The 2023 October Board of Governors meeting was held at the USPC National Office in Lexington, KY, and via Zoom. Read more about the Course Walk....

The 2023 May Board of Governors meeting was held at the USPC National Office in Lexington, KY, and via Zoom. Read more about the Course Walk.

The 2022 October Board of Governors meeting was held at the USPC National Office in Lexington, KY, and via Zoom.  Read more about the Course Walk.

The USPC Board of Governors met during the 2022 USPC Convention held in Norfolk, VA, January 28 and 29, 2022.

The Convention Course Walk highlights decisions and discussions that occurred during the Board Meeting.

2022 Convention Registration Explained

Registration for the 2022 Equine Symposium & Convention Hosted by USPC will look a little different this year.  Please see the new registration options and directions on completing your registration here.

The USPC Board of Governors virtually January 31, 2021.

Read more about the course walk.

During the October 24-25, 2020 USPC Board Meeting, the Governors will consider proposed amendments to the By-Laws of The United States Pony Clubs, Inc.

Review proposed amendments.

Any comments on the proposed changes must be submitted in writing and may be submitted by email.  All comments must be received by October 23, 2020.

The USPC website will be undergoing some navigational updates and improvements on July 6th.  All your favorite content will still be available to you when you log in, but now it will be in more intuitive, convenient locations.  Hooray!

A guided tutorial has been created for you to help ease your search and improve your experience with the changes you will see on July 6th.  If you have any questions or need help finding something, feel free to contact the USPC National Office.  Thank you for your patience, we look forward to providing a better experience for all website visitors.

The USPC Board of Governors met during the 2020 USPC Equine Symposium & Convention held in Seattle, WA, January 29 - February 2, 2020.  

The Convention Course Walk highlights decisions and discussions that occurred during the Board Meeting.

Dear Pony Club Family,

As you may be aware, last year an Ad Hoc Committee gathered perceptions and ideas from Pony Club members, volunteers, staff and equestrian-related organizations regarding the efficiency and effective functioning of the Pony Club organization. The committee interviewed several individuals and conducted an open-ended survey to solicit observations and feedback. The response was overwhelming, with nearly 1,200 participants sharing their hopes, dreams and fears.

The information gathered from the interviews and surveys clearly demonstrated there is much that Pony Club does very well.  Pony Club’s role in the equine educational community and as a youth development organization is broadly recognized and celebrated. However, the survey analysis and interview information also brought forth some key issues and trends that Pony Club needs to improve, understand and address.  To view the survey responses, organized thematically, click here survey data.

In order to closely examine and analyze these issues and trends, three task forces have formed under the umbrella of Pony Club’s Strategic Planning Committee.  Each task force will review results from the Ad Hoc Committee’s study, research their identified area, and interview any additional experts or Pony Club leaders needed to fully understand and interpret their focus area.  The expectation is that the task forces will report to the Board of Governors, by year’s end, with very specific recommendations that will include tactical, programmatic, budgetary, and implementation models for each area. 

The task forces focus areas are:

1. Organizational Complexity and Sustainability – For some time, it has been widely recognized that Pony Club is a complex, and oftentimes confusing organization, difficult for members and volunteers alike to navigate. This Task Force will dig into Pony Club’s organizational model, communications model, governance model, and the many facets these areas entail.

2. Testing and Education – Since its inception, Pony Club has stood out as an exceptional educational organization, using as its foundations the Standards of Proficiency, and Horse Management.  However, over the years, the testing model has changed and been modified, and it probably is time to take a long and careful look at how we test, how we measure competency, and how we determine national versus regional expectations.  Additionally, Horse Management, the cornerstone of Pony Club’s educational programs and priorities, is viewed both positively and negatively in how it is applied and delivered.

3. Membership and Adults in Pony Club – No single change in Pony Club has drawn more scrutiny than the inclusion of adults as members of the organization.  Celebrated by some, and disliked by others, it is apparent that the organization needs to review how this important facet of Pony Club is understood and integrated into all that we do, always bearing in mind the importance of guaranteeing the safety and welfare of all members, especially our youth.

We are very excited about this process and the potential and opportunities it brings to Pony Club. Both of us will be working with the task forces every step of the way.  We encourage all members of our Pony Club family that have ideas, thoughts, or suggestions to reach out to Teresa, Executivedirector@ponyclub.org, so that your thoughts and ideas can be passed along to the appropriate task force.

Thank you for your continued dedication and support of Pony Club and efforts to secure the success of this great organization for generations to come.

