Pony Club is an international organization committed to teaching horse care and riding to youth. The branches of this organization stretch into every corner of the world.
I first joined Pony Club in 2006 when I learned to ride in Nairobi, “No dressage in Nairobi“. Having had the time of my life there, when I grudgingly moved back to the United States (a condition of which was getting a pony of my own!), continuing my education in Pony Club was the natural thing to do.
The learning opportunities drew my family and me to this unique organization that not only sated my passion for horses but also expanded my education enormously. To be honest, I joined mostly because I wanted to ride all the time—to improve my riding, to jump bigger jumps, to win at shows. I did not realize just how extensive my education in the realm of horse care would be as a result of my time in USPC.
The success of USPC and other Pony Club alumni impressed and inspired me. Every year after Rolex Kentucky, USPC publishes a page in their magazine that looks something like this:
From the USPC website—only about half of the list.
Results speak volumes. Several key parts make up the system that has produced thousands of horsemen and horsewomen, professional riders, and well-rounded individuals who are successful in their fields. A member of the national organization belongs not only to USPC but also to a specific region and club. For instance, I am a member of Capital Region (the Washington, DC and MD area) because I am a Seneca Valley Pony Club (based in MD) member. This system of club, regional, and national levels sets the groundwork for both small-scale and large-scale opportunities. At the club level, members can participate in group lessons and activities. At the regional level, they can compete in rallies (competitions). Finally, if they qualify at regionals, they can attend the national championships at such fantastic facilities as the Virginia Horse Center, the Horse Park at Woodside, or the Kentucky Horse Park.
The tiered three-level arrangement applies to ratings, or certifications, as well. At the club and regional levels, members can achieve their D1 through C2 ratings; additionally, they can pursue their C3 through A certifications at the national level. Please read the next article to learn more about ratings.
At the regional level, members compete in rallies on teams from their club. The rallies include almost all the disciplines offered: Dressage, Eventing, Mounted Games, Polocrosse, Show Jumping, Tetrathlon and Quiz. Some eventing rallies run alongside horse trials.
Members at a Pony Club lesson.
So why join Pony Club?
I joined to become a better rider, but I really became a horsewoman. I joined to share my interests with other kids – kids who are happiest at the barn wearing manure-ridden breeches and smile-ridden faces, kids who are more interested in mucking stalls then cleaning their rooms, kids who are intrigued by the mechanics of the sitting trot. I joined and continue to take part because USPC melds fun and education and for that reason makes giving back not a chore but rather an unquestioned pleasure.
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