Pony Club is one of the leading junior equestrian organizations in the world, represented throughout 30 countries! The United States has over 600 individual Clubs spread throughout 50 states and the Virgin Islands, with more than 12,000 members.

Pony Club provides opportunities for instruction and competition in English riding, horse sports and horse management for children and young adults up to 21 years of age. The term "pony" reflects the age of the members, rather than the size of the mount. Horses and ponies of many different breeds, shapes, and sizes are seen in Pony Club activities.

It is not necessary for a child to own a horse or pony, but they must have access to one when required. We also recommend that parents have access to reliable trailering so that their child can get the most out of Pony Club opportunities. We try to help our members out by sharing trailering and the cost involved as much as possible - so networking would be essential if you don't own a trailer. We'll be happy to help you with contact information and available resources.

Programs are offered in dressage, eventing, show jumping, mounted games, tetrathlon, quiz, vaulting, foxhunting, and polocrosse. Regional clinics and competitive rallies are offered in all of these disciplines.

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 younger members.

Pony Club is not a replacement for private riding lessons. We do have different instructors (sometimes older Pony Clubbers) come in at various times during the year, but this is to hone skills that have been learned and practiced outside of Pony Club. We currently have one local Pony Club graduate available for private or group lessons in the Cumming/Canton/Alpharetta area.

Pony Club members are encouraged to work their way through the nine stages of the progressive Standards of Proficiency, which test knowledge and riding ability. Pony Club members who attain the B, H-A, and A rating levels meet standards of competence that are recognized throughout the horse world.

Parent's Role

Pony Club is an all-volunteer organization that is Parent Intensive. We need parents that want to be actively involved with their child... it's not a spectator sport! You will get dirty, but the satisfaction is unparalleled.

It doesn't happen all by accident! In other words, parents and other Pony Club volunteers -- many of whom are Pony Club graduates -- work together to help our kids succeed. Parent volunteers bring water and snacks for meetings, help with a newsletter, or with a phone tree. They may share one of many Club roles, such as officer, chaperone, jump judge, or assisting with activity events and set-up. We have also found that as we get to know each other, natural relationships form, and some adults act as mentors for pony clubbers, helping those children to reach their potential. If parents have the "horsey" skills, they may help teach horse management. Parents who are not "horsey" will be amazed how much they can learn just by helping with Pony Club!

Safety

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.

Membership

Membership is open to all riders under age 21. Age is determined as of January 1 of the current calendar year. Dues are charged annually.

Riders should be able to walk and trot independently. Pony Club members join as unrated members and advance through various levels of ratings, from D-1 through D-3, C-1 through C-3, B, H-A, and A. C-3 is a regional rating, and the three highest levels are national ratings. The ratings cover horse management, knowledge, and proficiency in all phases of riding and horse care.

We encourage prospective members to attend at least two meetings with child and parent/responsible adult -- to check us out -- before signing up. It's not for everyone, so we want you to be sure of your commitment before joining.