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Pony Club Mission:
The United States Pony Clubs, Inc., develops character, leadership, confidence and a sense of community in youth through a program that teaches the care of horses and ponies, riding and mounted sports.
ALWAYS DREAMED OF A LIFE WITH HORSES?
WANT TO SAFELY LEARN HOW TO RIDE AND CARE FOR A HORSE OF YOUR OWN?
Consider joining Pony Club and enjoy the rewards of membership. You don’t need to own a horse, just have a love for them. Pony Club fosters superb equestrians, extraordinary citizens and lifelong friendships. With over 600 clubs and riding centers across the country, there is a good chance we’re near you!
WHAT WE’RE ALL ABOUT
Pony Club is the largest equestrian educational organization in the world. The cornerstones of our foundation are education, safety, sportsmanship, stewardship and FUN. Members learn riding and the care of horses through mounted sports. The skills, habits and values instilled through horsemanship will apply to every part of a member’s life. Many of our graduates feel that Pony Club helped shape their character and the choices they have made as adults.
THE PONY CLUB LEGACY
The idea for Pony Club started in Great Britain in 1928. The founders recognized the need for any child with an interest to have access to excellent equestrian education and training. The idea was so successful that it soon spread to other countries. In 1954, Pony Club came to the United States and today flourishes in 31 countries with 130,000 members! An impressive percentage of the world’s top riders in international competition are graduates of Pony Club.
DEVOTED TO SAFETY
Pony Club members learn how to handle and work around their horse with safety and self-reliance under trained supervision. Pony Club played an integral part in the development of equestrian sport safety helmets. All members are required to wear helmets, and safety checks before riding is a Pony Club “best practice” to ensure that equipment is in good condition and properly adjusted.
LEARNING, BUILDING AND PROGRESSING
Everyone begins Pony Club at the same level. As members learn and develop at their own pace, they have the opportunity to progress through the Pony Club certification system. Each level requires an increasing depth of knowledge and skills. The highest certification distinguishes the rider as an accomplished, professional-level horseman.
CONFIDENCE IN THE SADDLE
Pony Club teaches a solid foundation of correct riding based on timeless classical principles. Members learn good balance and communication, developing into thinking and effective riders, always with the horse’s best interests at heart. They become confident and comfortable riding in the arena and in the open.
NOT JUST RIDERS, BUT HORSEMEN
Good horsemanship extends far beyond skills in the saddle. Pony Club members gain an impressive
depth of knowledge in equine behavior and training, health and fitness, nutrition and veterinary care, and the correct use and maintenance of equipment. Strong business skills are built through stable management: budgeting, record-keeping, and interacting with professionals in the equine industry.
GETTING TOGETHER TO LEARN AND COMPETE
Pony Clubs from different parts of the country gather to learn, prepare for certifications and compete. Members compete in teams. Team competition is a fun and important part of Pony Club’s education and training, and is a strong bonding element.
OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND
Members have opportunities for a host of additional programs such as international exchanges, regional and national clinics, National Youth Congress and college scholarships.
Membership for all ages, interests and skill levels Pony Club has tailored its educational program to meet the needs of anyone looking for FUN with horses or ponies. Check out all the options, including traditional membership through age 25, adult membership opportunities and online E-Membership by visiting ponyclub.org.
HOW TO BEGIN
There are over 600 Pony Clubs and Riding Centers in the United States. Find one in your area by visiting our website or calling the national office at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. We’re here to help! Visit your local Pony Club! We’d love to meet you and help you get started!
OUR MISSION
The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. develops character, leadership, confidence and a sense of community in youth through a program that teaches the care of horses and ponies, riding and mounted sports.
The United States Pony Clubs, Inc.
4041 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511
859-254-7669
www.ponycloub.org
Pony Club Core Values:
Horsemanship with respect to healthcare, nutrition, stable management, handling and riding a mount safely, correctly and with confidence.
Organized teamwork including cooperation, communication, responsibility, leadership, mentoring, teaching and fostering a supportive yet competitive environment.
Respect for the horse and self through horsemanship; for land through land conservation; and for others through service and teamwork.
Service by providing an opportunity for members, parents, and others to support the Pony Club program locally, regionally and nationally through volunteerism.
Education at an individual pace to achieve personal goals and expand knowledge through teaching others.