NYB: Discipline Highlight
This month’s National Youth Board Discipline Highlight is Show Jumping! Show Jumping is one of the most popular disciplines, and it is certainly easy to see why! Show Jumping involves riding over a set course of obstacles, while staying within a set time and not knocking any rails. The discipline of Show Jumping was first introduced to the Olympics in 1900, but the current form of the sport was adopted in 1912. Show Jumping is a true test of both horse and rider, as it tests accuracy and training throughout each course. Similar to the discipline of Dressage, the highest level of Show Jumping is called Grand Prix, where the height can vary from 1.30m to 1.60m depending on the competition.
In Pony Club, Show Jumping teams consist of 3-4 riders plus a stable manager, and there are usually three rounds ridden at a Show Jumping rally. The first course is a regular Show Jumping round, the second is an equitation course where the riders are judged on their form over fences, and the remaining course is a clear round course, where the riders aim to jump all of the fences without knocking any of the poles down.
If you are wondering if Show Jumping is right for you, or if you want to learn more about this fantastic discipline, head over to the Pony Club website for more resources, including Show Jumping Awards and Opportunities offered by Pony Club!
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.
