Polo Test (Higher)

THE PONY CLUB

STANDARDS OF EFFICIENCY TEST SHEET 2008

OBJECTIVE

The test is designed to encourage children who have chosen PCP as their main sport to further their knowledge of horsemanship and care of the polo pony.

RIDING

Tack up and turn out – to understand the use of bits, martingales and breast plates.

Mount and Dismount

To be able to alter stirrups when mounted – using one hand with feet in stirrups.

To hold the reins correctly (including single and double reins held correctly for polo)

Tighten & Loosen Girth when mounted

Use of seat, legs and hands as an aid to increase/decrease pace

Position at walk, trot and canter (lightness of seat and ability to take half seat in canter)

Turns, circles and figures of eight in all paces (to understand flying changes and to be able to work towards them)

Aids for canter and the ability to recognise the correct leg

Work independently in an open area

Work over heavy poles at trot and canter as an exercise to develop rhythm and balance of the pony and rider

RIDING & ROAD SAFETY

Knowledge of the Road Rider Test Level.

HORSEMASTERSHIP

Care and work of a pony stabled and at grass

Elementary feeding and watering (use of common feeding additive e.g. electrolytes)

Fittening a pony for competition

Basic use of the grooming kit and brush recognition

How to ‘put up’ a tail and hogg a mane

Washing down and cooling a fit pony

Care of the foot and the need for shoeing (including knowledge of correct studs for polo and how to fit them)

Tack care and cleaning

Basic knowledge of tack fitting and bits (to be able to recognise common bits used in polo and understand the action they have on the ponies’ mouth)

Recognition of lameness (including trotting up and turning in hand)

Recognition and treatment basic wounds (including when to call a vet and how to treat common injuries seen in a polo pony)

Knowledge and application of leg protection for travel and play (including fitting of boots and bandages)

Knowledge of rug fitting and type

READ

‘The Manual of Horsemanship’

Points of the Horse.

Mount and dismount (Omit ‘to dismount using the stirrup).

The correct length of stirrup.

The position of the rider in the saddle.

Holding single reins.

Handling a horse.

Fitting a headcollar or halter.

To lead in hand.

The parts of a saddle,

The parts of a snaffle bridle.

Putting on a saddle and bridle

Pony Club Booklet ‘Riding on the Road’

READ

Riding & Roadcraft

Keeping a Pony at Grass

VIEW

Videos -

Handling and Leading

Health and Condition

Recommended Minimum age 12 / 13 years.