Education & Accreditation
Members
Grow your skills with Pony Club Australia®!
Skills & Leadership Development
Pony Club® members progress through our Syllabus of Instruction, earning proficiency certificates that enhance riding, horse care, and citizenship skills.
Achieving proficiency certificates opens doors to competitions and events, with certain levels required for qualification. Our Proficiency Certificates now also offer Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for accredited courses. Older members can develop leadership skills through our specialised Leadership Certificate Program and earn valuable accreditations, like gear checker certification.
About our Syllabus
The Pony Club Australia® Syllabus of Instruction provides a structured education program to develop essential horsemanship and horse care skills.
Covering topics such as horse management, first aid, tack and gear, floating and road rules, hoof care, rugging, and groundwork, the syllabus is grounded in the principles of equitation science.
Developed under the guidance of Dr. Andrew McLean, our patron and a leading authority in equitation science, the syllabus highlights the dual role of riders as both athletes and trainers. It includes eight proficiency certificates, each supported by a comprehensive manual to guide learning and ensure steady progression.
Proficiency Certificates & Manuals
Pony Club Australia® offers a structured pathway with eight proficiency certificates, each with its own manual: E, D, D*, C, C*, K, B and A.
Beginners can start with the optional E Certificate, while progression through the levels requires completing each prior certificate, starting with D. Manuals are tailored for different ages, with interactive activities like drawing and quizzes for younger riders, and adapted versions of the D and D* manuals for older or adult members featuring mature language and relevant exercises.
The A Certificate represents the pinnacle of horse management, training, and care. Graduates possess an advanced understanding of horse behaviour, learning theory, and biomechanics. They are equipped to design effective training programs to address problem behaviours, excel in both groundwork and riding, and apply expert knowledge in nutrition and management. With these skills, A Certificate holders are fully prepared to assess and optimise the welfare of the horses in their care.
Ready for Your Proficiency Certificate Assessment?
Make sure you’re fully prepared with our assessment checklists!
Visit the Resource Hub to review the skills and knowledge required before your assessment.
Advance Your Education With RPL
Pony Cub Australia®’s Proficiency Certificates now offer Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for numerous accredited courses, recognised by online education providers.
Our standards align with the Australian national training system (ASQA), providing RPL opportunities for VET-approved courses. Contact participation@ponyclubaustralia.com.au for more details on approved courses and unit codes.
Explore Where Pony Club Australia® Proficiency Certificates Can Lead You.
Certificate D
Courses
Cert I in Racing Stable (stable hand)
Cert I in Sport & Recreation
Cert II in Racing Industry
Cert II in Agriculture
Cert III in Equine Studies
Cert II in Equine Dentistry
Cert II in Horse Breeding
Units
Apply knowledge of horse behaviour
Provide daily care for horses
Handle horses safely
Participate in Workplace Health & Safety
Certificate D*
Courses
Cert III in Racing Industry
Cert III in Agriculture
Cert III in Equine Studies
Cert III in Equine Dentistry
Cert III in Horse Breeding
Units
Perform horse riding skills at walk, trot & canter
Perform daily tasks in horse industry
Contribute to health & safety of others
Certificate C
Courses
Cert III in Horse Care
Cert III in Sport – Athlete
Cert III in Community Services
Cert III in Sport & Recreation
Cert IV in Horse Breeding
Cert IV in Sport Development
Cert IV in Animal Behaviour & Training
Cert IV in Equine Care
Diploma of Performance Horse Management
Diploma of Sport
Diploma of Equine Management
Units
Interpret equine behaviours
Apply business risk management processes
Transport horses
Work safely in equine workplaces
Certificate K
Courses
Cert III in Sport Coaching
Cert I in Sport & Recreation
Cert II in Horse Breeding
Cert II in Agriculture
Cert III in Equine Studies
Cert II in Equine Dentistry
Cert II in Horse Breeding
Units
Apply knowledge of horse behaviour
Provide daily care for horses
Handle horses safely
Participate in workplace health & safety
Certificate B
Courses
Cert III in Community Service
Cert II in Sport & Recreation
Cert III in Horse Care
Cert III in Equine Dentistry
Cert III in Horse Breeding
Units
All other certificate units, plus:
Maintain & monitor horse health
Introduce horse to lunge exercise
Certificate A
Courses
Cert IV in Sport Development
Cert IV in Animal Behaviour & Training
Diploma of Equine Management
Diploma of Sport
Units
All other certificate units, plus:
Manage horses to meet performance horse sport requirements
Embrace Leadership: Pony Club Australia® Certificate Program
The Leadership Certificate Program offers Pony Club® members aged 14 to 18 the opportunity to cultivate and showcase their leadership abilities in horse sports and beyond.
This 9 to 12-month program allows candidates to progress at their own pace through four modules: skill development, community development, leadership development, and reflection.
Why consider the Leadership Certificate?
- Enhance opportunities for domestic and international Gap Year roles.
- Facilitate entry into vocational learning and career pathways.
- Support early entry into University pre-ATAR programs.
- Gain accelerated access to global “Leaders and Achievers” initiatives.
Become a Certified Gear Checker
The Gear Checker Accreditation certificate is available to Pony Club® members aged 16 and over.
This certification is ideal for those interested in assisting at rally days, musters, competitions, and camps. Qualified gear checkers play a crucial role in ensuring safety and compliance.