D 3 Checklist (Revised January 1, 2002)
Riding Test Expectations	Candidate should ride in a basic balanced position with control at the walk, trot, and canter.  Candidate should maintain a secure base of support while developing balance and a steady position over fences.
Riding on the Flat	Demonstrate emergency dismount at the halt and walk.
	Adjust stirrups and girth (keeping feet in the stirrups) while mounted at the halt.
	Perform balancing and suppling exercises for rider at walk and trot.
	Ride without stirrups at the sitting trot.
	Demonstrate a simple step back.
	Discuss at least three reasons for doing balancing/suppling exercises.
	Perform round 20-meter circles in both directions, at walk, at sitting trot, at rising trot with correct diagonals, and at canter with correct leads.
	Demonstrate increase and decrease of speed at the trot by passing riders on rail and taking the lead.
	Discuss performance with Examiner and whether or not circles were round and natural aids were used correctly.
	Rider should show a basic balanced position through the flat work.
Riding over Fences	Trot over ground poles, followed by cross rail.
	Jump a simple stadium course of five to seven obstacles, height not to exceed 2’6”.
	Discuss performance, reasons for any disobedience.
Riding in the Open	Ride safely with a group at the walk and trot, over varied terrain, through shallow water and small ditches as occur in natural terrain (ditches to be unrevetted).
	Jump simple cross-country obstacles, not to exceed 2’6”. Speed should not exceed 240 meters per minute or 300 meters per minute, appropriate for the size of horse.
	Discuss ways to control a pony in the open.
	Discuss performance with Examiner.
	Rider should show a secure base of support while developing balance and a steady position over fences.
Horse Management Expectations	The candidate should be able to demonstrate simple skills without assistance, and to discuss pony care, using common horse terms
Turn-out Tack	Rider in safe and neat attire.
	Pony clean and neatly groomed, with feet picked out, showing farrier care.
	Tack to be properly adjusted, safe and clean.
	Describe formal attire, informal attire.
Bandaging	Describe what critical areas are protected by shipping bandages or boots, and give reasons for their use.
	Apply protective boots and bell boots on own pony (with supervision).
	Apply stable wrap, with assistance.
Parts of Pony, Conformation & Lameness	Identify at least 20 parts of the pony, to include withers, hock, fetlock, pastern, gaskin, croup, loins, etc.
	Know common conformation faults of neck, back, shoulder, head, and pasterns.
	Describe the characteristics of a strange pony clearly enough for another person to recognize it within a group.  Include:  color, breed, markings, size, sex, and obvious conformation characteristics.
	Describe how to measure height of pony.
Foot & Shoeing	Describe obvious signs of a foot needing shoeing or trimming.
Stable Management	Demonstrate how to clean and bed a stall, giving reasons for each step.
	Know use of hay net and the dangers of improper use.
Record Book	The D-3 candidate is expected to keep careful records of veterinary visits, and general health of pony.  Record Book must be brought to test.  A minimum of three months is required.
Nutrition	Know five to seven basic rules for feeding and explain feeding schedule to include amount of roughage and amounts of concentrates per ration for own pony.
Veterinary Knowledge	Name some symptoms of a sick or injured pony that would cause you to seek help.
Travel Safety	Know the basic rules for riding safely on public roads in your state.
	Know procedure for mounted group crossing a public roadway.
	Discuss the proper procedure for loading and unloading a pony.
Conditioning	Describe care of pony after strenuous work, to include cooling out, inspection of legs, watering and feeding
Leading & Longeing	Lead correctly, moving pony forward with whip or assistance (if necessary).
	Do walk-trot-walk-halt transitions in hand.
	Lead safely from both sides.
Introduction to Horse Sports	Name five horse sports that are offered in USPC.