In addition to testing their riding skills at the 2023 USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms, youth athletes can test their knowledge with the Emerson Burr Horsemanship Test sponsored by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. Participants in four age groups—8 and under, 9-11, 12-14, and 15-17—can take a multiple-choice test and a hands-on test for a chance to receive a $500 grant for educational or equestrian-related expenses. Now, let’s learn more about this program and how Pony Finals participants can test their skills.

The Emerson Burr Horsemanship Fund was created in 2002 by friends and family of the late Emerson Burr to promote and perpetuate proper horsemanship in equestrian youth. The Fund supports Emerson Burr Horsemanship Grants awarded at the zone and national level. While zone level winners receive a $100 grant for educational or equestrian-related expenses, the national level winners at Pony Finals receive a $500 grant for educational or equestrian-related expenses.

Junior riders competing in pony classes are eligible to participate in this program. Each participant from the four age groups will take a short, written multiple-choice test on horsemanship, which contains no more than 20 questions. At the zone level, individuals will be awarded the grant based on the results of the exam and their response to a possible short essay question.

At the national level at Pony Finals, the four individuals from each age group with the highest scores on the written test move on to the hands-on horsemanship test. The hands-on portion consists of a series of questions in which the participant demonstrates various skills and knowledge, ranging from how to brush a horse to knowing the signs of colic. After the hands-on test, a winner will be chosen from each age group based on their horsemanship skills and knowledge. All winners will need to submit their Emerson Burr Grant Form by November 15, 2023, to receive their grants.

The multiple-choice test of the Emerson Burr Horsemanship Test sponsored by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital will take place Tuesday, August 8, through Thursday, August 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. under the Rolex Tower. Participants will need to know their USEF login to take the test. The top four individuals in each age group after the multiple-choice test will move on to the hands-on horsemanship test that will take place between 9 a.m. and noon on Friday, August 11.

Pony Finals competitors can view the reading list and study guide to prepare for the test. Competitors who regularly take care of their ponies may be more prepared for the test than they think. Read about a past Pony Finals competitor who had a special partnership with her rescue pony. The daily care of her pony, along with grooming, bathing, and braiding, helped her be prepared to win the Emerson Burr Horsemanship Test.