The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. Announces Exciting New Programs for Members
February 29, 2024 (Lexington, KY) — As part of its efforts to continuously provide fun and exciting activities and events for its members, The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC or Pony Club) has developed two new programs to add to its already long lineup of activities—the USPC Points Program and virtual competitions. Both programs are available to all Participating members of the United States Pony Clubs and allows these members to customize their experience while being recognized for their achievements.
“The USPC Points Program creates a positive achievement structure within USPC rewarding members for participating in Pony Club programming,” said Erin Roland, USPC’s Activities and Events Director, who is spearheading the development of both programs. “The virtual competitions encourage member participation at the local level and give more participation opportunities to all regions, including smaller and weather-restricted ones.”
The USPC Points Program allows members to earn points for participating in their everyday USPC activities, as well as regional, national, and international events, while also supporting education, instruction, membership, and all other aspects that make Pony Club what it is. For example, members can earn points by attending local events, such as meetings or camps, or they can earn points by being a participant of a national USPC event, such as USPC Festival or the USPC Convention. In addition, volunteering through the members’ club, center, or region could also earn points for that member. Members participating in international exchanges, special opportunities like a Mounted Games invitational, and those who are enrolled in the various breed and discipline Recognition Programs would also earn points. Members participate within various age divisions and win awards based on national rankings and recognition certificates and pins based on an individual’s total points. This program will be available for members yearly, and points are accumulated within a calendar year.
Virtual competitions are planned for the disciplines of Dressage, Show Jumping Equitation, Trail, and Western Dressage during non-Festival years (odd-numbered years of 2025, 2027, 2029, etc.). Participating members can enroll regardless of their certification level and can participate in multiple divisions/classes. All information including courses/tests to be done, the rules/guidelines, video requirements, how to upload their videos, and more will be sent to members after entering. Members will have an allotment of time to record and upload their videos for a judge to review. After judging ends, members will be sent prizes/ribbons for each competition level/age division. There will not be a Horse Management component to the virtual competitions, but members will get to showcase their competition attire and preparedness, just like for an in-person competition.
Both programs were enthusiastically received by Pony Club leaders after they were announced at the 2024 USPC Convention, Presented by Via Nova Training, and Sponsored by Lincoln Memorial University, in January 2024 in Reno, Nev. More will be released later this year about the specific logistics of how to join these programs.
Teresa Woods, USPC’s Executive Director, shared her enthusiasm for the new programs. “These programs allow our members to develop their journey with horses in ways that are meaningful for their individual growth and development as an equestrian,” she said. “After a positive reception from leadership already, I’m looking forward to seeing the excitement from our membership for both programs.”
To learn more about becoming a Participating member of the United States Pony Clubs or for more information about Pony Clubs’ other events and activities, please visit www.ponyclub.org.
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.
