NYB Alumni Spotlight: Alex McKinley
Alex McKinley is a B-Traditional member of Orchard Hill Pony Club in the Great Lakes Region. Having participated in countless rallies, upper level regional clinics, championships, and Regional Youth Board events, Alex is no stranger to Pony Club and its opportunities. She has participated in the Visiting Instructor Program which has allowed her to teach all over the country, as well as being a delegate for National Youth Congress. However, there is one Pony Club experience in particular which shaped her the most: serving on USPC’s National Youth Board.
Alex served her term on the National Youth Board in 2018 and 2019, working closely with the Service and Regional Youth Board committees to contribute to a well-rounded board. Alex remarks “The time I spent with the National Youth Board has been invaluable. I met so many amazing people and made some great connections. The NYB allowed me to continue to step up as a leader and make a difference in Pony Club, and to share the perspective of not only myself, but other members in Pony Club. I was able to do more and learn more regarding Regional Youth Boards all over the country and help them with techniques or ideas to keep their board moving forward. I was also involved in the service committee that allowed me to really appreciate how much servece projects mean to the community and how something so simple, such as cleaning tack or cleaning a barn can be so beneficial to those around us. I plan to continue being involved in USPC and hope to give back to a program that gave me so much in my life.”
In addition to being a dedicated Pony Club member, Alex has succeeded largely in her academic and professional pursuits as well. She recently graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelors of Science in Biology and Chemistry, and has worked at Schmitt’s Animal Hospital for over 7 years, gaining incredible experience which is sure to serve her well in the future.
The National Youth Board (NYB) serves as a liaison between Pony Club’s youth members and the Board of Governors by communicating the needs, ideas, and concerns of USPC youth. NYB members also work with the national office on projects related to marketing, leadership development, and service for the benefit of the organization and all Pony Club members. Delegates of the NYB are between 18 – 23 years of age, highly motivated and dedicated, and have strong leadership and communication skills. To learn more, log in and visit the National Youth Board page.
USPC National Office
The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC or Pony Club) is the largest equestrian educational organization in North America. Started in 1954, the organization has developed curriculum that teaches safe riding skills and the care of horses through mounted and unmounted lessons. Through Pony Club, members have fun with horses and make lifelong friends while they develop skills, habits, and values that extend well beyond the barn and last a lifetime. Many members apply what they have learned in the USPC program successfully in their careers, educational and volunteer opportunities, and other life pursuits.
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