Who is eligible to sit the D+ examination?

Riders must be current AME Pony Club Center Members and have all required line items signed off prior to the exam date.

How long is the exam session?

The session runs 1 hour 40 minutes; candidates should arrive 1.5 hours early for grooming and warm-up.

What is included in the fee?

The $100 fee covers horse hire (if needed), arena hire, examiners’ fees and the certificate on successful completion.

What is the cancellation policy?

Bookings are non-refundable except with a valid medical or veterinary note—contact the operator with documentation.

Can parents or coaches watch the exam?

Yes; observers are welcome but asked to stand outside the arena to avoid distracting horses or riders.

Is horse hire always available?

Horse hire is offered as listed, but availability may be limited—confirm at booking and arrive early to sort logistics.

Ace the D+ Examination at Shotover Equestrian - Queenstown Pony Club Test Prep | Horse | Sports

At Shotover Equestrian in Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand, the D+ examinations are a focused, practical rite of passage for young riders preparing to step up in pony club certification. Run with hands-on guidance from Michaela and Ashley, this 1 hour 40 minute assessment asks riders to bring horsemanship, control and quiet confidence to the arena. The setup is straightforward: arena hire, horse hire when needed, and examiners on hand to observe and sign off completed line items; successful candidates leave with a certificate and the quiet satisfaction of a standards-based achievement. Arrival is part of the process: riders are asked to arrive 1.5 hours early to catch, groom and tack up, leaving time to clean tack and warm up. That buffer turns the warm morning air into productive minutes—proper grooming calms horses, while a deliberate warm-up sharpens transitions and rein aids. Michaela and Ashley work in a supportive coaching style, offering practical adjustments rather than theatrical critique; in this way the exam doubles as a targeted lesson that tightens riding basics and builds exam readiness. The arena itself is a manageable flat schooling space designed to test core skills: controlled canter transitions, straightness on the rail, accurate figures of eight, and assessed riding position. Stables and horse-hire logistics are part of the experience; examiners will confirm eligibility—riders must be current AME Pony Club Center Members and have all line items signed off prior to the schedule. Cost is listed at $100 and the session runs 1hr 40 mins, non-refundable except for valid medical or veterinary documentation. For visitors to Queenstown wanting to combine test day with local adventure, the practical rhythm of the exam offers an easy morning outing that leaves afternoons free for hiking, lakeside walks, or coaching follow-ups. Parents and coaches appreciate the transparent checklist approach and the certificate outcome, which slots neatly into a rider’s progression folder. What makes this offering stand out is the focused, exam-specific environment: small group sizes (1–4), hands-on examiners, and a timeline that mirrors formal assessment standards. It’s not a casual lesson—this is an efficient, nitty-gritty evaluation that prepares young riders for higher levels of competition and competence. Pack tack-cleaning gear, plan to arrive early, and treat the D+ examination at Shotover Equestrian as both assessment and real-world rehearsal under the careful supervision of Michaela and Ashley. Candidates should wear approved protective headgear, clean boots and proper breeches; bring a leather halter and spare lead, a hoof pick and grooming kit, and a water bottle. Observers are welcome but asked to stand outside the arena area to avoid distracting horses. After the exam, examiners will debrief and note any signoffs required; riders schedule lessons that address weak points identified during the test.