January 27, 2024 January Board Meeting Course Walk

USPC Convention Board Meeting Course Walk / The 2024 Convention Board of Governors meeting was held at the Peppermill Reno Resort, Reno, NV. Read more about the Course Walk....

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October 20, 2023 October Board Meeting Course Walk

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....

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September 13, 2023 Proposed By-Law Change

Proposed By-Laws Changes - During the October 21-22, 2023 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 to execassistant@ponyclub.org   All comments must be received by October 20, 2023.

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May 20, 2023 May Board Meeting 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.

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January 22, 2023 January Board Meeting Course Walk

USPC Convention Board Meeting Course Walk / The 2023 Convention Board of Governors meeting was held at the Marriott, St. Louis Grand, St. Louis, Mo. Read more about the Course Walk.

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November 23, 2022 October Board Meeting 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.

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June 27, 2022 May Board Meeting Course Walk

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

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March 1, 2022 Convention Board Meeting 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.

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December 10, 2021 October Board Meeting Course Walk

The 2021 October Board of Governors meeting was held at the USPC National Office in Lexington, KY, and via Zoom.

 

Read more about the course walk.

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September 30, 2021 Registration Explained - 2022 Equine Symposium & Convention Hosted by USPC

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.

 

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June 21, 2021 May Board Meeting Course Walk

The USPC Board of Governors met virtually on May 16, 2021.

 

Read more about the course walk.

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March 17, 2021 January Board Meeting Course Walk

The USPC Board of Governors virtually January 31, 2021.

Read more about the course walk.

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December 15, 2020 October Board Meeting Course Walk

October Board Meeting Course Walk.  The USPC Board of Governors met October 24-25,2020 at the USPC headquarters in Lexington, KY.

Read more about the Course Walk.

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September 24, 2020 Proposed By-Law Change

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.

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July 10, 2020 USPC Festival Hangout

The first ever USPC Festival Hangout will be hosted on the USPC Blog July 17-20, 2020.  All Pony Club family, friends, and equine enthusiasts are invited to participate.  First, you will want to get registered, participation is free of charge, and then follow along as we share tips, tricks, and interactive online fun.  For more information, content, and submission deadlines visit USPC Festival Hangout.  We hope to hangout with you soon on Festival Hangout.

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June 26, 2020 USPC Website Updates

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.

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March 16, 2020 Pony Club COVID-19 Updates

USPC has created a Pony Club COVID-19 Updates page to keep members, leaders, parents and volunteers abreast of the latest information and decisions as it affects Pony Club activities and events. 

The USPC leadership will continue to monitor the evolving situation and will update communications as needed. 

USPC urges all members and families to continue to protect themselves from infectious diseases, including COVID-19, by taking precautions and adhering to practices suggested by national, state and local public health authorities. The health and well-being of our members, families and volunteers is of the utmost importance.   Visit the CDC site for resources and the latest information on the virus.

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March 9, 2020 Convention Board Meeting Course Walk

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.

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March 6, 2020 New H-B Learning Videos Available

Now available on the H-B Certification page, under the Foot & Shoeing section are 4 new videos geared to help members in the solidifying their knowledge at the H-B level - "Shoeing Part 1," "Shoeing Part 2," "Shoeing Part 3," and "Removing a Shoe."   

In addition, check out the new "Fitting the Snaffle Bridle" video in the Tack section.

Visit the H-B Certification page (must be signed in to access) to find a wealth of information from videos, webinars, checklists and other documents along with access to other resources to help you in studying and preparing for the H-B test.

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February 19, 2020 A Note from your President and Executive Director

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

 

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February 4, 2020 Festival Special Events & Opportunities

Thinking about coming to Festival 2020?  Along with the workshops and clinics being offered during the Education portion, there are several other special events being offered.

  • D Level Standards & Certification Clinic
  • D Camp (for 6 to 12 year olds; D-2 & below)
  • H/H-HM/H-A Teaching & Longing Prep
  • Mock Foxhunt
  • Master Clinics: How to Ride a Musical Kur & Driving Demonstration

For dates and times, along with more information, check out the Festival Opportunities page.  

