Procedure for Attempting a Rating Exam:
1. Together with your parent, you must ask permission from the D.C. (Mrs. DiPasqua) to attempt your rating.
2. To allow adequate time for examiner scheduling, request for permission must be received at least one month before the scheduled rating date (see the Calendar to check the next rating date.)
3. Mr. DiPasqua (RHPC rating coordinator) will arrange for examiners and set up the rating session for the candidates. He will notify you of times and schedules.
Requirements:
1. You must be a member in good standing with RHPC.
2. Pony clubbers may share mounts for D-1 to D-3 ratings only. C-1 and C-2 mount may not be shared for a full testing at the same rating. Also an exchange of mounts is not permitted.
3. At no time may a rating be considered a "mock" rating or "for practice".
Tips:
1. Preparation begins well in advance.
2. Know the standards of proficiency for the specific rating level you are attempting. There should be no surprises about what is expected of you at your rating. You will be tested against the standards. The standards are completely spelled out in a document called the "standards of proficiency" . See the National Pony Club website and click on "D Standards of Proficiency" or "C Standards of Proficiency" if you do not already have copies of the standards. The standard describe both the mounted and unmounted skills (what pony club calls horse management) that the candidate is expected to demonstrate on the day of the rating. To find the horse management info listed in the standards, study the appropriate sections of the D or C manuals.
3. Bring necessary equipment/materials as required by your rating.
4. Turnout (grooming, cleaning of tack, preparation and presentation of the mount) is expected to be executed by the pony clubber, not a parent or groom
4. Bring a safe, sound, and appropriately schooled mount. If uncertain, speak to the D.C.
5. Get a good night's sleep the night before so you can do your best.
Please remember that ratings take time and energy to schedule. Be respectful and cooperative with organizers and examiners.
New Members:
1. Young inexperienced members begin "unrated" and may take a D-1 rating exam as ready.
2. An older, more experienced rider may be capable of passing several rating levels at a time at the first testing. However, USPC strongly advises the first rating not exceed D-3 because the candidate needs to gain Pony Club experience before moving on. RHPC has adopted this policy
3. Once the first rating has been completed, a Pony Club member may take only one rating at a time.
Riding Examinations - Approximate Duration
D-1 approximately 2 hours
D-2 approximately 2 hours
D-3 approximately 3 - 5 hours (Bring a snack)
C-1 approximately 5 - 7 hours (Bring a snack)
C-2 approximately 7 - 8 hours (Bring a snack)
C-3 approximately format varies - 1 - 2 days
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RHPC offers ratings late fall and early spring each year
