USPC Named 2023 Equine Industry Vision Award Finalist

June 9, 2023 (Lexington, KY) — The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC or Pony Club) is honored to be named as a finalist for the 2023 Equine Industry Vision Award. Since 2002, the Equine Industry Vision Award, presented by American Horse Publications and sponsored by Zoetis, has honored 17 individuals and four organizations for exemplifying outstanding visionary achievements or sustained contributions that have profoundly impacted the equine industry. The 22nd recipient of the award will be announced on Friday, June 23, during an honorary breakfast at the American Horse Publications Conference in Tempe, Ariz.

“Pony Club is honored to be named as a finalist for this prestigious award,” said Teresa Woods, USPC Executive Director. “To be recognized for our visionary achievements and our impact to the horse industry means that we are making a difference in the lives of our members and beyond, and that follows along with our long-term vision of being the leading source and voice of education in horse care, safety, and equestrian pursuits. We will continue working to make a positive impact on the horse community long into the future.”

American Horse Publications is a membership organization that strives to be the primary source of education, resources, and networking for the equine media community. A committee of six equine industry professionals narrowed a field of 15 nominations to the following four finalists:

The United States Pony Clubs, Inc., a nonprofit educational organization serving equestrians of all ages in the U.S. and Virgin Islands
Dr. Amy Grice, VMD, MBA, LLC, Veterinary Business Consulting, co-founder of Decade One, an organization instrumental in reducing the attrition of early-career veterinarians
Janet Jones, PhD, owner of Brainworks, author of books, articles, presentations, clinics, research, horse training, and riding instruction in the development of brain-based horsemanship
Dr. Nathaniel White, a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners for the past 50 years, who served as president in 2010. Since 2014, he has been the director of the Equine Disease Communication Center.

U.S. Pony Clubs was selected as a 2023 Equine Industry Vision Award finalist based on the following attributes and abilities:

The vision and innovation of a true pioneer
Leadership, commitment, dedication, and the willingness to serve
Original and effective ideas or products, services, and programs
High moral, ethical, and professional standards

The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. is an equine educational organization founded in 1954 that helps horse lovers develop a solid foundation in horsemanship along with riding skills. Pony Club is an equestrian organization uniquely focused on teaching horse management and safety first. Members learn horsemanship, teamwork, sportsmanship, confidence, and leadership skills while developing respect for land conservation, service, and education. Members proceed at an individualized pace to achieve personal goals and expand their knowledge.

As the organization prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary, Pony Club offers programs for all ages and experience levels—from mounted and unmounted meetings, to clinics, camps, rallies, certifications, and national events, such as USPC Festival, USPC Championships, and the annual USPC Convention. A host of additional programs, such as international exchanges, the National Youth Board, National Youth Congress, scholarships, and the Visiting Instructors Program, are available to members who develop and progress through Pony Club. Visit www.ponyclub.org to learn more or find a Pony Club or Pony Club Riding Center near you.

About The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. — The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC or Pony Club) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization that builds the foundation of teamwork and sportsmanship through riding, mounted sports, and care of horses and ponies, while developing and enhancing leadership, confidence, responsibility, and a sense of community in its youth and adult members. USPC is proud to offer instruction and competitive opportunities in 11 competitive disciplines through hundreds of clubs and centers across the United States. USPC’s educational standards continue to be instrumental in curriculum development for schools, universities, equestrian professionals, and organizations across the United States. Many of the nation’s top equestrians, including Olympic team members, as well as successful business professionals and leaders in a variety of fields, have roots in Pony Club. For more information, please visit www.ponyclub.org.