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Middle
California Region
2009
National Testing Information
USPC has a new
National
Testing Website You will find testing information,
study materials, videos-- check it out!
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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!!! |
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More National Testing News!
Congratulate these MidCal members for their
testing success:
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!
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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! |
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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!!! |
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2009 Middle California Region National Testing Calendar
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Date |
Event
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February 8 |
National Testing Orientation
**New Location**
Holiday Inn Express, 17035 Condit Road, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
(877) 863-4780 |
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March 7 - 8 |
Upper Level Prep Clinic -- Forms:
Registration Form
/
USPC Med Release /
Twin Rivers Release
Location: Twin Rivers Ranch, 8715 North River Road, Paso Robles,
CA 93446
Clinician: Gina Miles,
USPC Level IV National Examiner |
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April 1 |
USPC
Candidate Application deadline to Regional Supervisor |
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May 30 |
HB Prep
-- Forms:
Registration Form /
USPC Med Release /
USPC Competitor Activity/Rally Release
/
Horse Park Release
Location: Horse Park at Woodside, 3674 Sand Hill Road, Woodside, CA 94062
Clinicians: Alane Alchorn and Katy
Barglow |
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May 30 - 31 |
Upper Level Prep
-- Forms:
Registration Form
/
USPC Med Release /
USPC Competitor Activity/Rally Release
/
Horse Park Release
Location: Horse Park at Woodside, 3674 Sand Hill Road, Woodside, CA 94062
Clinician: Cathy Frederickson &
Shelley Kincaid, USPC Level IV National Examiners |
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June 13 |
HA Prep
-- Forms:
Registration Form /
USPC Med Release /
USPC Competitor Activity/Rally Release
Location: Westwind Barn, 27210 Altamont
Road, Los Altos Hills CA 94022
Clinician: Katy Barglow
For information, contact Phyllis Leonard
at jpleo@aol.com |
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June 21 |
HB Test, hosted by Sierra
Pacific Region
Location: Hoffman's, 8396 Tubbs Rd,
Winters, CA 95694
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June 27 |
HA Prep
-- Forms:
Registration Form /
USPC Med Release /
USPC Competitor Activity/Rally Release
Location: TBD
Clinician: Katy Barglow
For information, contact Phyllis Leonard
at jpleo@aol.com |
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July
1 |
USPC
Candidate Application deadline to Regional Supervisor |
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July 11 - 13 |
H/HA Test, hosted by Middle California
Region
Location: Tassajara Equestrian Center,
5945 Bruce Drive, Pleasanton CA 94588 |
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July 27 - 28 |
Mega - Rating: C3 Traditional --
Forms:
Regional Registration Form
/
Horse Park Release
Location: Horse Park at Woodside, 3674 Sand Hill Road, Woodside, CA 94062 |
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July 28 - 29 |
Mega - Rating: B & A Traditional
-- Forms:
Regional Registration Form
/
Horse Park Release
Location: Horse Park at Woodside, 3674 Sand Hill Road, Woodside, CA 94062 |
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July 29 - 30 |
Mega - Rating: C3 Dressage & C3 Show Jumping
-- Forms:
Regional Registration Form
/
Horse Park Release
Location: Horse Park at Woodside, 3674 Sand Hill Road, Woodside, CA 94062 |
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July 30 - 31 |
Mega - Rating: B Dressage & B Show Jumping
-- Forms:
Regional Registration Form
/
Horse Park Release
Location: Horse Park at Woodside, 3674 Sand Hill Road, Woodside, CA 94062 |
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July 31 |
Mega - Rating: A Dressage
-- Forms:
Regional Registration Form
/
Horse Park Release
Location: Horse Park at Woodside, 3674 Sand Hill Road, Woodside, CA 94062 |
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August 23 |
HB Prep
-- Forms:
Registration Form /
USPC Med Release /
USPC Competitor Activity/Rally Release
Location: The Deane residence, 1580 Sunshine Valley Road, Moss Beach, CA
94038
Clinicians: Alane Alchorn and Katy
Barglow
Tentative
Schedule
MidCal Study Aids |
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September 12 |
C3 Test, hosted by Sierra Pacific Region
Location:
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September 13
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HB Test, hosted by Sierra Pacific Region
Location: Hoffman's, 8396 Tubbs Rd,
Winters, CA 95694
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Important 2009
National Testing Information:
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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.
