PCA Lesson Planning template

Submit to Assessor four lesson plans of at least 30 minute

duration. Choose your lessons from the following as listed in

the Manual. PCA-Lesson-Planning-Template-fillable-1-1 (1)

Flat Riding

1. Teach riders to ride in the upright seat with the focus to include the two

straight lines of the rider position.

2. Teach riders to turn correctly onto the centreline, maintaining

straightness and track left or right at the end. (This can relate to a

dressage test)

3. Teach riders to ride 20m circles in walk and trot showing the correct

measurements of the tangent points (measurements to be included in

the lesson plan)

4. Teach riders the correct trot diagonal and how to change diagonals (with

the riders showing a clear understanding of the reason for doing this)

5. Teach riders how to hold the reins in an independent hold and how to

shorten and lengthen the reins (this can relate to a dressage test)

6. Teach riders to ride a transition from walk to trot and trot to walk (must

include explanation of aids).

Jumping (any jumps with height no greater than 60cm)

1. Teach riders the forward and two point seat in walk and trot (Include

the straight line of the rider position, jumping equipment not necessary

in this task).

2. Teach riders to negotiate a line over three poles in walk and in trot

(Distances must be included in your lesson).

3. Teach riders a jumping exercise that progresses from a single pole, then

three poles and finally a small jump.

4. Teach the riders to use the mane release or neck strap when negotiating

a line of poles or a small jump.

5. Teach the riders the importance of riding a corner, the approach, the

take-off, the landing and the departure when negotiating a small jump.

Mounted games / Sporting

Pony Club WA

State Coaching Panel – April 20261. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Teach the riders to safely lead their horses at walk and trot (as for

rider in action).

Teach the riders to bridge their reins and to ride with one hand (as

needed in a mounted game)

Teach riders to safely vault off their horse at halt and walk as

needed in a mounted game.

Teach riders to carry a cane/ polo/ polocrosse stick and use it in a

correct and safe way in walk and, if time permits, trot.

Teach riders the rules and then how to ride the bending race (riders

should be taught the measurements)

Teach riders the rules and then how to ride the flag race.

Equitation Science groundwork (to be conducted with one rider only)

1. Explain how pressure and release works.

2. Teach Position one and two for groundwork.

3. Teach stop, step back and slow from the ground

• Liaise with Assessor/s venue and times

• Organise D or D* riders (at least 3) for your assessment.

Groundwork can be done with a single rider

• Discuss Assessment Fee and payment

On day of Assessment the Coach:

• Should bring your own equipment relevant to your lesson

plans, such as a whiteboard, laminated pictures, tape

measure or whatever else is required.

• Have available a safe riding area and safe equipment

• Coach will be required to demonstrate all the performance

criteria and you must demonstrate the performance criteria

consistently throughout each of the two lessons. Although

subject to the discretion of the Assessors, you should have

no more than one assessment of NYC (Not Yet Competent)

per section on the assessment sheet, per each of the two

practical lessons.

• Upon completion the Assessors will complete the sign-off

form in your workbook (take a copy) and return your

completed Practical Assessment sheets.

Post Assessment:

Pony Club WA

State Coaching Panel – April 2026• Assessors will complete the PCANCAS Preliminary

Assessment Application Form and return to State Coaching

Panel along with copy of Candidates sign-off form.

• Pony Club WA will enter coach’s details on JustGo

• Pony Club WA will forward a congratulation letter and

Certificate