MIDDLE CALIFORNIA REGION

UNITED STATES PONY CLUBS, INC.

 

 
 

Middle California Region

2010 National Testing Information

 

USPC has a new National Testing Website   You will find testing information, study materials, videos-- check it out!

 

Middle California National Testing Results -- Summer 2010

 

Please join the region in congratulating our A Dressage:

  • Megan L of Pacific Ridge Pony Club

Well done Megan!

 

Please join the Region in congratulating these new H / HA's:

H/HA -- USPC Horse Management rating at the A level

  • Katherine D of Portola Valley Pony Club (H)

  • Erin H of Fresno Pony Club (H)

  • Alexa W of Woodside Pony Club (HA)

Congratulations to our newest B Traditional members:

  • Kenzie A of Bay Hills Pony Club

  • Stephanie B of Portola Valley Pony Club

Let's congratulate our new C3 Traditional rated members:

  • Jessica E of Bay Hill Pony Club

  • Claire D of Redwood Hills Pony Club

Congratulations to our C3 Dressage  members:

  • Kenzie A of Bay Hills Pony Club

  • Stephanie B of Portola Valley Pony Club

Join me in congratulating our new C3 Show Jumping member:

  • Kendall V of Moon Valley Pony Club

Please join the Region in congratulating these new HB rated members:

HB -- Horse Management rating to the B level

  • Claire D of Redwood Hills Pony Club

  • Christine F of Woodside Pony Club

  • Keeley M of Golden Hills Pony Club

  • Julie P of Golden Hills Pony Club

  • JoAnna S of Bay Hills Pony Club

Well done each of you!

 

2010 Middle California Region National Testing Calendar  

Date

Event  

January 23

Mounted Clinic with Gina Miles

Location: Horse Park at Woodside, 3674 Sand Hill Road, Woodside, CA 94062

Contact Mary Spangler at maryspangl@aol.com to be included

February 6

National Testing Orientation -- for those of you planning on taking your C3, HB, B, HA or A

Location:  Holiday Inn Express, 17035 Condit Road, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

http://www.hiemh.com/

Time:  8:00 a.m. - 12:00 pm.

For information, contact Ashley Ferreira at cody0008@aol.com

February 6 

Teaching to Teach Clinic -- part 1

Location:  Holiday Inn Express, 17035 Condit Road, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

http://www.hiemh.com/

Time:  1:00 p.m. - 4:00 pm.

Clinician:  Heather Bell, USPC National Examiner

February 7

Teaching to Teach Clinic -- part 2

Location:  TBA

Time:  8:00 a.m. - 4:00 pm.

Clinician:  Heather Bell, USPC National Examiner

February 13

Mounted Clinic with Judy Klus

Location: Horse Park at Woodside, 3674 Sand Hill Road, Woodside, CA 94062

Contact Mary Spangler at maryspangl@aol.com to be included

March 6

Mounted Clinic with Judy Klus

Location: Horse Park at Woodside, 3674 Sand Hill Road, Woodside, CA 94062

Contact Mary Spangler at maryspangl@aol.com to be included

March 13 - 14

Upper Level Prep Clinic

Location: Twin Rivers Ranch, 8715 North River Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446

Clinician:  Shelley Kincaid, USPC National Examiner

Contact Kim Bradley at kim_bradley@sbcglobal.net to be included

March 21

Dressage Prep Clinic

Location: Max Ranch, 5175 Camino Tassajara, Pleasanton, CA 94588

Clinician: Katy Barglow, USPC Level IV Dressage Examiner

Contact Deborah McCarley at debmccarley@earthlink.net

April 1

USPC Candidate Application deadline to Regional Supervisor

April 3

Teaching to Teach Clinic

Location:  Max Ranch, 5175 Camino Tassajara, Pleasanton, CA 94588

Time:  8:00 a.m. - 12:00 pm.

Clinician:  Kirstin Mennella, USPC Chief Horse Management Judge & MidCal Regional Instruction Coordinator

Contact Anu Sambath at anu.sambath@gmail.com

May 15 - 16

Upper Level Prep

Location: Denville-Kanani Farm, 7191 Johnston Rd, Pleasanton, CA 94588

Clinicians: Bunny Hendricks, USPC Level IV Show Jumping and Traditional Examiner and

Katy Barglow, USPC Level IV Dressage Examiner

Contact Kim Bradley at kim_bradley@sbcglobal.net to be included

May 16

Mounted Clinic with Judy Klus

Location: Horse Park at Woodside, 3674 Sand Hill Road, Woodside, CA 94062

Contact Mary Spangler at maryspangl@aol.com to be included

June 5 - 6

Teaching to Teach Clinic with Brian Sabo

Location:  TBA

For information, contact Kirstin Mennella at kirstin_mennella@yahoo.com

July 10

Bandaging Clinic

Location: Westwind Barn, 27210 Altamont Road, Los Altos Hills, Ca. 94022

Clinician:  Tracey Conrad

Contact Deborah McCarley at debmccarley@earthlink.net

 July 11 - 13

H/HA Test, hosted by Middle California Region

Location:  Tassajara Equestrian Center, 5945 Bruce Drive, Pleasanton CA 94588

July 17 - 18

HB Test, hosted by Middle California Region

Location: Shilo West Training Center, 10250 Crow Canyon Road Castro Valley, CA 94062

