Member Spotlight: Darcy Barnett

Age: 25

Club/Region: Texas Outlaws Pony Club in the Red River Region

Years in Pony Club: 16

Current certification (and/or certification currently working on): H-B HM, B Eventing. I am working towards my H-A and my A.

What disciplines and/or activities are you involved in?
Eventing, Dressage, Show Jumping, Foxhunting

Tell us about your current mount(s) and what you do with them:
I have Double the Silver, or Silvie, who I took to the 2021 USPC Festival in Beginner Novice level Eventing and finished 8th individually with him and third with the team. I’ve ridden Silvie for five years since buying him off the track. He is currently going Novice, and I hope to move up to Training level in the fall. He has hunted with the Brazos Valley Hounds, and I hope to eventually start working towards my USDF Bronze medal with him. I also have his younger brother, Heza Silver Haze, or Frostie, who is proving to be something special. I am taking my time producing him.

Tell us about your goals (with Pony Club, with riding, life):
I’m currently working towards being a financial advisor. My goal in Pony Club is to eventually get my A and become a National Examiner, like my role model and mentor Debra Sue Waters. I hope to work my way up through the levels of Eventing with the ultimate goal being the 2* level. I have two talented Thoroughbreds that make me very excited for the future.

What is your favorite thing about Pony Club?
I love the community of Pony Club. No matter what, each member is always willing to support and cheer on one another.

What is one thing you would tell younger members first joining Pony Club?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! As an older member, I am always willing to help you out however I can. The biggest thing is to have fun. Enjoy your time in Pony Club. It’s one of the best organizations ever!

What is your favorite way to prep for a Horse Management certification?
I think prepping with the other members in my club is the best. Everyone can encourage and help each other learn.

If you could try out any other discipline or activity, what would it be and why?
I would love to try competing in working equitation. I have had two lessons in learning the patterns and obstacles, and it was great fun.

Favorite Pony Club memory:
My favorite memory is probably participating in the Member Showcase victory gallop around Rolex Stadium. I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to ride in the Member Showcase. It was truly a special experience.

What makes you #PonyClubProud?
What makes me #PonyClubProud is seeing the talent climbing through the ranks in Pony Club. Watching all of these talented kids coming up through the ranks makes me so excited to see what the future generations of horsemen and women are bringing to the table.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
Pony Club has been a true driving factor in my riding career. I owe a lot to what this organization has given me and helped me learn. I hope I can one day give back to this wonderful organization however I can.

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