Member Spotlight: Bella Hayes
This Pony Club Member Spotlight features Bella Hayes, an Eventing rider from Sierra Gold Pony Club in the Sierra Pacific Region.
Age: 15
Club/Region: Sierra Gold Pony Club, Sierra Pacific Region
Years in Pony Club: 2
Current certification (and/or certification currently working on): C-2 HM, C-2 EV, working on H-B this year and C-3 EV next year.
What disciplines and/or activities are you involved in? Eventing, Dressage, Show Jumping, Horse Management, Quiz
Tell us about your current mount(s) and what you do with them:
My horse is California King. He is 17-hand Friesian/Appaloosa-cross. He is green to Eventing, and we are currently at the Novice level looking to move to Training in the fall.
Tell us about your goals (with Pony Club, with riding, and life):
My goals are to have more of a leadership role in my club and to really take my position being the main representative of my club for meetings, etc. My riding goals are to do upper-level Eventing and continue riding through college, and hopefully earn my A.
What is your favorite thing about Pony Club?
All of the learning opportunities, especially Horse Management. I have learned so much about conformation and wrapping from my certifications and now use it on a daily basis. I also really enjoy being able to teach now as a leader in my club. I love teaching mounted lessons for the younger D members and also showing them how to do things like wrapping!
What is one thing you would tell younger members first joining Pony Club?
Be outgoing, and ask anyone if you have questions! It’s always better to be prepared! Also, go to Everything But the Horse (EBTH) for a first rally. It’s always so fun!
What is your favorite way to prep for a Horse Management certification?
Flashcards and study sessions with friends! It s always better to practice with someone and with some food, too!
If you could try out any other discipline or activity, what would it be and why?
I really want to try Foxhunting. It sounds so fun!
Favorite Pony Club memory:
Racing on the beach at Pony Club camp in Humboldt!
What makes you #PonyClubProud?
My wrapping skills!
Thank you to our latest Member Spotlight Bella Hayes. Want to be featured in a future Member Spotlight? Fill out the form here.
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.
