How the USPC National Youth Board Benefited My Life

By Ruby Lewis, H-A Horse Management and B Dressage member of Texas Heat Pony Club, 2026 National Youth Board Vice Chair

In 2026, as part of my first year as a National Youth Board member, I served as Vice Chair, and next year I will serve as Chair. When I first joined the USPC National Youth Board (NYB), I knew I wanted to make a difference in Pony Club and help create opportunities for other youth members. What I didn’t fully realize was how much the experience would change me, not only as a leader, but also as a person. Serving on NYB as Vice Chair has challenged me in ways I never expected and helped me develop skills I will carry throughout my life.

One of the biggest things I have gained from the NYB is a better understanding of what leadership truly means. I used to think being a leader meant having the answers, taking charge, and making sure everything got done. Through my time on the Board, I’ve learned that leadership is just as much about listening, being adaptable, communicating effectively, and knowing when to ask for help.

Being Vice Chair has taught me that I don’t have to do everything myself to be a good leader. Instead, I need to support the people around me, help our team stay organized, and make sure everyone’s ideas and contributions are valued. I’ve also learned to be more confident in sharing my thoughts, taking initiative, and stepping up when something needs to be done.

Of course, leadership doesn’t always come easily! Balancing my responsibilities on the NYB with riding, school, and other commitments has taught me a lot about time management, organization, and accountability. There are times when several projects need attention at once, and learning to prioritize tasks, communicate with other members, and follow through on commitments has been incredibly valuable. I’ve also learned that plans don’t always work out the way you expect and being a leader means learning to adapt rather than giving up when things get complicated. These are skills I know will benefit me far beyond Pony Club.

One of my favorite parts of serving on the NYB is getting to work with other motivated young people who genuinely care about the future of Pony Club. Everyone brings different experiences, ideas, and strengths to the table, and I’ve learned so much from the people around me. Whether we’re discussing ways to improve youth involvement, supporting volunteer opportunities, or planning projects that benefit members, it’s exciting to see how much we can accomplish together. Being part of the Board has reminded me that you don’t have to be the most experienced person in the room to contribute something meaningful. You simply have to be willing to learn, participate, and care about the work you’re doing.

For anyone considering applying to the NYB, I would absolutely encourage you to go for it! You don’t need to have everything figured out or be a perfect leader before you join. In fact, that’s one of the best parts of the experience: you get to learn as you go. The Board is an opportunity to build confidence, develop professional skills, make connections, and help shape the future of an organization that has given so much to its members. It also allows you to contribute to Pony Club in a different way, beyond certifications and rallies, by helping create a positive experience for youth members across the country.

The time commitment is something to consider, too. Being on the NYB requires you to be engaged, communicate with your fellow members, attend meetings, and contribute to projects throughout the year. It takes organization and dedication, but the experience is absolutely worth the effort. You learn how to balance responsibilities, work as part of a team, and manage your time in a way that prepares you for future leadership opportunities.

And then there’s Convention! Getting to meet fellow Pony Club members, connect with leaders from across the country, celebrate the organization, and see the work of the NYB come together in person is such a rewarding part of the experience. Convention gives you the chance to put faces to names, strengthen friendships, exchange ideas, and remember why you’re volunteering your time in the first place. It’s a wonderful reminder that Pony Club is about so much more than horses; it’s about the people, the community, and the opportunities we create for one another.

Looking back, joining NYB has helped me grow into a more confident, thoughtful, and capable leader. I still have plenty to learn, and I know I will continue growing throughout my time on the Board. But I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given, the people I’ve met, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. The NYB has shown me that leadership isn’t about being perfect or knowing everything. It’s about showing up, being willing to learn, supporting others, and putting your ideas into action.

If you’re thinking about joining the National Youth Board, take the leap! You might be surprised by how much you learn, how many friendships you build, and how much of a difference you can make. You may join hoping to help Pony Club, but you’ll likely discover that the experience helps you grow just as much in return.

To learn more about the National Youth Board, visit www.bit.ly/nyb-information. The application window closes in October. Those interested can apply at the page above.