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Here are some important National
Testing facts you should know: |
USPC has specific requirements for National Testing:
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C3: |
13 years old as of January 1 in the
testing year and competition in a mounted rally |
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HB: |
13 years old as of January 1 in the
testing year and competition in a mounted rally |
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B: |
14 years old as of January 1 in the
testing year |
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H and HA: |
16 years old as of January 1 in the
testing year |
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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 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.
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Additional testing information: |
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There are no waiting requirements between the upper
level ratings -- you may take multiple ratings in one year.
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Straight upward movement between ratings is allowed
(i.e. Traditional C3 to Traditional B).
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Diagonal movement upwards is not allowed (i.e.
Traditional C3 to Show Jumping B is not allowed).
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Lateral movement is required before moving upwards in
a different track (i.e. Traditional C3 to Dressage C3 before Dressage B).
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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.
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Please read the
USPC National Testing Information
for instructions on how to fill out a
complete application.
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Click here for the
USPC
Candidate Application
Don't be confused about deadlines!
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Testing applications are due to your Regional
Supervisor for checking and signing by the April 1 and
July 1 deadlines.
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H / HA candidates please note that the Red Cross
CERTIFICATE must be enclosed with the application.
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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.
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Applications for testing will not be accepted at the
National office after
May 1 or after August 1.
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Sites are assigned on a first come / first served
basis. Secure your spot by applying early.
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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 .
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General Recommendations to Begin
Preparing for an Upper Level Rating |
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,
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Liz Stapleton, Show Jumping Coordinator |
liz.stapleton@hp.com |
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Laurie Dainer, Dressage Coordinator |
ldainer@earthlink.net |
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Mary Spangler, Traditional Eventing
Coordinator |
maryspangl@aol.com |
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Catherine Swent, National Testing Coordinator
(C3, B, A) |
cswent@pacbell.net |
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Lynn Bosche, National Testing Coordinator
(C3, B, A) |
zam45@pacbell.net |
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Carol Anderson, National Testing
Coordinator (H / HA) |
carol.anderson9@comcast.net |
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Alane Alchorn, HB Coordinator |
circlewing@aol.com |
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 |
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Middle California Region National Testing Results for 2008 |
Middle California would like to congratulate
our new upper level members that met Standard in 2008.
Traditional A
Fiona G, Portola Valley Pony Club
HA
Kate D, Bay Hills Pony Club
Emma D, Moon Valley Pony Club
Susan F of Bay Hills Pony Club
Marissa Y of Moon Valley Pony
Club
Show Jumping B
Kristy S, Saratoga Pony Club (the only Show Jumping B in the
country!)
Dressage B
Megan L, Pacific Ridge Pony Club
Traditional B
Kellie G, Canyon Heights Pony Club
Max M, Black Oaks Pony Club
H
Jackie B, Moon Valley Pony Club
Amy F, Fresno Pony Club
Jordan J of Black Oaks Pony
Club
Traditional C3
Nicole H, Skye Valley Pony Club
Sierra M, Bay Hills Pony Club
Madelyn R, Redwood Hills Pony Club
Allana R, Skye Valley Pony Club
Theresa S, Santa Cruz County Pony Club
Anne W, Golden Hills Pony Club
Dressage C3
Maya M of Portola Valley Pony Club
HB
Lauren B, Crossroads Pony Club
Lauren B, Devil Mountain Pony Club
Tara D of Moon Valley Pony Club
Samantha S, Bay Hills Pony Club
Traditional C+
Kenzie A, Bay Hills Pony Club
Sally G, Canyon Heights Pony Club
Mikaela S, Santa Cruz County Pony Club
Dressage C+
Grace Goodby, Bear Creek Pony Club
Kaitlin S of Black Oaks Pony Club
Well Done!
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