Festival will be held July 13-July 20th, 2020 at the Kentucky Horse Park and starts with Championships competition and transition to the Education portion on Saturday, July 18th.  Registration will open May 1st, 2020. Tentative schedule of Championships and Education is available on the Festival page which also includes a great video from Festival 2017.

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January 21, 2020 2020 Horse Management Handbook Available

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.

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January 7, 2020 Mark Your Calendars for Festival 2020

USPC Festival will be held July 13 - 20, 2020, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.  Held every three years the National Championships are held the first three days, followed by two more days of mounted and unmounted clinics and workshops taught by Pony Club graduates, Olympians, and equine industry professionals.

Throughout the week, participants, family, and visitors can shop at the Festival Trade Fair, participate in and watch the Mock Fox Hunt, and enjoy all aspects of Pony Club activities! 

Entries for Championships and Education open on May 1.   

  • Championships entries close Noon, ET, June 22
  • Education entries close June 29   *unmounted education participants may sign up onsite

Visit the Festival web page to learn more and watch for more information and opportunities to be added.

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January 1, 2020 The Foxhunt Challenge is On

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. 

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December 17, 2019 Research Project Fair - Deadlines Approaching

Explore the equine world and share your findings with USPC at the Research Project Fair sponsored by the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.  Deadline to submit your ideas for a Research Project is January 3, 2020.   Access the application and get more information.

The Research Project Fair will be held during the 2020 Equine Symposium and Convention and is open to Pony Club members of all ages and certification levels. This is a great opportunity to conduct and submit your findings on an experimental project, or complete an in-depth review on an existing literature related to a specific equine related topic.

Projects may be submitted by individual members or a group of members.   The Entry Form, Abstract, and Project Approval Form (when applicable) are due January 3, 2020.  Projects accepted must be RECEIVED at the National Office by January 15, 2020.

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December 4, 2019 October Board Meeting Course Walk

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.

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December 3, 2019 Shop Pony Club Shipping Deadlines

Time is running out to get your Christmas items from Shop Pony Club. Get your orders done early to guarantee getting your fabulous items before Christmas.

December 9th is the last day to order embroidered items to get them in time for Christmas.

December 18th is the last day to order all other items to receive in time for Christmas.

Visit Shop Pony Club for all of your logowear, education, and great gift needs for that Pony Club proud member in your family.

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November 19, 2019 Travel Abroad on a USPC International Exchanges

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.

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November 5, 2019 We Met the Manton Match

All gifts to the USPC Annual Fund made after August 3rd were matched dollar-for-dollar by The Manton Foundation up to $32,500 to reach a Pony Club Birthday gift of $65,000. Thanks to all of our generous donors, as of October 11 we not only met The Manton Match, but we exceeded it by raising a total of $36,597.

Thank you to The Manton Foundation for helping Pony Club Celebrate 65, and to everyone who generously supported by making your Annual Fund contribution. You can continue to follow the progress of the USPC Annual Fund, and there is still time to wish Pony Club a Happy 65th Birthday by making your donation today. The Manton Match has put us closer to our overall Annual Fund goal of $217,000.

If you weren’t able to make the match, please remember Pony Club with your year-end giving to support all members and volunteers of the organization.

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October 14, 2019 EQUITANA is Coming to the USA

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.

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October 1, 2019 Contest Deadlines Approach

With fall in the air, various deadlines for different opportunities are approaching.  Check out the information for the: 

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July 31, 2019 Watch the Pony Club Member Showcase

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.

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July 25, 2019 Int'l Games Exchange Underway in Colorado

The USPC International Mounted Games Exchange team is in Colorado from July 25 - August 9 to compete against teams from Australia, Canada and Great Britain. Find them on Facebook to follow their journey.

Team Members: Lena Bruno, Brynn DeLong, Brianna Philipp, Natalie Tanski, Kali Walker
Team Manager: Allison Thomas
Team Coach: Katie Robertson  

Learn more about International Exchanges and upcoming opportunities.

