Longtime USPC Secretary Alice Reidy

Longtime USPC Secretary Alice Reidy’s contributions are legendary, spanning more than two decades of the organization’s history. Few Pony Club members during her tenure were aware of her influence, organizational ability, and command of the many details of membership and competitions.

USPC presidents came and went, yet Alice Reidy was a steady, solid influence on USPC for years as Secretary. Her role—at least at the start—was that of “Assistant” Secretary.

Because it was incorporated in Massachusetts, the secretary of the organization was required to be a legal resident of the Bay State. USPC attorney Sidney Felton took the role for one year, stipulating that Alice Reidy be appointed “Assistant,” because she lived at that time in New York. She actually did all of the Secretary’s work, and a year later took over from Felton in a role she occupied for almost 20 years.

“Alice ran the whole thing from her cellar,” recalls Jack Fritz, “with a file cabinet behind the furnace!”

Reidy’s love of ponies and riding began in her childhood, continuing throughout her life. As USPC Secretary, she helped pick the right volunteers to lead the various facets of the organization. She nurtured its growth and served as caretaker until USPC was ready for salaried professional staff to run the operations of the group.

Reidy retired from her role in 1974, yet her influences can still be seen today.

Adapted from “A Story to Tell, The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. 1954 – 2004”