooling figures and movements:  free, medium and extended walk, medium and collected trot, medium and collected canter, 10 meter trot and canter circles, travers (haunches in), counter canter, reinback.

  • Be able to evaluate and discuss any of the above.

• Riding over Fences

  • Set up and ride effectively over trotting poles, gymnastics and stadium fences at heights and distances required for test. The majority of fences should be set at, but not exceed, 3’9”.

  • Ride through gymnastic grid without stirrups (not to exceed 3’6”).

• Riding in the Open - The majority of the fences should be set at, but not exceed 3’7”.

• Training - Evaluate the performance of each mount, with comments on the level of schooling, showing an understanding of the Training Pyramid.