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July 12, 2019 Pony Club Ride Around the World - Aug 3rd

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

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June 25, 2019 Podcast with Ben Duke

United States Pony Clubs President, Ben Duke, talks about the many opportunities the organization provides to the equestrian youth and its plans for the future on the Wisdom by WESA podcast.     Listen for free. 

Brought to you by Horse Radio Network, this podcast is in conjunction with the Western and English Sales Association (WESA), which provides the world’s largest trade events for retailers and manufacturers in the Equine Industry. 

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June 13, 2019 May Board Meeting Course Walk

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.

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June 4, 2019 Pony Club News Photo Contest - Celebrating 65 Years

The Contest? Recreate this photo of Pony Club from 1954! The winner will have their photo featured in the Rally Recap issue of the Pony Club News Magazine. Show off your Pony Club pride and help us celebrate 65 years of Pony Club fun.

Contest entry deadline is August 15th, 2019.  Entries should be emailed to the Marketing Department.

Photo should be from a Pony Club function- rally, championships, meeting, etc. AND Photo should be 5 x 7 and 300 dpi minimum

With each submission, be sure to include:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Phone number
  • Email
  • Club or Center Name
  • Region Name

Submit your photo for the USPC Pony Club News Photo Contest today!

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May 27, 2019 Championships Registration Now Open

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

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May 15, 2019 What's Your Opinion on Pony Club?

The United States Pony Clubs was established 65 years ago to develop and encourage both, the knowledge of horsemanship and the care of horses.   This year, we are asking you to reflect on the impact Pony Club has had, so we can explore how to best continue making educational resources accessible to all horse enthusiasts.  

Take the Pony Club Impressions Survey.  Your participation will help USPC expand resources and educational opportunities to anyone interested in pursuing a life with horses.


Please feel free to share or forward this survey to any friends or family.  All opinions and impressions are helpful and completely confidential.

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April 22, 2019 Thank You to Our Volunteers

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.
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March 21, 2019 Convention Board Meeting Course Walk

The USPC Board of Governors met during the 2019 USPC Equine Symposium & Convention held in Stamford, CT, January 30 - February 3.   

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

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March 18, 2019 USPC at the Kentucky Three-Day Event - April 25-28

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.

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March 1, 2019 Horse Industry Safety Summit - April 23

The University of Kentucky Ag Equine Programs, Saddle Up Safely and other partnering organizations will host an inaugural Horse Industry Safety Summit on Tuesday, April 23, prior to the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event at the Kentucky Horse Park.

The event will be held at Spindletop Hall, 3414 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. EDT and will host researchers, equestrians and equine enthusiasts. In a format that combines expert panels, individual speakers and poster presentations, the summit will focus solely on ways to keep equine riders and handlers safe.

“Saddle Up Safely and the University of Kentucky are thrilled to gather this stellar lineup of professionals from all facets of equestrian sport to highlight the importance of safety in all aspects of equine interaction,” said Fernanda Camargo, UK associate professor and equine extension specialist. “Working with horses inherently places riders and handlers at risk. We look forward to offering an event entirely focused on what can be done to keep people safe when working around horses.”

Sessions include discussions on helmets and helmet testing; traumatic brain injuries; how to fall from a horse safely; concussion protocol; protective vests and how safety is seen from both the competitor and organizational viewpoints.

The summit organizing committee consists of representatives from UK Ag Equine Programs, UK College of Health Science, Kentucky 4-H Horse Program, United States Pony Clubs, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Retired Racehorse Project, Saddle Up Safely, North American Racing Academy and UK
College of Public Health.

The Horse Industry Safety Summit is sponsored by the Kentucky Horse Council, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association and Dinsmore Equine Law/Laura Holoubek. Registration is $50 per person and includes lunch.

Purchases tickets and get more information.

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February 21, 2019 College Scholarships & Visiting Instruction Program

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.

 

 

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January 29, 2019 USEF Pony Finals Pony Club Team Declaration Available

Do you want to compete at the 2019 USEF Pony Finals?  USPC is looking for riders in good standing with USPC and have a minimum D-3 certification. Riders must also be members of USEF and ponies must be recorded with USEF at the time of declaring their intent to compete for USPC.

