Important 2009 National Testing Information:

Welcome! 

The Standards have changed for 2009 -- please read them carefully.  You will not pass the test if you do not know the Standard.

Please start by reading MidCal's National Testing Handbook.  The handbook is full of the answers to the questions you might have about National Testing -- what the requirements are, how to get started, where to find an application and how to prepare. 

Middle California Region's C3, HB, B, H, HA and A test candidates are required to attend at least one candidate prep clinic and strongly encouraged to attend as many clinics as the region hosts. The function of the prep clinic is to provide candidates with feedback on their strengths and weaknesses as they compare to the Standard. 

USPC has specific requirements for National Testing:

 
The HB Test
The HB is a National Test, requiring a USPC Test Application! The HB test is a Horse Management-only test. You will not find bandaging or longeing at the HB. The HB can be taken before or after your C3 riding test.

The C3 Test -- Dressage / Show Jumping / Traditional Eventing
The C3 is a National test! The C3 test is presentation of the horse and rider, bandaging, longeing and riding. A member completing a C3 riding test before passing the HB is called a C+ until the HB is passed.

The B Test -- Dressage / Shoe Jumping / Traditional Eventing
The B is a riding, bandaging and longeing test. There is no presentation of horse or rider at the B test, nor are there Horse Management expectations at the B level.

The H / HA Test
The H / HA test is a test of your Horse Management, longeing and mounted teaching skills.  H/HA candidates must send in a First Aid Certificate with their Testing Application. 

The A Test
The A is a riding-only test. There is no presentation of horse or rider at the A test, nor is there longeing, bandaging or HM!

Specialty Ratings
The Dressage and Show Jumping Specialties begin at the C3 level.

Specialty Ratings Candidates, please review this helpful navigational chart of the new ratings. 
 

• There are no waiting requirements between the upper level ratings -- you may take multiple ratings in one year.

• Straight upward movement between ratings is allowed (i.e. Traditional C3 to Traditional B).

• Diagonal movement upwards is not allowed (i.e. Traditional C3 to Show Jumping B is not allowed).

• Lateral movement is required before moving upwards in a different track (i.e. Traditional C3 to Dressage C3 before Dressage B).

• USPC National Test dates and locations can be found on the USPC website at http://www.ponyclub.org/testing-schedule.php  Check other possible tests dates and venues on the USPC website. Neighboring Regions often host the same tests, and their dates may be more convenient for you.

• Please read the USPC National Testing Information for instructions on how to fill out a complete application.

• Click here for the USPC Candidate Application

Don't be confused about deadlines!

• Testing applications are due to your Regional Supervisor for checking and signing by the April 1 and July 1 deadlines.

• H / HA candidates please note that the Red Cross CERTIFICATE must be enclosed with the application. 

• Applications are due to the National office (via our RS) by April 15 and July 15. Applications received by the RS after those dates will incur a $100 late fee. Applications received at the National office with a late postmark will incur a $100 late fee.

• Applications for testing will not be accepted at the National office after May 1 or after August 1.

• Sites are assigned on a first come / first served basis. Secure your spot by applying early.

• Cancellations requests made up to 6 weeks prior to the test date will receive a refund less a handling fee of $50. Cancellation requests must be made in writing to to the National office.  Cancellation refunds will be sent to the DC if paid with a club check or to the candidate if paid with a personal check. Cancellations made less than 3 weeks from the test date will forfeit entire testing fee. Change site candidates are not eligible for a refund.

   To cancel a test, please email Laura Cannon at the National office at testing@ponyclub.org .

1.  Start preparing for an upper level rating now. Read and understand the Standards of Proficiency for your rating.

 
2.  Have a clear understanding of the requirements of each rating. Review the standard and test sheet once a week to make sure you are on track. You should know the Standard by heart by the time the rating takes place.
HB and HA candidates, please visit the MidCal website Study Aids page for great study resources.

3.  HB and HA, please spend time teaching. The HB candidate is required to teach an unmounted lesson at the test; the HA candidates teach a mounted lesson. Each year we have candidates that do not meet the teaching Standard at the test -- don't let it be you! Take the time to learn to teach and spend time teaching outside of your own club.
 

4.  Longeing is required at the C3, B and HA tests. Understand what the Standard requires of you at your test. One word of advice is PRACTICE.
 

5.  Be aware that you may be asked to change an aspect of your riding during a rating. If the examiner is asking, for example, for a more forward seat during a gallop, you must be able to successfully demonstrate the requested change in position in order to meet the standard. This may be difficult for the candidate used to riding with only one instructor. The MidCal Region has set up a variety of "C Club" activities to provide you the opportunity to ride in front of many instructors. Make sure that you let the instructors know that you are preparing for an upper level rating and listen for valuable feedback during these clinic opportunities.
 

6.  Many candidates have misunderstood the importance of the flat warm-up. We recommend that you establish a flat warm-up routine and practice discussing your warm up and ride with a variety of instructors. Read over "Riding on the Flat" in the Standards and have a clear understanding of all aspects of this section. If you are attending one of the prep clinics, come with your routine already established. Below are some suggestions taken from a recent rating and is not all inclusive:
     a. Need overall statement
     b. Need to verbalize what your specific goals are for your horse
     c. Demonstrate and discuss the activity you did to support your goal and how you did it.  You need to critique your ride
     d. Need to demonstrate:
            1. relaxation
            2. free forward movement
            3. suppleness
                 a. longitudinal -- stretching, shortening, lengthening. Transitions from gait to gait. Half halts, collection
                 b. bending -- shortens one side of body, lengthens other. Circles, serpentines, circles. 1/2 circles, and transverse.
            4. half halts and demonstrate it on different horses.

7.  Many candidates have not had adequate practice in critiquing their riding. Upper level candidates must be able to verbalize both their plan and their ride using the appropriate terms. This takes practice. Make sure that your instructor(s) are having you discuss your riding on a consistent basis.
 

8.  For the upper level ratings, it is very important that you understand the theory behind your riding. We strongly suggest that you read the recommended reading found on the last page of each standard. Understanding the theory behind riding may not be a normal part of mounted instruction. If you are taking a Specialty rating, for example, you may want to schedule "unmounted" lessons with a trainer from that discipline. An example would be to schedule time with a Hunter-Jumper trainer to understand the theory behind course design and distances.
 

9.  The specialty ratings are geared for those candidates who "specialize" in these areas. Being successful in competitions does not always equate success in a rating situation. At the upper level ratings, not only must you "ride" but you must also "understand", "critique", "troubleshoot" and "articulate". Although we encourage you to compete in your riding discipline, this should only be one component of your preparation.
 

10.  Finally, make sure that you present yourself and your mount in the best possible light. Attached is a quote from a great article from Jimmy Wofford, This Winter, Learn to Learn. A quote on page 2, "Make sure to appear on time with an impeccable turnout...your appearance tells me most of what I need o know about you as a rider. Great riders don't look messy." Take this to heart and make your first impression a good one.

We look forward to organizing these National Tests. Along with the help of other clubs, we hope to make them educational, successful and rewarding. The MidCal team wants all candidates to be successful in their riding pursuits.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

  
Follow these links for National Testing Information:

MidCal National Testing Handbook

USPC National Testing Schedule

USPC National Testing Information

USPC Candidate Application

Specialty Rating Navigational Chart