Annual Fund Inspiration: Pony Club Riding Centers

Pony Club is appreciative of all who donate to the USPC Annual Fund, including our Pony Club Riding Centers. Find out why Ariatti Equestrian Pony Club Riding Center believes in supporting the USPC Annual Fund, and how Misty Morning Farm Pony Club Riding Center inspires members to actively participate in giving back to USPC.

Why They Give: “Pony Club teaches horsemanship as well as commitment, perseverance, leadership, organizational skills and how to be a team player. These skills are needed for success in life,” says Angela Ariatti, an A-certified Pony Club graduate who runs the Ariatti Equestrian Pony Club Riding Center. “Giving to the Annual Fund is one way we can help our future generations through the Pony Club programs.”

Ariatti speaks from experience. As a youth, she says Pony Club gave her a brighter outlook, while striving for her A certification gave her a sense of purpose. Now a Life Member, she realizes that Pony Club introduced her to a foundation of organization and structure as well as a college scholarship, international travel, and so many lifelong friends. She gives back to the Annual Fund so the kids she brings into horses today can be assured of the same opportunities she had. 

“Ariatti Pony Club Riding Center is where they start, but USPC will take them to flight,” she says. “Only through these financial contributions can we make this a reality.”

Why They Give: The center administrator for Misty Morning Farm Pony Club Riding Center is Marlie Nauta, a Pony Club graduate, life member and dedicated volunteer. Nauta has held many titles in USPC through her 20-plus year involvement and enjoys sharing the program with her students. Through her longtime involvement with USPC, she understands how the organization works from the local, regional and national levels. From regularly attending USPC’s annual Equine Symposium & Convention, Nauta was introduced to the USPC Annual Fund and the importance of financial giving to continue Pony Club programs.  One presentation that made an impact was an interactive display of the percentages of clubs, centers, and regions support the Annual Fund.  It was not a large amount.  That inspired Nauta to go home and encourage her members to support the Annual Fund. 

An Annual Fund Success Story
Marlie Nauta found a great way to help educate her members about what the Annual Fund does while introducing them to the good feeling that comes from supporting an organization that is important to them. At one unmounted Misty Morning Farm Pony Club meeting a year, Annual Fund envelopes are handed out and members are asked to contribute what they can, from a $1 participation donation to the the price of a coffee, or more if they feel inspired.  The envelopes are then collected and mailed together to the national office.  The members who contribute to the Annual Fund have gotten thank you letters in the mail and appreciate being recognized for their donation.  MMFPCRC is a large and active center, and Marlie makes sure to explain the value of the Annual Fund to all at meetings. 

“USPC has so much to offer, but all good things cost money, and the Annual Fund helps ensure that all members get the best Pony Club experience at a lower membership cost,” says Nauta. “I can’t say enough good things about this organization! Misty Morning Farms is happy to be part of the fundraising efforts.”

Nauta’s message has made an impression on her members, who understand and appreciate all that the Annual Fund provides for them. That includes Misty Morning Farm Pony Club member Gibsen Kaye, who says, “I donated to the Annual Fund to give a little back for what Pony Club has given to me, and to make sure that the resources I had will still be available for the younger generation.”

About the USPC Annual Fund
Find out what the USPC Annual Fund does, why it makes a difference for every Pony Club member, and how you can contribute. Read more on the blog here: https://blog.ponyclub.org/2020/11/10/all-about-the-uspc-annual-fund/

How to Donate
To make a donation to the Annual Fund, click the button below!

The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization and as such is eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions from donors as allowed by law to support the mission of the organization.