July 1

USPC Candidate Application deadline (for Tests after Sept 1) to Regional Supervisor

July 25 - 26

Mega - Rating: C3  & A Dressage

Location: Horse Park at Woodside, 3674 Sand Hill Road, Woodside, CA 94062

July 26

Mega - Rating: C3 Show Jumping

Location: Horse Park at Woodside, 3674 Sand Hill Road, Woodside, CA 94062

July 26 - 28

Mega - Rating: C3 & B Traditional

Location: Horse Park at Woodside, 3674 Sand Hill Road, Woodside, CA 94062

Aug 20 - 22

HB Test, hosted by Sierra Pacific Region

Location: TBA

Sept 10 - 12

C3  Traditional

Location: Eventful Acres, Oregon House, CA

Important 2010  National Testing Information:


Welcome! 

 

The H-HM rating was introduced January 1, 2010.  The H-HM allows members who are rated HB to progress directly to the H / A rating without doing the C3 riding or B riding tests.  For more information, please click here.

 

You will  be tested to the Standard --  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, H-HM, H, B, HA and A test candidates are expected 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. 

 

Here are some important National Testing facts you should know:


USPC has specific requirements for National Testing:

C3:

13 years old as of January 1 in the testing year and competition in a mounted rally

HB:

13 years old as of January 1 in the testing year and competition in a mounted rally

B:

14 years old as of January 1 in the testing year

H-HM / H / HA:

16 years old as of January 1 in the testing year

A:

16 years old and an HA

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

 

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

 

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 HA Test
The 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. 
 

Additional testing information:

  • 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-HM / 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.

  • 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 6 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 .

General Recommendations to Begin Preparing for an Upper Level Rating

1.  Start preparing for an upper level rating now. Read and understand the USPC 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 H-HM / H / HA, please spend time teaching. The HB candidate is required to teach an unmounted lesson at the test; the H-HM / H / 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 H-HM / H / 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. Below is a quote from a great article from Jimmy Wofford, This Winter, Learn to Learn, "Make sure to appear on time with an impeccable turnout...your appearance tells me most of what I need to 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,

 

Ashley Ferreira, National Testing Coordinator

email

Ashley Ferreira, Traditional Coordinator

email

Liz Stapleton, Show Jumping Coordinator

email

Debrah McCarley, Dressage Coordinator

email

Carol Anderson, H-HM / H / HA Coordinator

email

Ashley Ferreira, HB Coordinator

email

  
Follow these links for National Testing Information:

MidCal National Testing Handbook

USPC National Testing Schedule

USPC National Testing Information

USPC Candidate Application

    

Middle California Region National Testing Results for 2009

 

Testing News!

MidCal completed its Mega Rating week on July 31st.  A tremendous effort was made by every testing candidate and I would like to congratulate each on their hard work. 

  • Congratulations to Lauren B of Bay Hills Pony Club, Christine F of Woodside Pony Club and Vickie H of Santa Cruz County Pony Club who all met Standard at the C3 Traditional test.

  • Alexa W of Woodside Pony Club met Standard at the B Traditional -- congratulations Alexa!

  • Congratulations to Katie C of Woodside Pony Club and Marissa Y of Moon Valley Pony Club met Standard at the Traditional A -- WELL DONE!

  • Kate A of Bay Hills Pony Club and Hannah C of Redwood Hills Pony Club met Standard at the C3 Dressage!

  • And, Kate A of Bay Hills Pony Club met Standard at the B Dressage.  Nicely done Kate!

Thank you to everyone that helped make this Mega Rating possible!

5 New HBs on MidCal's Roster!

Congratulations to these Middle California members that met Standard at the HB test hosted by Sierra Pacific Region June 21.:

Kenzie A of Bay Hills Pony Club

Kate A of Bay Hills Pony Club

Gretchen K of Bay Hills Pony Club

Vickie H of Santa Cruz County Pony Club

Shannon M of Pacific Ridge Pony Club

WELL DONE!!!

3 New HBs on MidCal's Roster!

Congratulations to these Middle California members that have successfully met Standard at the HB level:

  • Jessie A of Bay Hills Pony Club

  • Devyn H of Redwood Hills Pony Club

  • Ronnie H of Moon Valley Pony Club

WELL DONE!!!

More National Testing News!

Congratulate these MidCal members for their testing success: 

  • Alessia B-G of Crossroads Pony Club

Alessia successfully met Standard at the C3 Traditional test hosted by Sierra Pacific Region September 11 and 12.  Congratulations Alessia!

  • Logan B of Briones Valley Pony Club

  • Sonya B of Portola Valley Pony Club

  • Bea C of Briones Valley Pony  Club

  • Hannah R of Moon Valley Pony Club

  • Kendal S of Moon Valley Pony Club

Logan, Sonya, Bea, Hannah and Kendal all met Standard at the HB test hosted by Sierra Pacific Region September 12 and 13. 

 

Well done everyone!

 

 

 

  Copyright 2010 Middle California Region of United States Pony Clubs, Inc.