D Test Mimimum Age: 8. Disc Colour: Yellow. Riders must have a basic knowledge of riding and handling a pony. Jumping is not required. The test is taken within the member’s own branch.

D+ Test Mimimum Age: 10. Disc Colour: White. D+ test riders should be able to walk, trot and canter. D+ test is always taken within a member’s own branch. Candidates must be properly prepared and up to the standard. D+ standard is the minimum standard for all IPC competitions except for mini games.

C Test Mimimum Age: 12. Disc Colour: Green. C test riders should be able to ride confidently with a secure seat, in balanced position in trot and canter on the flat and up and down hills. They should also be working towards the Riding and Road Safety Test. This test is required for members wishing to do Junior Eventing and the Hunter Trial Championships.

Riding and Road Safety Test Mimimum Age: 12. The aim of the Riding and Road Safety Certificate test is to alert riders to the potential dangers of riding on roads and to ensure that candidates have sound knowledge of the precautions that must be taken to minimise dangers. The test is broken into three sections; a theory, a field and the road tests. This test must be passed before a member can receive a certificate for C+ test.

C+ Test Mimimum Age: 14. Disc Colour: Pink. C+ riders will demonstrate C test level riding as well as show a turn on the forehand, leg yielding, and capability to jump a variety of show jumps and cross-country fences in an open field.

B Test Mimimum Age: 16. Disc Colour: Red. The B test will be organised by the Area Representative. The B test aims to show that the rider has become an effective and educated horseperson who knows the reasoning behind their actions. Candidates may take the H test with this certificate but not the A test.

B+ Test Mimimum Age: 18. Disc Colour: Lilac. The B+ test is organised by the IPC Office. This test aims to enable candidates to achieve a high standard in riding horses on the flat and over fences and become practical in their assessment and training of horses from an early age to development.

H Test Mimimum Age: 17. Disc Colour: Orange. The Irish Pony Club H test stands alone as the highest test of horse and pony care available in the Irish IPC. It is a pre-requisite for the A test. It aims to test the candidate’s practical knowledge and ability to look after horses. Candidates must pass all sections. Proper preparation is essential to pass the H test and candidates must complete at least six days of preparation training with a listed trainer, which must be completed prior to the date of the Test. They are also strongly advised to take advantage of all training initiatives available and must do some work experience in a recognised training yard. Candidates must hold the B test certificate to attempt the test. Candidates will not be allowed to attempt the A test without successfully completion of the H test.

A Test Mimimum Age: 17. Disc Colour: Blue. The A Test is the highest award of the Irish Pony Club and provides a comprehensive examination in Horsemanship and Training Young Horses for Senior Members and Associates. Candidates must hold the IPC H test and must be good all-round horsemen, with sound knowledge acquired in logical sequence from their Instructors, IPC publications and further reading. Passing A test is a really worthwhile achievement and provides the foundation to specialize in a branch of equitation. It is accepted by the B.H.S. as an exemption from their Stages III and IV Examination in Riding and Horse Care, subject to recommendation by the IPC Training Committee and approval by the BHS Training and Examinations Committee.