Declare your intent to compete as a part of the USPC team by March 10th. 

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January 15, 2019 2019 Rulebooks and Handbooks Available

The Pony Club Discipline RulebooksHorse 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.

 

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December 31, 2018 2019 Changes for Championships & Rallies

In an effort to offer a better experience, and more opportunities to our membership, the Activities Department and Discipline Committees spent much of 2018 restructuring and reorganizing competition opportunities within USPC.  The most exciting is the expansion of USPC Championships with new divisions offered in every discipline.

Expansion of USPC Championships
Starting in 2019, members 10 years of age on Jan. 1, 2019 will have competition opportunities in all disciplines.  A minimum of D-2 riding certification is required for all mounted disciplines and a D-2 horse management for unmounted participation.  Minimum competition eligibility requirements for divisions are set by each discipline and details are available here.

New Rulebooks in Every Discipline
Members and leaders will enjoy a streamlined structure and uniformed presentation throughout every rulebook. USPC rally rules closely follow parent organization (USEF, APA, etc.) rules and in some (attire, bits, saddlery, etc.) instances referencing the parent organization’s rulebook may be required.  The new 2019 rulebooks will be available at the Equine Symposium & Convention in Stamford, CT and online beginning January 30. The following is an overview of the rules that will be in effect for 2019.

Regional Rallies Redefined
Rally divisions have been reorganized to integrate members of all ages.  For Dressage, Eventing, Polocrosse, Show Jumping and Western Dressage, each competition level has Junior divisions (17 years and below) and Senior divisions (18 and above).  Games, Quiz and Tetrathlon divisions have all been reorganized to address the overlap of existing divisions.

With the expanded opportunities for Championships participation, an update to rally terminology was needed.  As a reminder, regions may hold more than one rally per discipline, per year as necessary with the approval of the RS.

Standard Rally
Standard rallies are always preferred.  These rallies exactly follow the discipline rules per the rulebook, including utilizing a chief horse management judge from the approved CHMJ list on the USPC website, and any other specified licensed officials.  Certain divisions of Championships require members attend a standard rally.  Attendance at a standard rally and meeting minimum eligibility requirements guarantees a member’s ability to attend Championships.  

Modified Rally
Modified rallies may diverge from the discipline rulebooks.  Alterations generally occur because of limited resources.  Attendance at a modified rally will make some members eligible for the modified divisions at Championships, but it does not meet the minimum eligibility requirements for other divisions.

Competition Attire Rules for Turnout by Discipline
Rally attire rules have been expanded to more accurately reflect common discipline competition attire.  Competition attire has also been moved into the corresponding discipline rulebook. An overview of the 2019 competition attire rules can be found at this link.

With the significant changes for 2019, Activities will be dedicating a significant portion of time at the Equine Symposium and Convention to discuss the new rulebooks and expanded opportunities to attend Championships.  We look forward to seeing many of you in the RS/DC/CA leadership training and we will be hosting an educational workshop on Saturday of the Symposium.  If you are not available to attend the Equine Symposium and Convention, keep your eyes open for upcoming webinars about the topics.

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December 18, 2018 Fall Course Walk now available

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.

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December 4, 2018 25K in 25 Days Challenge Met

WE DID IT!  Thank you to all who helped us reach our goal during our 25 Days to 25K Challenge Campaign.  Together we were able to exceed our goal in only 16 days, raising over $32,000. Working in true Pony Club spirit, we met the Challenge and made it happen even sooner than planned!  

This is great news because we are now that much closer to our 2018 Annual Fund goal of $188K.  We have through December 31st to raise the remaining $47,000. Let’s blow the roof off this goal too.    

USPC provides top quality educational programs, while keeping dues low for our members. National participating membership dues only cover 40% of the total cost involved in providing programming for each member. The remaining 60% comes from other sources. Pony Club programs and activities are supported through the fundraising efforts of the National Office and the generosity of its members, friends and volunteers. 

Any gift, no matter the size, makes a difference - make your gift today.

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November 21, 2018 Shop Pony Club Holiday Deadlines

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!

 

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