About Pony Club
The United States Pony Club is an educational, non-profit organization, that teaches horseback riding, mounted sports and care of horses and ponies, therefore developing responsibility, moral judgment, leadership, and self-confidence.
Pony Club is one of the leading junior equestrian organizations in the world, represented throughout 30 countries! The United States has over 600 individual Clubs spread throughout 48 states and the Virgin Islands, with more than 12,000 members.
Pony Club provides opportunities for instruction and competition in English riding, horse sports, and horse management for children and young adults up to 21 years of age. The term "pony" reflects the age of the members, rather than the size of the mount. Horses and ponies of many different breeds, shapes, and sizes are seen in Pony Club activities.
It is not necessary for a child to own a horse or a pony, but they must have access to one when required. Programs are offered in dressage, cross country, show jumping, mounted games tetrathlon, know-down, vaulting, foxhunting, and polocrosse.
During "unmounted" meetings members learn about feeding, shoeing, veterinary care, and other areas of horse management. Under adult supervision, the more experienced Pony Clubbers instruct and assist younger members.
Pony Clubbers are encouraged to work their way through nine stages of progressive Standards of Proficiency, which tests knowledge and riding ability. Pony Clubbers who obtain the B, H-A, and A rating levels meet standards of competence that are recognized throughout the horse world.
For more information, visit the Pony Club website.
"Lest we forget in the emotional excitement of competitions or in the trauma of 'A' and 'B' testing just what Pony Club is all about, let me remind you that it is not to make Olympic riders, though we will take great pride in any Pony Club member who can reach that height; it is not to turn out highly polished riders mounted on expensive horses, though we all admire the picture when treated to it; it is not to turn every child into an 'A' rider or even a 'B.' It is to provide every child with a backyard horse or pony the opportunity to develop his skill in riding and horse-care to the point where he is a proficient 'C.' It is to instill in him a love for horses and an ability to care for and enjoy horses for the rest of his life, and through this contribute to his development as a well-rounded, self disciplined and responsible citizen. If we have done these things, we will have done our job."
Rufus Wesson
USPC President 1970-72