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Test & Certification Prep
Certified Horsemanship Association Level 1-4 Testing
Leg Up riders are required to take both a written and a riding test as they pass between our program levels. Riders will schedule a time with their instructor in which to take their written test. Riders can miss up to 3 questions on a test. Tests can be retaken as many times as needed to pass. Tests cannot be taken more than once on the same day. Riders will not be held back in the levels due to not completing their written tests, but they will not receive the priviledges of the next level until the test in completed (ie Apprenticing, Open Rides, Pony Club, etc). Riders are welcome to complete written tests early (before they are ready to "graduate"from that level). Riding "tests"happen through the session of lessons. As riders become successful at the specific skills required of the level, they will be "checked off"on theur skills cards. Once a rider has successfully completed a level's required skills, they will begin working on the skills sets for the next level. Individual riders will receive daily written evaluations after each lesson and a session end evaluation is sent to parents/riders in the last weeks of a session. Below are links to the study guides for each level of written tests.
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Priviledges earned upon passing written and riding test levels:
Level 1 Graduates: APPRENTICING
Level 1 graduates (over the age of 10) will be invited to the FREE Apprentice Training Class held each year to train our Level 1 graduates to work as volunteers with the Leg Up staff. Apprentices will help young 1A riders with grooming/tacking and sidewalking during lessons. Apprentices will also help the staff with the daily barn chores. Apprentices will track their volunteer hours and these hours can be used for school volunteer hours.
Level 2 Graduates: OPEN RIDES
Level 2 graduates will be able to participate in Open Rides during business hours. Riders are permitted to ride on the flat (no jumping) to practice the skills they are learning in their lessons.
Level 3 Graduates: Invite into PONY CLUB
Level 3 graduates will be invited to join the Leg Up Pony Club Team. The Pony Club members learn both mounted and unmounted knowledge that is applied for both regional and national certifications and competitions. Pony Club is not mandatory for Level 4 riders. Pony Club membership is mandatory for riders wishing to compete offsite.
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Pony Club Certifications
D1/D2 Certifications- 4A+ riders
Level 4A and above riders who have joined Pony Club will take their D1/D2 Certifications in either the Spring or the Fall/Winter. Tests can be found on the Pony Club website at www.ponyclub.org under "Certifications." Note: you will not be able to access the tests on the website until you have joined Pony Club and received a membership login for their website.
Max heights in testing: D-1 Poles / D-2 18”
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D3 Certification- 4B+ riders
Level 4B+ riders can take their D3 certification during the Fall Session. D3 tests can be found on the Pony Club website at www.ponyclub.org under "Certifications."
Max height for testing: D-3 2’3”

C1 Certification- 4D riders
Level 4D riders can take their C1 certifiation during the Fall Session. C1 tests can be found on the Pony Club website at www.ponyclub.org under "Certifications."
Max height in testing: C-1 2’9”
C2 Certification- 4D riders (flat only)
4D riders may take their C2 certification, HM/flat only, in the spring of the fall session. C2 tests can be found on the Pony Club website at www.ponyclub.org under "Certifications."

HB Certification - Horse Management
The H-B Certification emphasizes Horse Management knowledge and skills that demonstrate an increased awareness, education, and competence in the care and handling of horses and in teaching the same skills to others. It reflects the theory and study as well as the practical aspects of unmounted Horse Management. The depth of knowledge is comparable to a high school curriculum. The minimum age for the H-B certification is 13 years old.