General Question about Pony Club
How do I join Pony Club?
Individuals join USPC by becoming a member of the local Pony Club or Riding Center. A club is a group of parents and other adult volunteers who have gotten together to administer the Pony Club program in their area. Typically, a member needs to have his or her own mount, or access to a mount in order to join a club and get the most out of the program. A center is an equestrian facility that has been recognized by USPC to administer the Pony Club program to its clients and others in the area. Typically a center is able to provide a pony or horse for their members. Please contact the District Commissioner, Sara Fischer, at [email protected] for more information.
Do I have to own a horse?
Ownership of a horse or pony is not required for membership. RCPC does have a couple of lesson horses that are available for clinics, camps, and shows. (Stallions are unsuitable mounts for Pony Club activities. Horses and ponies must be at least five years of age for use).
What if I don't have a pony, what if I have a horse?
It doesn't matter, as long as the mount is suitable according to the Pony Club policy. The word "pony" in Pony Club comes from the British Pony Club and was originally used to refer to the size of the rider, not the size of the horse.
How often does the club/center have meetings?
RCPC has one mounted meeting and one unmounted meeting each month. During unmounted meetings members learn about feeding, shoeing, veterinary care, and other areas of horse management. Under adult supervision, the more experienced Pony Club members instruct and assist the more inexperienced members during youth meetings.
How old does an individual have to be to join?
There is no national minimum age to join Pony Club. RCPC recommends the age of 7 and above. Members are considered youth members until December 31st of the year they turn 25. Adult members are classified as Horsemasters and are any individual aged 25 and above.
What kind of clothes do I need to buy?
USPC is committed to safety. It is a membership requirement that Pony Club members wear a riding helmet meeting the ASTM/SEI standard when attending mounted meetings. Parents should be prepared to purchase this item and the minimum basic riding equipment such as jodphurs, paddock boots, etc. Once again, for more information please contact the District Commissioner, Sara Fischer, at [email protected].
What opportunities are available to members?
Along with learning riding and horse care skills at local meetings, there are a variety of other educational and competitive opportunities in Pony Club for its members. Check out this chart of opportunity that lists various opportunities and information on any age and/or certification level requirements for participation.
4-H and Pony Club - What is the difference?
Please see the document found below.
| pr-4h_article.pdf |