D star Certificate Information

Minimum Age

Candidates must have control of their ponies and show a more secure and correct position for flat work and jumping.
This Certificate is an extra activity for any Club wishing to include it in their curriculum, and fills in the years from 9 to 12. The D Star Certificate is not a pre-requisite for any subsequent Test.

Walk, rising trot, and canter in a large area, including circle and straight line and change of direction.
Mount correctly – from a mounting block if necessary.
Dismount from either side of the pony.
Make transitions on command.
Trot and canter at varying speeds.
Ride with reins in one hand.
Hold and use a short whip correctly.
Trot on a loose rein.
Change diagonals on command.
Rising trot over poles on the ground in a forward position.
Negotiate small jumps of varied design from the trot - maximum height 45cm
Know simple traffic rules when riding on the road.
Know simple taffic rules when riding on the road.

Knowledge of basic feeding and care of the pony.
Basic care of the feet.
Identify parts of the hoof: Wall, frog, sole and heels.
Identify the farriers tools: Rasp, hammer, toe knife, buffer and pincers.
Identify parts of the horse: Throat, elbow, pastern, dock, coronet, hips, hock, stifle, ribs and cheek.
Identify parts of the saddle: Cantle, waist, gullet, stirrup bar and sweat flap.
Identify and demonstrate use of: Dandy brush, body brush, curry comb and hoof pick.
Clean and put away saddlery.
Describe the following conditions: Girth gall, cold, colic and laminitis (founder).

In order to pass the D* Certificate the candidate must be competent in the learning outcomes outlined above.

Pony Club Australia Syllabus of Instruction
National syllabus for certificates sets out certificate requirements.
New Zealand Pony Club Manual No.1
Resource book with information for both educator and student.
D/D* Certificate Resource Kit PCAV Publication from PCAV Shop