Horse Management
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The United States Pony Clubs Passes New Equine Well-Being Policy and Updates Helmet and Body Protection Vest Policies for All Participants at USPC-Sponsored Activities
As part of its safety and welfare initiatives, The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC or Pony Club) has updated its official policies for helmets and body protection vests and has also put a new equine well-being policy in place. Of note is the emphasis on the requirement for all participants including members, non-members, instructors, and volunteers at any official USPC-sponsored activity to wear the proper safety equipment in mounted activities and certain unmounted activities. In addition, a new equine well-being policy was passed. Learn more how this could impact you.
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The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. Kicks Off Horse Well-Being Initiative
October 30, 2025 (Lexington, KY) — Since its founding in 1954, the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC or Pony Club) has steadfastly championed the care and well-being of horses, placing horsemanship—defined as the knowledgeable and compassionate care of the horse—at the center of the organization’s mission and educational objectives. The love of the horse, and what is taught through Pony Club, fosters a deep sense of responsibility toward the comprehensive well-being of horses and ponies. Now, USPC is highlighting its commitment to equine well-being with the launch of its new #HappyHealthyHorse Well-Being Initiative that challenges all within the horse industry to really focus on their horse through the lens…
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How Horse Well-Being is Embedded in the United States Pony Clubs’ Curriculum
The United States Pony Clubs (USPC or Pony Club) has long been recognized as the premier educator of young horse people, focusing on exemplary horse care and exceptional horse management. Aligning with other horse organizations to promote and ensure horse well-being within the USPC organization, a team of horse professionals, including two equine veterinarians, was established as the USPC Horse Welfare and Social License Task Force. One of the results of this task force was the development of a horse well-being framework to incorporate into the USPC community and, eventually, into USPC curriculum. Learn more about the five domains of horse well-being and how they impact the Pony Club curriculum.
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The Importance of Hydration
Keeping your horse hydrated is critical to your horse's health, and to his performance abilities. Learn more about the importance of hydration.
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Time to Be Aware of Screwworm and How It Could Impact the Horse Industry
New World Screwworm (NWS) continues to creep towards the United States border from Mexico. On September 21, 2025, Mexico’s National Service of Agro-Alimientary Health, Safety, and Quality (SENASICA) confirmed the detection of New World Screwworm less than 70 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. New World Screwworms are parasitic fly larvae that burrow into the flesh of animals and humans, causing painful, often deadly infestations. It's important for horse owners to be aware of this pest, and to know the plan set by the United States Department of Agriculture if it reaches the United States.
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Hot Weather Horse Care
Riding and caring for horses in hot weather comes with its own set of challenges. Follow these hot weather horse care tips tips to beat the heat and keep everyone safe and healthy.
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Caring for Pasture-Kept Horses
Each area of the country has a different climate and different ways of keeping horses, along with their own unique challenges. Whether your horse lives outside full-time or is turned out daily, time out in the pasture provides mental and physical benefits. Learn more about the various parts of care that needs to be considered for pasture-kept horses.
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Help Your Horse Shed
Horses shed their coat twice a year—in the spring and fall. During this process, the next season’s coat is growing simultaneously. Check out some tips for helping your horse shed.
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Laminitis: A Story of One Pony’s Recovery
Read about the story of a pony named Ariel who developed laminitis, what laminitis is, the causes, and about how she recovered.
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From Unfit to Fit: Basic Conditioning for the Riding Horse
Conditioning is the process of getting a horse or pony fit. It's important to understand how to condition your horse properly to keep them healthy and avoid injury. Learn more about the conditioning process and all the elements that go into it.
