examining PC tests

carthorse

carthorse

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Why does anyone do it.Yesterday my daughter and I examined C+ we passed 5 and failed 2, one got upset which I hated.
Today my daughter examined B test and 2 failed to reach the standard in horse care and again one got upset.
So yesterday we did it from 10.30 till 2.30 then today she did10.30 till 6.00.
We upset some nice girls who had probably worked very hard and hate us.Why do we do it.
It is the same when judging dressage only a few think you know what you are talking about ,the rest think you are blind or know the other riders.
I very rarely do that now
 
I know what you mean. Maybe people think that they're better than they actually are?

Same in dressage, the judges view is entirely different from the competitors caller who maybe stands at B. To the caller, it may look like a perfectly straight entry and halt. To the judge at C the competitor could well be a metre off the centre line and the halt crooked. The competitor would then prefer to listen to the caller's picture of events.

You cant please 'em all, and some you will down right offend. But someone has to do it
cool.gif
 
I failed my c test once, because i was jumping and fractured my ankle, while doing the test i carried on rather un successfully, and i failed because of that i had passed all of it except a jump course due to ankle. I did hate the exminaer due to the fact she said she had no idea why i won the dressage a few weeks previouse

Im sure they dont hate you, but from pat examines, tell them what they have done wrong etc
 
well done and don't worry although upset they can try again and its some serious character building.

I was lucky to pass all my tests from D to A care first time, but last year I failed my A riding on first attempt. I knew I perhaps wasn't best prepared (one lesson in prep due to uni exams coming first!!) so I went in with the attitude of it being a learning experience more than anything. I failed but made sure I found out where I failed and what to improve on. Unfortunatley not all did the same. One girl an intermediate eventer was told she failed on her XC riding needless to say she did not take that well. Another came out crying as well.

All i can suggest is that when you have to speak to the candidates afterwards as much as they allow you try and discuss what they have done and where they can improve but I'm sure you do it anyway.

Some of them just need to learn there will be rough with the smooth and they can't all be perfect and pass first time. well done to you for examining especially up to B level. The kids do appreciate it really promise
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I wouldnt like to either! But also nice to pass people, all my examiners have been very nice though, and i have really liked them (probably because they have said good things about me and so far (touch wood!) i havnt failed one)! Might all change once i have done my B though! I have definatly appriachated my examiners, you do a great job!
 
I think it is difficult when they know other candidates at the test.My daughter was lucky enough to pass all hers including A first time but she thinks that is what makes it difficult at A you don't know anyone so there is no shame.We explained very nicely and told them what to work on and to come forward again and did each seperately so no one else heard their short comings but it is hard for them and it all takes so long and then you have to rush your own horses.
Just don't know why we do it[Ihardly ever do now and no longer on Btest panel but she is keen to put something back]
 
i think you just have to accept you're doing the best by us. clearly, marks were missing and if you were to have passed them, it would be extremely unfair as they would have thought they had correct knowledge when something was wrong.
x
 
I know what you mean, I always feel bad when anyone I examine fails, especially at C test as they're still fairly young but I do try and explain what they need to work on and what thier good points were. I justify it to myself though that once they have the C test they are allowed to go to HT qualifiers and champs and so basically they have to be safe to go and ride XC and so by passing them for their C test you're giving them a licence to go XC so I must feel that they'd be safe to do so. I've heard of a few examiners who were seriously intimidated by parents of kids who failed the C test, to the point of assault charges nearly being brought against them. I think that the PC may soon go down the same route of the BHS and give all results by post.
 
I failed my C test the first time I took it, I just somehow wasn't ready, I don't remember why etc but the following year I took my C+ (aged 15), then the following year my B test (at 16) so I passed both of those first time...and then my A test at 20.....so it didn't put me off in the long run at all!

Try not to worry, the standards are there for a reason although the first time I failed my C test my Dad said one of the instructors said that my saddle wasn't nice enough- it fitted the pony, was very clean but the person who owned it, and the pony before me had obvious got the saddle wet a lot and some of the dye had came out of the knee rolls....that was so trivial.

Also in the A test the womans only excuse as to why I failed it (I was too involved in dressage and uni after it that I never re took it) was that apparently I didn't double check the tack on the pony that I was due to lead. Yes, really!! I put the bridle on correctly the first time! Annyway!
 
I don't know about testing them, but try training the candidates! I had a very keen six year-old along for the experience and he was red hot on most of the stuff to D+! Couldn't shut him up and he was obviously keen and interested. Compare that to a few disinterested twelve year-olds who clearly hadn't read H+P Magazine, let alone the Pony Club Manual.
 
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