The USPC Standards are divided into separate levels to provide a progressive program of rating Pony Clubbers from one level to the next in both horse management skills and riding skills. These levels begin at the fundamental level of D1 and progress through D2, D3, C1, C2, HB, C3, B, H/HA and A.  The last two levels represent a degree of competence considered to be that of a professional horseperson. 

Each Pony Clubber must be rated so that he/she may compete at rallies at the appropriate level.  D1 through C2 levels will be rated by HSPC. The C3, B, H/HA and A level ratings are national ratings and must be arranged by the USPC VP of Instruction. 

To be eligible for a rating, the candidate must be a Pony Clubber in good standing, having paid both local and national dues. In addition, the candidate must have a record of regular attendance at lessons and activities; a thorough knowledge of requirements for each level to be tested; be able to discuss and/or demonstrate any requirements from all previous standards; and have an up-to-date USPC Pony Health and Maintenance Record Book (D3 and above only).

Riding is not the only determining factor. Higher ratings require increased knowledge as well as riding skills.  Candidates must demonstrate readiness in prep checklists and pre-tests. The DC must approve all candidates for a particular rating.

D-Level Ratings
The D ratings are an introduction to the fun and challenge of riding, establishing a foundation of safety habits and knowledge of the daily care of a pony and tack.  The D1 through D3 learns to ride independently, with control, maintaining a secure position, at the walk, trot, and canter and over low fences.  A candidate for the D level ratings must be a member in good standing of Pony Club for one month or more.

C-Level Ratings
The C Pony Clubber is a member learning to become an active horseman, able to understand the reasons for what he is doing, and to care for a pony and his equipment.  The C1 through C2 learns to ride with confidence and control on the flat, over fences, and in the open; to develop an independent seat with coordinated use of aids; to initiate and maintain free forward movement; to make smooth transitions while maintaining a steady light feel of the pony's mouth. 

HB, C-3, B-, H/HA- and A-Level Ratings

The C3 is a national rating, reflecting a basis of competence in horse care and riding that will enable a lifetime of pleasure in a variety of equestrian sports. C3 candidates must be recommended to the Regional Supervisor by the DC.  C3 candidates must first pass their HB test, which comprises the unmounted horse management part of the rating, before going on to the riding part of the C3 test.

USPC has recently created three tracks for upper-level ratings that allow members to choose between the traditional C3, B, and A eventing-based rating and two new rating specialties.  Members may now pursue a dressage-based upper level C3, B, or A, or can follow a show jumping track for these national ratings. 

All of these upper level ratings requiring further knowledge and proficiency as all around good horsemen.  These Pony Clubbers are active and contributing members of USPC, Inc., participating in a variety of activities.  National level Pony Clubbers are thoughtful leaders who set an example for all Pony Club levels.

The B Pony Clubber should be able to explain the reasons for what he/she is doing, properly care for a horse, and contribute to the education of younger Pony Clubbers under supervision.  The candidate should be able to ride experienced horses with confidence and control at all gaits on the flat, over fences, and in the open. The B candidate should be able to demonstrate a secure seat and effective and tactful use of aids, and should be able to ride a horse forward while establishing and maintaining a regular pace.

All B candidates must have held the C3 rating for at least three months and be able to discuss and/or demonstrate any requirements from all previously attained standards.  The candidate must be at least 14 years of age by January 1 of the present year, a member in good standing for Pony Club for at least one year, and recommended by the DCs and the Regional Supervisor.

The A is the highest level awarded and is divided into two parts:  the H/H-A, which covers horse management, teaching, and training, and the A, which tests the riding phase.  The H/H-A has the knowledge, experience, and maturity to evaluate and care for a horse’s needs efficiently and in a variety of circumstances, and to teach riding and horse care to others.  The A is able to ride horses at various levels of schooling with judgment, tact and effectiveness; to train young horses; and to re-train spoiled horses.

Candidates may opt to take the H-A test before attempting their B riding test, in which case they are classified as H-level Pony Clubbers until such time as they pass the B test and become full H-A's.

The A candidate must be at least 16 years old as of January 1 of the present year, have held the B rating, and be a member in good standing of Pony Club for at least one year. The candidate must be able to discuss or demonstrate any requirements from all previous standards and be recommended to the USPC national office by the DC and the Regional Supervisor.  A Pony Clubber must pass the H-A test before taking the A test.  There is no set time limit between the two tests but the A test must be passed before December 31st of the candidate's 25th year.

Each rating level has a detailed list of knowledge and performance standards.  The standards for each level are available on the USPC website:  http://ponyclub.org.  The files are available in the Adobe Acrobat .pdf format ( you must have Acrobat Reader to open them). 

We appreciate the assistance of the following Pony Clubs in preparing this material: Difficult Run Pony Club, Virginia Region; Great Circle Pony Club, Delmarva Region