C and C Star Certificate

Specific details for the C and C Star certificate as appear in the Australian Pony Club Council’s  ‘Syllabus of Instruction’ are listed below.

 


The C Certificate is awarded for an independent seat with correct aids and a degree of competence in other aspects of riding, general knowledge and care of the horse.  The minimum age for examination is 12 years.  Candidates are encouraged to ride in snaffle bits wherever possible.  If another bit is used, the child should know the name and understand its action.  The rider should be able to maintain consistent contact through the reins. 
The examination format is listed below:

 Written paper, Presentation, Riding, Jumping, Horsemastership & general knowledge

RIDING

·                     Riders should present in full Pony Club Uniform.  The pony is to be tidy, hooves clean.  Clean and correctly fitting gear.

·                     Adjusting girth and stirrups whilst mounted.

·                     Knowledge of paces, correct diagonals and footfalls.

·                     Walk and trot without stirrups, canter on nominated leading leg and gallop.

·                     Know rules and traffic signals when riding on roads.

·                     Show proficiency in mounted games and balance exercises at the halt & walk.

JUMPING

·                     Jumping fences 45cm to 75cm, spreads (width not less than height), combinations with a minimum of one non-jumping stride.  Ride a small showjumping course.

·                     Riding over varied terrain, including some cross-country obstacles.

HORSEMASTERSHIP & GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

·                     Care and fit of the saddle and bridle.

·                     Parts of saddlery and uses.

·                     Rug a quiet horse along with the correct fit, use and care of rugs.

·                     Let the pony go in the paddock.

·                     Elementary knowledge of shoeing and care of the hooves.

·                     Explain the use of farrier’s tools.

·                     Tie a pony up

·                     Points of the horse, colours and markings.

·                     Prepare a horse for travel.

·                     What to look for when choosing a paddock for your horse.

·                     Knowledge of worm control, tetanus prevention, care of the teeth and when to call the vet.

·                     Preparation for a pony club camp.

·                     Daily watering and feeding routine.

IDENTIFY THE FOLLOWING

·                     Lameness, stone in the foot and minor wounds.  Swelling and heat in the leg or foot

·                     Explain Greasy Heel, Seedy Toe, Laminitis, cold, colic and strangles.

 

The C Star certificate is an alternative to the K certificate that bridges the gap between C and B certificates.  The candidate should be able to demonstrate active riding skills at a fast pace, with a correct and stronger seat and be well established in the forward jumping position.  The minimum age is 14 years. 
Specific details for the C Star certificate examination format are listed below.

 

Written paper, Presentation, Riding on the flat, Jumping, Lunging, Horsemastership and general knowledge

 

RIDING

·                     Horse and rider are to present as for a pony club competition (including plaiting).

·                     Demonstrate confidence without stirrups at the trot and canter.

·                     Demonstrate correct position at all paces independent of reins.

·                     Sitting trot, recognise and rise on the correct diagonal and changes diagonals at both trot and canter.

·                     Develop working trot and canter and rhythm at all paces.  Ride with accuracy and be able to perform transitions at markers.

·                     Walk, trot and canter a given number of strides.

·                     Ride at a given pace.

·                     Know the aids and be able to demonstrate 10m circles, serpentines, lengthen strides, turn on forehand, change leg at the canter and correct use of the whip.

 

JUMPING

·                     Jump fences to 85cm, have established a secure jumping position.

·                     Ride correctly over trot poles and cavaletti.

·                     Walk the course and ride various types of cross-country fences.

·                     Walk the course and ride a showjumping course including combination.

 

LUNGEING

·                     Know the reasons for lunging

·                     Know and use the correct equipment for the horse and handler.

·                     Lunge a quiet horse on a large circle maintaining contact.  Lunge the horse at both walk and trot, halt and work in both directions.

·                     Be aware of safety factors for both the horse and handler.

HORSEMASTERSHIP & GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

·                     Knowledge of basic feeding and care of a grass fed horse & stabled horse.

·                     Demonstrate three knots and their uses; tie a horse up safely.

·                     Be able to fit a saddle, snaffle bridle, various nosebands, running martingale and breastplate correctly.

·                     Knowledge of bits in every day use.

·                     Care and cleaning of equipment – saddlery, rugs, grooming gear etc.

·                     Groom efficiently and effectively including plaiting, care of mane & tail, clipping.

·                     Knowledge of structure of horses foot and be able to handle a horse’s leg safely.

·                     Knowledge of farrier’s equipment, shoeing, how to take a shoe off.

·                     Load and unload a quiet horse, with help.

·                     Understand principle of feeding and watering; be able to recognise various feeds and explain their uses, recognise various poisonous plants.

·                     Knowledge of elementary first aid for the horse

·                     Care of the horse’s teeth.

·                     Recognise unsoundness.

·                     First aid to humans.

·                     Knowledge of road rules.

·                     Pony Club structure at Club, Zone and State level.