Help for New Members

 

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 What do you need for Pony Club?  You will need INFORMATION, appropriate ATTIRE, access to a PONY (or horse), and appropriate TACK.

Information: 

  • USPC Manual of Horsemanship for your rating level, by Susan Harris.  New members will want the basics for beginners through D level book.  Sources include: libraries (including the Bayou City Pony Club library), used book stores, eBay, USPC, Amazon.com, and your DC, who often has new and/or used copies.  A new copy from USPC is currently $12.50 plus shipping.
  • Also see other recommended reading at http://store.yahoo.com/uspcbooks/readlis.html  Some of this material, such as the rating standards and proficiencies can be read online and/or downloaded

Attire:

  • A well fitting (does not slide around on the head) helmet that is ASTM/SEI approved
  • Boots with a smooth sole and low heel

For some occasions (such as ratings, working with a clinician, rallies, etc) you will also need

  • A collar shirt (such as a polo shirt or a Bayou City Pony Club shirt)
  • A belt (if your pants or breeches have belt loops)
  • Garters or keepers for your jodhpurs (if you wear cuffed jodhpurs over paddock boots)

Pony (or horse):
 

  • A mare or gelding at least 5 years old that is of a size, training level, and temperament appropriate for the rider (the rider able to be in control of the mount).  Mount can be owned, leased, or borrowed.  DC can provide leads and information on borrowing or leasing mounts.
  • Transportation to meetings.  Can be a trailer owned by the member, a leased or borrowed trailer, or transportation arrangement between members (for example, sharing gas costs, etc.).

Tack

  • Clean, safe, and well-fitting saddle, bridle, and related fittings.   For many meetings, any style (English, Western, or Australian) is acceptable.  For some activities, such as polocrosse and jumping, saddles with a horn are unsafe.  English tack is suitable for ALL Pony Club activities  Tack can be owned, leased or borrowed, but be sure any borrowed equipment fits mount comfortably and safely.
  • Snaffle and Kimberwicke bits are preferred and may be the only acceptable bits for some activities (such as certain rallies).  Horses or ponies requiring stronger bits for control may need to be reconsidered regarding their suitability (see Pony section, above).

For parents, there are two very good publications available under forms on the Pony Club website; one is the New Member Book (found under N) and the other is the Parent Answer Book (found under P).

Helpful Information About Rallies