Bronze Test

The Bronze Awards may be taken at three levels, culminating in Bronze Award 1.

BRONZE AWARD 3

OBJECTIVES

  1. To start to learn about riding ponies.
  2. Begin handling ponies and start to become confident around them.

RIDING AND ROAD SENSE

  • Mount by receiving a leg up
  • Dismount
  • Sit in a safe and reasonably secure position in the saddle.
  • Hold the reins correctly.
  • Ride from halt to walk and from walk to halt in a straight line. Either on or off the leading rein.
  • Know the pony must stand still while being mounted.
  • Know not to get too close to other ponies.
  • Know it is safer to ride on the road with adults.
  • Know on which side of the road you should ride.

HORSEMASTERSHIP

  • Know how to approach a pony and give him a pat.
  • Be able to untie a pony.
  • Remove the headcollar.
  • Know some colours of ponies.
  • Be able to check if the girth is loose before mounting.
  • Be able to pull down the stirrups before mounting

BRONZE AWARD 2

OBJECTIVES

  1. Learn to have control when riding off the lead rein.
  2. Start to understand how to care for ponies.

RIDING AND ROAD SENSE

  • Be able to pass the previous test
  • Mount and dismount from a mounting block.
  • Sit in a safe and reasonably secure position in the saddle.
  • Lengthen and shorten reins
  • Ride off the lead rein.
  • Ride from halt to walk and from walk to halt in a straight line off the leading rein.
  • Make turns left and right in walk following instructions.
  • Be able to make the pony stand still while being mounted.
  • Know how to keep a safe distance when riding in a ride.
  • Know not to get too close to the pony in front.
  • Know it is safer to ride on the road with adults.
  • Know on which side of the road you should ride.
  • Understand a simple green cross code.

HORSEMASTERSHIP

  • Be able to pass the previous test.
  • Be able to put on a headcollar in the stable.
  • Be able to tie up a pony correctly.
  • Know the parts of the pony’s body.
  • Be able to remove the saddle and put it away correctly.
  • Know that water must always be available.

BRONZE AWARD 1

OBJECTIVES

  1. Make controlled transitions.
  2. Ride independently from the rest of the ride.
  3. Start to be actively involved in the care of ponies.

RIDING AND ROAD SENSE

  • Be able to pass the previous tests
  • Mount and dismount from a mounting block and receive a leg up from either side.
  • Sit straight and balanced in the saddle.
  • Lengthen and shorten stirrups before mounting.
  • Check girth before and while mounted.
  • Ride in rising trot.
  • Upward and downward transitions:
    Halt to walk
    Walk to trot
    Trot to walk
    Walk to halt.
  • Make changes of rein and circles in walk.
  • Simple exercises.
  • Know how the pony positions his feet when he halts square.
  • Be able to ride exercises independently.
  • Know it is safer to ride on the road with adults.
  • Know on which side of the road you should ride.
  • Understand a simple green cross code.
  • Know how to ride along a road, cross a road, and say ‘thank you’.

HORSEMASTERSHIP

  • Be able to pass the previous tests.
  • Approach and handle a pony correctly.
  • Catch a pony in the field and put on a headcollar or halter.
  • Lead a pony in a headcollar.
  • Name simple points of the pony.
  • Be able to take off a bridle and hang it up.
  • Know two types of food ponies eat.