Each member joins USPC as an unrated member and progresses through the lower-level ratings (D-1 through C-2) within the local club. The C-3, B, H/H-A, and A are national ratings, administered by the National Testing Committee. The following is a brief overview of each level.

D Rating

The D Rating is an introduction to the fun and challenge of riding, establishing safety habits and knowledge of the daily care of a pony and tack. The D

rated member learns to ride independently, with control, maintaining a secure position at the walk, trot and canter and over low fences. All D ratings are awarded at the club level.
C Rating
The C rated member is learning to become an active horseman, to care independently for a mount and tack and to understand the reasons for what he or she is doing. The C shows development towards a secure, independent balanced seat, and increasing control and confidence in all phases of riding. The C-1 and C-2 ratings are awarded at the club level. The C-3 is a national rating and reflects a basis of competence in riding and horse care that will make possible a lifetime of pleasure with horses.
B Rating
The B rating is for the USPC member who is interested in becoming proficient in all phases of riding and horse care. The B is able to ride experienced horses with confidence and control on the flat, over fences and in the open. Bs should be able to ride and care for another person’s experienced horse. The B understands and is able to explain the reasons for what he or she is doing and teaches younger members.
H and H-A Rating
The H/H-A covers horse management, teaching and training. The H/H-A has the knowledge, experience, and maturity to evaluate and care for a horse’s needs
efficiently and in a variety of circumstances, and to teach riding and horse care to others.
A Rating
The A is able to ride horses of various schooling levels with judgment, tact and effectiveness, to train young horses and retrain spoiled horses.

Ratings Tests
The WDHPC offers ratings twice a year, Spring & Fall. The Uprating is co-ordinated by the Chairperson, Zola Gudger. Since a club’s instruction program is based on the Standards of Proficiency, a rating test measures a child’s progress in that program. Approximately four weeks prior to the rating, all paperwork is due & a Prep session is planned for the candidates Copies of the particular Standard and Test Sheet are distributed to candidates or can be obtained from the website.
Whenever possible, ratings are completed in one day. At the D1-C2 levels, if it is necessary to conduct a test over several days, all requirements must be completed within a four-week time period, including retesting, as needed. Oral examinations are used for the Horse Management sections at all levels. Orals are conducted on a one-to-one or small group basis at the D level, and in very small groups of three to four at the C level. Candidates are afforded an opportunity to express what they know. Ratings tests cover the requirements listed on the Standards of Proficiency for that rating level, and candidates can be tested on any prior rating levels.