Riding badges
For over fifteen years now, a three-tier system of riding badges introduced by the Polish Equestrian Federation has been in force. Due to the fact that the number of people practising horse riding is constantly growing, the need arose to create a kind of uniform guidelines, thanks to which equestrians will be able to check their skills in an objective way. The individual badges (bronze, silver or gold) also grant certain entitlements or are required (or exempt from part of a course/exam) if we think, e.g., about acting as a judge or steward during competitions, an instructor course or starting to compete in official competitions.
Although the badge system is fairly clear, many people nevertheless wonder what the level of difficulty during the exams is and how best to prepare for them.
In this article we will try to answer these questions and dispel the most common doubts that arise around this subject.
What does the riding badge system look like?
We distinguish three badges of the Polish Equestrian Federation (PZJ): bronze, gold and silver. In order to obtain each of them we have to pass an official exam consisting of a theoretical and a practical part, carried out at an equestrian centre certified by the PZJ.
What is more, since 2013 the universal “I Ride a Horse” riding badge has also been awarded. It is intended for people beginning their adventure with horse riding, and it can be awarded by licensed PZJ trainers. The rider is assessed during individual riding or in a ride group, in the three basic gaits.
The badges must be obtained in order, starting from the lowest. An exception here is the “I Ride a Horse” badge – possessing it is not required if we want to take the exam for the bronze badge (it does, however, exempt us from the stable management part during this exam).
The exam for each of the badges consists of a theoretical part concerning horse riding in general, horse care, etc., and a practical part (dressage and jumping).
You will find the questions that may appear during the theoretical exam on the official PZJ website in the riding badges tab.
What are the requirements during the riding badge exam?
To become the happy holder of a riding badge, we have to face tasks of various levels of difficulty. The requirements for each of the badges are also described in detail on the PZJ website, so that you can prepare appropriately for the exam.
The Bronze Badge (age of the candidate from 7 years)
Stable management (this part appears only and exclusively during the exam for the bronze badge) – handling the horse in the stable, basic grooming procedures, leading the horse in hand.
Theoretical part – questions concerning the basics of horse behaviour, the basics of feeding, using the aids, the rules of behaviour in the arena, the aids, equestrian equipment, etc.
Practical part (dressage) – performing the test available on the PZJ website in the “badges” tab. Showing the three basic gaits of the horse. The correctness of the seat and the use of the aids is assessed.
Practical part (jumping) – clearing six obstacles of a maximum height of 70 cm (60 cm for ponies), including a jump from a trot over an obstacle with a placing pole.
The Silver Badge (age of the candidate from 9 years)
Theoretical part – extended knowledge on the topics covered during the exam for the bronze badge. Additionally, the theory of show jumping and dressage and of riding in the open.
Practical part (dressage) – performing a dressage test corresponding to class P in dressage. Elements such as a circle, a serpentine, counter-canter, lengthening of the stride in trot and canter.
Practical part (jumping) – clearing seven obstacles of a height of 70-80 cm (for ponies max. 70 cm), including one double combination.
People with a current sport class are exempt from the practical part of the exam (depending on the discipline practised), and in the case of jumping also competitors who have positively passed the licence exam.
The Gold Badge (age of the candidate from 14 years)
Theoretical part – extended knowledge on the topics covered during the exams for the earlier badges, with additional emphasis on the theory of sport and the history of horse riding.
Practical part (dressage) – performing a dressage test corresponding to class N in dressage. Elements such as leg-yield, counter-canter, travers, shoulder-in.
Practical part (jumping) – clearing seven obstacles of a height of up to 100 cm and a width of max. 110 cm (for ponies 90 cm and 100 cm respectively), including one double combination and one line.
People holding the 2nd sport class in dressage or eventing (dressage) or the 3rd sport class in jumping, or eventing (jumping) are exempt from the practical part.
The 10 most common questions about riding badges
When approaching the exam for any of the badges, quite a few questions may arise. In this part we will try to answer ten of them, which are asked most often.
- Do I have to come to the exam with my own horse?
Not necessarily. Most centres also offer the possibility of passing the practical part on their appropriately trained horse (the minimum age of the horse is 6 years).
- Is formal attire required in the dressage arena and on the jumping course?
No, there is no need to wear a tailcoat and white breeches. A neat riding outfit is enough.
- How many mistakes can be made in the practical part?
Only the third mistake ends our ride with a negative grade. Elimination is also a fall from the horse, a fall of the rider with the horse or, in the case of dressage, the horse going out of the arena with all four legs
- How many mistakes can be made in the theoretical part?
There are no exact guidelines here. The examiner checks your knowledge during a conversation and decides whether the exam is passed or not.
- Can I take the exam again if I do not manage to pass it the first time?
Of course, you can take the exam any number of times at a date convenient for you.
- If I fail only part of the exam, do I have to repeat the whole thing again?
If you managed to pass the theoretical part, you will only have to retake the practical part. Remember also that a failed dressage attempt makes it impossible to take the jumping test.
- Are there alternative badges for equestrian disciplines other than dressage and jumping?
Yes, there are also specialist badges for driving, long-distance endurance, vaulting and reining
- What aids are allowed during the practical tests?
The use of a whip (in accordance with the applicable standards) is allowed in jumping at every level. Spurs are not allowed during the exam for the bronze badge, for the silver only with the consent of the commission, whereas for the gold badge their use is allowed.
- Will I get confirmation of the passed badge exam?
Yes, every person who finishes the exam with a positive result should receive a certificate and a pin in the colour of the badge being taken.
- How can I find out about planned riding exams in my area?
You will find information on this subject in this section of the Polish Equestrian Federation website. In addition to places and dates you will also find the contact details of the centres. Apart from the exams themselves, many stables or clubs also offer preparatory courses for the exam. It is worth using them if you are not entirely sure of your skills and would like to test yourself before you take the exam.
