National Volunteer Week: Volunteer Opportunities in Pony Club
By Jocelyn Hunt, National Youth Board
It’s National Volunteer Week! Like many organizations, the United States Pony Clubs (USPC) depend on volunteers to help keep things running. While volunteering is about giving your time to help with a task, it is also a great way to learn valuable skills and lessons. From scribing for a dressage judge to helping organize an event, volunteers can develop leadership skills, grow their abilities in grooming, and even learn tips and tricks that will help them in their own riding.
It isn’t required for a volunteer to have experience around horses either; some of the best volunteers are those that simply have a passion for helping others and making the day run smoothly. Volunteering provides both riders, members, and horse enthusiasts opportunities to get more involved in the sport and create an enjoyable environment for competitors and the equine community in itself. And at the end of the day, a volunteer is always appreciated and loved, as they walk away with not only educational experiences, new connections, and new understanding, but with a knowledge that they are the driving force for every rally, show, or clinic that a rider will participate in.
horsemanship education. Photo by The United States Pony Clubs
Below are just a few of the volunteer opportunities in Pony Club.
Leadership Positions
Pony Club relies heavily on volunteer involvement to keep local and regional clubs operating, as well as run national events, such as certifications and championships. All of these create the core of Pony Club, with local involvement being the starting point and the base of any Pony Club member’s journey.
- District Commissioner and Joint District Commissioner
- Center Administrator and Assistant Center Administrator
- Club Treasurer
- Club Secretary
- Regional Supervisor and Vice Regional Supervisor
- Regional Treasurer
- Regional Secretary
- Chief Horse Management Judge and Assistant Horse Management Judge
- National Examiner
- National Committee member
- Board of Governors member
Horse Shows and Rallies
Volunteers are always seen running around at horse shows, and USPC rallies, helping with scoring, courses, and aiding competitors. From the planning of the event to ensuring jumps are up for competitors, volunteers are invaluable in a horse show setting.
- Jump Judge
- Timekeeper
- Scribe
- Ring Steward
- Shuttle Driver
- Jump Crew
- Decorator
- Coach
Photo by The United States Pony Clubs
Horse Management
Horse Management also has a consistent need for volunteers. Volunteers in horse Management may not be the person doing the turnout checks, but they are helping to check kits, run the vet box, and assist with jogs.
No matter how it is looked at, volunteers are indispensable. They keep any equine event running, inside and out of Pony Club, and enrich the experience of being an equestrian or horse enthusiast. Volunteers are the most important players in the world of horse activities and horsemanship education, so next time you see them, thank your volunteers. They are wonderful.
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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