Pony club D+ test

[TiaPony]

OK, for those who have taken this, any pointers? I am comfortable doing it as i know i can do everything required, just probably not the PC way!
How do i cross a road (being serious here, i jus stop and walk across when clear!)

?
basic knowledge of keeping ponio at grass - assume this is just feed; management of field etc?
any special way of trotting a horse in hand?
x

 

[jcberry]

On the road bit, remeember to look all around first, like behind and side to side, make it obvious and SMILE =]

Trotting --- I think you have to hold the lead rein loosely so you can see the head moving, think it is the left side you go n =]

 

[zigzag]

Haven't you got to take the Riding and Road safety test first before doing D+ ?

 

[welshpony]

Riding and road safety is before C test, I think.

 

[TiaPony]

you can take your C but you won't pass until you have done the R+RS test.

x

 

[teapot]

Trotting a horse in hand - don't hold reins/lead rope too height as head must be able to move freely. When it comes to turning, make sure you're on the outside of the horse, otherwise you'll get sqaushed feet

Crossing the road: look behind, left, right behind again (and to your left behind so that you can see if anything is on your inside), double check left & right and then proceed

 

[Enfys]

Have you found the PC site? www.pcuk.org

If you have a Manual of Horsemanship, read the relevant bits for the D+
http://pcuk.org/output/tests/page_1534.html

As long as you do it the PC way you will be fine.


Feeding: is just knowing the Rules of feeding, different types of feed and perhaps identifying samples.
Grazing: knowing the minimum acreage for one horse, what is good grazing and not, recognizing weeds (docks, thistles, nettles etc) and a few poisonous plants (like ragwort) basic field management, poo picking/harrowing etc (and reasons for it), safe fencing, water supply.
Leading: Most important!!!!!!!!!!! Turn your pony AWAY from you when turning, I have spent countless times trying to hammer this into test candidates heads! Also, if pony is tacked up, this is so basic, but again, so many people get so screwed up that they forget, take the reins over the head if there isn't a martingale on. Give the pony some room when leading, don't hang the weight of your hand on the reins/rope or hold too close to the bit.

I'm sure you'll do fine, it's all stuff you probably do without thinking everyday, just relax! Good Luck