Member Spotlight: Kate Wood

This Pony Club Member Spotlight, brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products, features Kate Wood, an all-around English rider from Mountain Skyline Pony Club in the Old Dominion Region.

Age: 16

Center/Region: Mountain Skyline/Old Dominion Region

Years in Pony Club: 6

Current certification (and/or certification currently working on): C-2 Horse Management, C-3 Eventing

What disciplines and/or activities are you involved in?
Eventing, Dressage, Show Jumping, Horse Management, and Mounted Games

Tell us about your current mount(s) and what you do with them:
I have three ponies currently: Valencia Dralium (Val) is a 14.1-hand buckskin Connemara. She is 14 years old. I compete in Novice Eventing with her, and she is also an amazing Mounted Games pony. I’m not quite good enough to keep up with her, but I try. She is so trustworthy, and I love riding her, especially because she gives the safest feeling.

Tiernan’s Star (Spud) is a 15.2-hand gray Connemara. He is 7 years old. I compete Novice Eventing with him, but we’re hoping to move him up to Training really soon and have him become my upper-level pony! He has such a good brain and the biggest personality!

Prinz S.W. (Mopsi) is a 15-hand bay German Riding Pony. He is 16 years old. I Event him Training level and Show Jump 1.05 meters. I am also hoping to make my Dressage debut with him in 2026, as he is so talented on the flat!

Tell us about your goals (with Pony Club, with riding, and in life):
My biggest goal is to become an Olympic Eventer. I would also love to get my triple A in Pony Club (earning an A certification in Eventing, Show Jumping, and Dressage). I want to train and sell ponies specifically and teach kids to ride. Another big goal of mine is to make Eventing a National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) sport.

What is your favorite thing about Pony Club?
I love how Pony Club teaches riders from the ground up. It teaches beyond just riding and really helps you learn horsemanship. It is a great way to make lifelong horse friends.

What is one thing you would tell younger members about joining Pony Club?
Don’t hesitate to join! There are so many incredible opportunities. You learn so many amazing things through Pony Club and meet so many good friends.

What is your favorite way to prepare for a Horse Management (HM) certification?
I like to make sure I give myself lots of time. I have a member of my family read questions and have a prepared answer for them, so when I try to answer, they can tell me if it’s right or wrong. I also like to make quizlets. My friend, who is also in Pony Club, helps me make the quizlets so we can practice together.

If you could try out any other discipline or activity, what would it be and why?
I would love to try Show Jumping further, as I only do it as prep for my events. I am also hoping to dive into Dressage next year. I do want to try Polo, as well!

Describe your favorite Pony Club memory:
One of my favorite Pony Club memories is a Mounted Games rally with my friends. We had the two most amazing coaches who made it so fun. It was with a bunch of my friends, so we all had fun hanging out together. Mounted Games rallies can definitely get a little wild sometimes, but I grow so much closer with all my friends through it.

How did you get started with horses? Are you a member of any other equine organizations? 
My mom had me on pony rides ever since I was two! I didn’t ride seriously until I was older, but I have always been around them.

Have you done any specific special activities in Pony Club, such as international exchanges, recognition programs, virtual competitions, etc.)? Tell us more.
I have not yet, but I’m hoping to next year!!

What makes you #PonyClubProud?
I have met so many people through Pony Club that have helped me so much!

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
Join your local Pony Club!

Thank you to our latest USPC Member Spotlight, Kate Wood. Want to be featured in a future Member Spotlight? Fill out the form here.

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