Very truly yours,

USPC President	USPC Executive Director

Be Ready for Rally!   The 2020 Horse Management Handbook is available to download from the Rulebook page or to purchase from Shop Pony Club.

The 2020 HM Newsletter will be available shortly after Convention.

The Live Oak Hounds Challenge is a way to encourage Pony Club members to become involved in the sport of Foxhunting. Clubs/Centers who get the most members who have not hunted before — or have hunted on a limited basis — to participate in three or more hunts during the season are awarded cash prizes. 

The Live Oak Hounds-USPC Foxhunting Challenge Award is made possible through the generous support of Mr. and Mrs. C. Martin Wood III, Joint Masters of the Live Oak Hounds in Monticello, Florida, and Past Presidents of the MFHA.

Visit the Foxhunting Opportunities page for full details on eligibility and how to participate in the challenge. 

The USPC Board of Governors met October 26-27, 2019, at the USPC headquarters in Lexington, KY.

The October Course Walk highlights decisions and discussions that occurred during the Board Meeting.

USPC has not one, not two, but three international exchanges in 2020 of which YOU could be a part.  USPC is currently accepting applications for the Mounted Games Exchange hosted by Australia, Foxhunting Exchange hosted by the United States, and Tetrathlon Exchange hosted by the United Kingdom.  Join teams from across the globe for international Pony Club fun.

All exchange details and applications are available on the International Exchanges web page.

EQUITANA, the world's largest equestrian event, is coming to the USA and Pony Club is thrilled to be part of it! The EQUITANA USA show will be held Friday, September 25 – Sunday, September 27, 2020 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky. The event welcomes all riding levels, disciplines, breeds and enthusiasts of all ages to come together to celebrate the horse. Pony Club will be onsite to provide interactive fun for the entire family during the three-day celebration with an exciting display inside the Covered Arena.

EQUITANA began in 1972 as a bi-annual trade fair in Germany. It has been the leading international exhibition for the equestrian industry for over 35 years. EQUITANA has events currently in Germany, Australia, and now the USA. The trade show portion will feature the latest products and services from riding equipment and apparel to horse care supplies, gifts and more. Exhibitors will include a number of the most popular brands – both classic and fun! You will have the unique opportunity to enjoy an array of programming to learn from authors, veterinarians, equestrian performers, top professionals, and Pony Club while being entertained throughout the day and into the night. EQUITANA USA is must-attend for all horse lovers, as well as an enjoyable event for families and friends.

To learn more about EQUITANA USA, September 25-27, 2020, visit equitanausa.com.

On Saturday, July 27, nationally certified members participating in USPC Championship East in Tryon, NC, had the opportunity to be a part of the first Member Showcase.

The Member Showcase is a brand-new addition to USPC Championships, sparked by a National Youth Congress suggestion. This event has been created to celebrate the members who have met the challenge of earning a national level certification and have chosen to compete at Championships, highlighting their continued participation in Pony Club and focusing on thier accomplishments in and out of USPC.

The Showcase began with a mounted and unmounted parade of all members participating in the Showcase, followed by the member spotlights. The member spotlights allowed members to demonstrate their skills in the discipline in which they were competing. Their photograph and a short bio was displayed on the jumbotron in the Tryon stadium during their spotlight time.

The Tryon International Equestrian Center live streamed and recorded the Member Showcase.  Watch the Showcase and be inspired by this wonderful group of Pony Club members.

USPC turns 65 this year, but we're not the only one celebrating -- The Pony Club in the United Kingdom turns 90!  On August 3rd, Ride Around the World Day is a chance for Pony Club members, past and present, to put our arms around the world and unite with Pony Club members all over the globe.

Everyone is welcome to take part whether riding, competing, grooming or simply spending time with horses and friends and enjoy a sociable Ride Around The World Day activity and encourage others to take part on social media.  There is even music kindly provided by Andrew Lloyd Webber, husband of The Pony Club President, Lady Lloyd Webber for those who wish to use it as the soundtrack to their activity or on videos created on the day.  

Please share the message about this exciting opportunity to connect with The Pony Club Family around the world and get as many people, as well as horses and ponies, involved as possible.   Put up a post on your Facebook or Instagram ahead of the day to show how you are thinking of joining in and invite your friends along too. Simply post on your channels and use the hashtag #PonyClubWorldRide

Learn more and access the music on The Pony Club UK website

The USPC Board of Governors met May 18, 2019, at the USPC headquarters in Lexington, KY.

