Volunteering Requirements

As a volunteer-driven organization, Pony Club strives to balance the needs for all members’ health, safety, and well-being. Volunteers are needed at the local, regional, and national level. These leaders are entrusted with the members’ equestrian education, care, and growth.

For key leadership and volunteer positions, an individual must meet certain compliance requirements prior to assuming his or her role. These positions include, but are not limited to, Club, Center, Regional, and National officers, regular instructors/clinicians, and other volunteers, as well as members of the Board of Governors and committee members.

The basic requirements include a favorably completed USPC background check, as well as training in member protection, heat illness, and concussions. Additional requirements and training may be added or offered based on specific positions. For further clarification, please see the Procedures of Policy 0900.

Position-Specific Training

Chief Horse Management Judges

First Aid: CHMJs and Provisional CHMJs must have on file a current, valid First Aid Certification. The CHMJ or PCHMJ is responsible for finding and completing a first-aid course to comply with the requirement. Questions on first-aid compliance should be directed to the Instruction Services Director at the National Office.

National Examiners

First Aid: NEs and Apprentice NEs must have on file a current, valid First Aid Certification. The NE or Apprentice NE is responsible for finding and completing a first-aid course to comply with the requirement. Questions on first-aid compliance should be directed to the Instruction Services Director at the National Office.

Requirements & Training Modules

In accordance with USPC Policy 0900 and its Procedures, "USPC requires satisfactory completion of USPC-approved background checks and of USPC-designated educational training modules of individuals specified in the procedures. These must be completed prior to these individuals assuming positions or beginning specified membership terms."

Background Checks

USPC requires the completion or renewal of a background check every three (3) years for all leaders and volunteers. If you have already completed a favorable USPC background check for another position or membership, and it has not expired, no additional background check is needed.

Pennsylvanian Residents: Adults (18 years of age or older) who apply for or hold an unpaid position as a volunteer with a program, activity, or service responsible for the child’s welfare, or having direct volunteer contact with children, are required by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to complete and submit the required clearances prior to commencing their responsibilities in the commonwealth.

Head Injury/Concussion Training

USPC was the first equestrian organization to require helmets be worn while working with and riding horses. Head injuries must be taken seriously as they can have long-term effects. This training is required for anyone in a leadership position and is strongly encouraged for all volunteers. It covers how to recognize the signs of a concussion and what appropriate steps to take in the case of a suspected concussion.

Heat-Related Illness Training

Heat-related illness becomes more prevalent in the warmer months, as do Pony Club activities. This training is used to teach skills for recognizing, addressing, and preventing heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It is required for anyone in a leadership position and strongly encouraged for all volunteers.

Member Protection Training - SafeSport™ Trained Course

USPC is dedicated to all aspects of safety for our members and volunteers. Beyond the safety issues inherent to riding and working around horses and ponies, we also strive to teach our members, leaders, and volunteers how to identify behaviors that can lead to an unsafe environment, including bullying and child abuse. The SafeSport™ Trained Course helps leaders and volunteers recognize if an athlete is being abused, and most importantly, how to respond and prevent these situations. This training is required for all leaders and volunteers.