CANADIAN PONY CLUB ACHIEVEMENT STANDARDS
"RA" LEVEL

Candidates must be at least 16 years old as of Jan 1 of the year in which they test. For members who have achieved their B2 Certificate. When the District Commissioner and candidate's Instructor are satisfied the member is proficient in the riding requirements up to and including the RA requirements, and otherwise qualified according to Branch, Region and National regulations, they are then eligible to submit an application for the NATIONAL RA TEST.

Successful candidates awarded the RA Certificate and White disk
FLAT RIDE
To be ridden in 20 by 60 arena. To be ridden in snaffle or double bridle. Candidate should have knowledge of double bridle. Candidates may use the flat ride provided or may write their own. If writing their own, candidates must provide copies for each examiner (minimum 5 copies) and include all required movements.

WARM-UP
Candidates will show a progressive warm-up. Approximate time allowed: 20 to 25 minutes. If additional time is required, the candidate will be allowed to warm-up ahead of the designated warm-up time.

The warm-up should meet the needs of the horse mentally and physically. It should be progressive and systematic and prepare the horse for the required movements. Candidates should have understanding of the reasons behind the progressive warm-up.

PACES
Walk - medium and lengthened stride.
Trot - collected, working and medium.
Canter – collected, working and medium.

MOVEMENTS
Circles: 10 m at trot and canter. Serpentine: 6 loops at trot.
Shoulder-in at trot. Flying changes.
Half pass at trot. Counter canter.
Half pirouette in walk. Change of leg through walk.
Rein back 6 steps immediately forward to trot. Canter on a loose rein to show a balanced horse.

* Change of horses mandatory.

GYMNASTICS:
The candidate will be responsible for designing and building a progressive gymnastic which best meets the needs of their horse. Gymnastics need not be on a straight line. The candidate must submit a written plan of their gymnastic to the examining panel (minimum 5 copies) and will be expected to explain how this particular gymnastic can improve their horse and why it works

STADIUM COURSE – max height 3'9"
  • 8 - 10 fences
  • two changes of direction
  • maximum height and spread 3'9" feet
  • a bending line
  • minimum height 3 feet 6 inches
  • one vertical at maximum height
  • 1/3 of fences at maximum height
  • one oxer to vertical to oxer combination

    • The National Examiners will provide the stadium course for the RA test.
    * Change of horses mandatory over a lowered stadium course Max. height 3'6; no change of horses on the cross country course.

    CROSS COUNTRY
    Pace 500 to 520 m per minute with room to gallop.
    Variety of preliminary fences 3' 7”
    Jump into water, bank and drop fences.

    Upon successful completion of both the HA and the RA, candidates will receive the 'A' certificate and blue disc

    REFER TO AB TESTING PROCEDURES, PART 3, HA/RA INFORMATION AND PART 5, VII. NATIONAL EXAMINERS HANDBOOK FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION.