Frequently Asked Questions

"Can you describe the system of 'Rating?' What are ratings?"

Pony Club is run on a nationally created rating system, meaning ratings are consistent throughout all Pony Clubs in the United States. Ratings test a member's riding and horse management skills, asking for different levels of mastery at each level. The ratings are used in all aspects of Pony Club life- at both mounted and unmounted rallies, clinics, and meetings, your child's ratings are used to determine and teach at their skill level. At rallies, the ratings provide a consistent level of ability for each child in the region to be judged upon.

So how do you get a rating? In front of an examiner, on a scheduled day, your child will perform specific tests against a standard, and will be judged as exceeds standards, meets standards, or does not meet standards. The standards are both mounted an oral.

The standards of proficiency for all the ratings are given in the Pony club manuals and can also be found on the national web site.

The ratings, from lowest to highest, are as follows: D-1, D-2, D-3, C-1, C-2, HB, C-3, B, HA, A. The D-1 through C-2 ratings are done at the club level, while the C-3 and up are done by national examiners. HB and HA tests are completely knowledge, C-3, B, and A are only riding, and the D-1 through C-2 are combined testings (both knowledge and riding).

What is a rally?

A rally is a competition where teams of Pony Clubbers compete against other Pony Clubbers in the region. It is basically a horse show only for Pony Clubbers. What makes the rally experience unique are many things. The clubs compete in teams of three to five (with one optional stable manager at most mounted rallies), and are all required to help each other. Also, riding is only half the game. Horse Management is one of the most important aspects of the rallying experience, including constant monitoring by Horse Management judges in the barn environment, formal inspections and safety checks before each ride, and turnbacks after each ride.

Another unique quality of rallies is that parents are not allowed to help their children at all. The teams can only rely on each other, and/or the judges in the barn if needed. After only one weekend of taking care of all the details of the showing experience, kids come out with a sense of accomplishment, and a new found respect for themselves and their teammates.

Pony Clubbers have the option of trying to qualify for championships if they meet certain rating and age requirements. Championships are held in Lexington, Virginia for the most Eastern Pony Clubs, and every three years there is a national "festival" with Championships and clinics held in Lexington, Kentucky for all United States Pony Clubs.