The May Course Walk highlights decisions and discussions that occurred during the Board Meeting.

For members who want to compete in Championships East or Central (or both!) registration is now open.  This year individuals will complete, submit and pay for their own championships registration.  Their RS will then assemble teams from the submitted registrations.   Members must be age, certification and competition eligible in order to register for Championships.  

Championships Eligibility criteria for each discipline may be found on the Championships Competitor's information page, or within each discipline's rulebook.   The link to register for Championships is located on the Championships Competitor's information page.  

(NOTE: Parents who wish to complete the registration for their child, or submit payment for their child's registration, must be logged in as their child.  This may be accomplished by clicking on your child's name listed in your Personal Profile.)

Championships EAST Entry Deadline: July 1, 2019 Noon ET

Championships CENTRAL Entry Deadline: July 15, 2019 Noon ET

Pony Club Volunteers are the backbone of our organization. They are dedicated, hard-working, enthusiastic and give their all to provide educational programming for members of all ages. Pony Club could not do all that it does without them.

To all of the Pony Club Volunteers, we celebrate YOU not only during the month of April, but all year long.

Ways to Say Thank You

• Take a moment this month just to say "Thank you" to the volunteers who work so hard to make Pony Club happen.  
• Consider honoring a special Pony Club Volunteer during the month of April with a gift to the USPC Annual Fund. An honorary gift will mean so much to them, and to the many members who receive the benefit of their dedication.
• For a volunteer at the local or regional level who has “gone above and beyond the call of duty” award them with the Volunteer Recognition Award.
• For those individuals who have faithfully served their local club, center, and/or region for at least 20 years, honor them with a Local Legend Award.
• Volunteers who have served for period of 20 years or more, with significant time at the national level and have made significant contributions at the local and/or regional level, nominate them for the Founder's Award. Nomination are due July 1, and the award is presented at the Convention during the Saturday Night Banquet.

You'll be able to find Pony Club all round at the 2019 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event being held at the Kentucky Horse Park, April 25 - 28, 2019.   Pony Club members will be participating in the Prince Philip Cup (Games competition), holding Quadrille demonstrations, working the in-gate for Dressage, and will be the flag bearers on Sunday at the start of Show Jumping.  And, of course, many of those participating in the competition are Pony Club alumni!  

On Sunday morning there is the opportunity for Pony Club members to participate in a Show Jumping course walk.  This course walk is open only to Pony Club members.

Shop Pony Club will on the grounds across from the main Rolex Arena entrance.  Come find us on "the hill" in this new area for vendors to do some Pony Club shopping, or just stop in to say "hi."   Additionally, Shop Pony Club will have all the information on activities and opportunities available to Pony Club members.

There is a very special Media Internship opportunity available for 2 Pony Club members.   To apply,  you must be a current Pony Club member in good standing, between 15 - 20 years of age, hold a C-2 or higher certification, and already be attending the event (no admission passes or travel expenses included).  Learn more and apply.

USPC will administer the awarding of 6 College Scholarships this year.  If you are in college or have been accepted to an institutes of higher learning and would like to apply, check out the available scholarships.    Deadline to apply is March 31st.

The Visiting Instruction program is accepting applications for summer camp/clinic placement.  Members who have earned an H-B or higher certification and are between the ages of 18 - 25 are eligible to apply.  Even if you don't know your summer availability, you are encourage to apply as placements will continue through the end of April.  Applications for summer placement will be accepted through March.   Review the application requirements and benefits of being a Visiting Instructor.

The Pony Club Discipline Rulebooks, Horse Management Handbook  and Safety Handbook have been updated for 2019.  The Rulebooks and HM Handbook may be downloaded from the Rulebook page of the website.   The Safety Handbook is available to download from the Safety page.    All may be purchased from ShopPonyClub.

The Discipline Rulebooks have been reorganized for more consistency and uniformity of layout and information between disciplines.  Thank you to all the dedicated volunteers who helped with this massive reorganization.   

Western Dressage, Gymkhana and Western Trail rulebooks are currently being updated and will be posted later this year.

The USPC Board of Governors met at the Pony Club National Office Headquarters in Lexington, KY November 3-4, 2018

The Fall Course Walk highlights decisions and discussions that occurred during the Board Meeting.

Are you considering Christmas gifts from Shop Pony Club? Get your orders done early to guarantee getting your fabulous items before Christmas. Stop and shop early. November 30th is the last day to order embroidered items to get them in time for Christmas! December 14th is the last day to order all other items to receive in time for Christmas!