1. Have passed Beginner A test.
2. Tack up and un-tack with some assistance*.
See Pony Club Manual (PCM L-D) page 148: “Saddling a pony” and page 152: “Bridling a pony”.
3. Groom horse and pick feet with some assistance*.
See PCM L-D pages 169 to 172: “Grooming your pony”.
4. Tighten girth with little assistance**.
If student is young we will make allowances for strength.
5. Have a basic understanding of how to estimate stirrup length and how to adjust stirrups.
Hold stirrup iron in right hand. With left hand, fold fingers into a fist. Place knuckles on top of stirrup leather, straighten arm, and pull leather straight out. Iron should hit in the armpit.
6. Post at the walk without stirrups.
Rider should demonstrate ability to maintain correct position during this exercise as well as correct use of leg to left seat out of the saddle while walking. Student should be able to drop and pick up stirrups without using hands at the walk.
7. Trot for an extended period around the outside of the ring.
Trot for 5 to 10 minutes depending on age and fitness level of horse and rider. Diagonals not to count, change of rein at the trot by cutting across the diagonal, also demonstrate a half turn to change direction Walk and Trot a long side in jumping position Walk over ground poles. Sitting in full seat once and then in jumping position. PCM L-D page 44: “Jumping position”.
8. Demonstrate sitting trot down one long side of the ring.
Know basic ring rules and start to apply them passing left shoulder to left shoulder, leaving a horses length between you and the other horses in the ring, lessons have the right of way, walking on the rail to the left when cooling out unless instructed to do otherwise.
9. Circle at the walk using the letters as points to the circle.
10. Understand basic ring safety.
Student should know to yell “door” when entering and exiting a ring. Student should announce themselves to other riders as they pass by saying “inside” or “outside.” Student should pass one horse length from other horses.
* with some assistance - student becoming more independent, but still significant assistance from assistant, ie. Assistant gives step-by-step instructions and some physical aid.
** with little assistance - Assistant watches for safety but encourages complete independence by student.
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