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The Featured Equestrian Organization:

United States Pony Club is one of my favorite organizations because it promotes horsemanship among kids.    I’ve chosen USPC to kick off The Featured Equestrian Organization because  the future of horsemanship in the United States rests on the shoulders of the next generation, the very generation that is in Pony Club today.

USPC is divided into Regions and the regions are divided into clubs and centers.  Clubs usually, but not always, base their programs around children with horses.  I say usually because sometimes a club will have a benefactor who will share horses.  Pony Club Centers are based around stables that own horses that the Pony Club member may take lessons on and are ideal for the child who does not have a horse.  Entry age, usually around 7 or 8 years old,  is determined by the individual club or Center but members “age out” at 25 years old.  Pony Club also has a program for adults called Horse Masters. 

 The emphasis that is placed on horse management in USPC makes  standout among youth equestrian organizations.  Horse Management is part of Pony Club meetings, curriculum AND it is an equal partner with riding in Pony Club Rallies. Pony Club is the place for a young person to learn how to care for their horse and their equipment.  This education has helped many young people make educated career choices.

 But horse management is only part of the USPC curriculum. Children can have the opportunity to develop skills in dressage, show jumping, combined training, Polo Cross, games, tetrathalon, fox hunting  and riding in the open through the programs that are offered by local clubs.  And they have the opportunity to work their way through the standards to earn certifications that cover virtually every level of ability.

 A special feature of Pony Club life is Quiz.  Quiz is a team competition.  Quiz is not a riding competition but is an opportunity for children to demonstrate their knowledge  of horses, horse health and care, and horse sport and training through a series of activities that are designed to suit all of the learning types.

 Competition is not a requirement in Pony Club, but for the child who loves to compete, Pony Club rallies are the best sort of team competition. Team competition is a hallmark of Pony Club.    Teams of 3-5 members are judged equally on riding and horse management skills for the final score. Rallies differ from horse shows because the teams, under the supervision of the Chief Horse Management Judge, compete without the help of parents or instructors. Members love the opportunity to “be on their own” and work with their team mates at rally.

 And in case you think that Pony Club is only for Ponies, think again.  Pony Club kids ride everything from ponies to Thoroughbreds to Appaloosas and Quarter Horses to 17.3+ hand warmbloods.  Pony Club requires that mounts be at least 5 years old and no stallions are permitted.

 The core of United States Pony Club curriculum is The United States Pony Club  Manual of Horsemanship by Susan Harris.  The Manual of Horsemanship is divided into 3 volumes; the D level, the C Level, and the B, HA & A level.  There is an abundant supply of additional USPC curriculum on the USPC web site at www.ponyclub.org, including the USPC Standards of Proficiency levels.

 The Mission of United States Pony Club lists all the reasons why you should want your child, Grandchild, or student to join this organization. “The United States Pony Clubs, Inc., an organization for youth, provides a program that teaches riding, mounted sports, and the care of horses and ponies, thereby developing responsibility, moral judgment, leadership, and self-confidence.”

 For a thorough look at United States Pony Club, spend some time searching their web site at www.ponyclub.org .. The USPC web site has a club locator that you can use to find a club in your area.  When you find a club, Call the DC (District Commission) and ask if you may visit a meeting. You’ll be glad you did.

 Riding Organizations & Associations

 FEI – Federation Equestre Internationale - The International governing body for all Olympic equestrian disciplines . Learn about the Olympics horse events. Also governs World Cups and Equestrian Para Olympics . Learn more at http://www.fei.org

 IHSA -  Intercollegiate Horse Show Association - promotes riding and showing for college students and college teams. Learn more at  http://www.ihsa.com

NARHA- North American Riding for the Handicapped Association -  Established in 1969, NARHA provides Equine Assisted Activity and Therapy (EAAT) programs in the United States and Canada. Learn how you can help at http://www.narha.org