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Pony
Club
Medical Release
United States Pony Club
Mission
Statement
Guiding
Beliefs
Lake Shore
Region Officers
Frequently Asked Questions
The mission of the
United States Pony Clubs is to provide a program for youth that teaches
riding, mounted sports, and the care of horses and ponies, thereby
developing responsibility, moral judgment, leadership, and
self-confidence.
- USPC is an educational organization which progressively develops the well-rounded horseperson.
- The well-rounded horseperson is capable of riding safely and tactfully on the flat, over fences, and in the open.
- Knowledgeable care of horses and ponies (horse management) is basic to the well-rounded horseperson.
- USPC is committed to the well-being of the horse.
- Fair and friendly competitions develop teamwork and sportsmanship.
- Fun and friendship are part of Pony Club.
- USPC requires parental and volunteer involvement and support.
- The USPC is committed to safety.
- The local Club is the core of USPC.
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PLEASE NOTE:
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Frequently
Asked Questions
About Joining Pony Club
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Cost
Horse
Ownership
Club
Meetings
Age
Requirements
Pony
vs. Horse
Horse
Trailer
Clothes
No
Local Club
Riding
Lessons
Parents
How much does it cost to join Pony Club?
The
national dues for a new member, which cover the period from January 1,
2001 through December 31, 2001, are $70.
The pro-rated membership, which covers those wishing to join
between September 1, 2000 and December 31, 2000, is $90.
The pro-rated membership lasts through December 31, 2001.
Members may also pay club and regional dues, which vary throughout the country. Please check with your local club for exact amounts.
Do
I have to own a horse?
Ownership
of a horse or pony is not required for membership, but arrangements for
obtaining a suitable mount must be made on an individual basis. Stallions
are unsuitable mounts for Pony Club activities. Horses and ponies must be
at least five years of age for USPC activities. Please note: The
first year is considered to be Jan. 1 following date of foaling.
For
more information on the availability of horses or ponies, please contact
the local club.
How
often does the club have meetings?
This
varies by club. Many clubs
have one mounted meeting and one unmounted (or dismounted) 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 Clubbers
instruct and assist younger members.
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How
old do I have to be?
There is no national minimum age for joining Pony Club, but some clubs and regions have set a minimum age. Children may remain in Pony Club through December 31st of the year in which they turn 21.
What
if I don’t have a pony, what if I have a horse?
It
doesn’t matter, so long as the mount is suitable according to Pony Club
policy. The word “pony”
in United States Pony Clubs comes from the British Pony Club and was
originally used to refer to the size of the rider, not to the size of the
horse.
What
if I don’t have my own horse trailer?
Trailer
and trailering requirements are determined by the local club.
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What
kind of clothes do I have 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 jodhpurs, boots, etc.
Once again, for more information please contact the local club.
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What
if there’s not a Pony Club in my area?
You
may wish to talk to an adult about starting one.
That adult may request a brochure about starting a local Pony Club
from the USPC national office at 859-254-7669 or via email from newclub@ponyclub.org.
Do
I need to/can I take riding lessons in addition to Pony Club?
Most
members take riding lessons in addition to Pony Club.
For more information, please contact the local club.
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Do
my parents have to “know” horses?
Parents
play an important role in Pony Club.
There are many areas in which parents are needed, not all of which require
equine knowledge. Parents may
share one of many roles within the Club such as Club leader, chaperone,
webmaster, camp organizer, jump judge, or assist in activities, events and
fund-raisers.
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