Safety
-
United States Pony Clubs Announces Safety Updates Related to Helmets, Stirrups, and Body Protection Vests
The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC or Pony Club) announced changes to its safety policies and tack allowances that involve helmets, body protection vests, and stirrups. These changes affect all USPC participating members and members participating in a Pony Club event from another organization, such as during an international exchange. Learn more about the changes that go into effect January 1, 2025.
-
Equestrian Body Protectors Guide
Understand the difference between safety vests, back protectors, and air vests and choose the best type for your needs with this guide to equestrian body protectors.
-
Understanding Equestrian Helmet Safety Standards: What You Need to Know
What to know about equestrian helmet safety standards when choosing a safe horseback riding helmet.
- Alumni in the News, Annual Meetings, Instruction, Leaders and Volunteers, Pony Club Activities, Pony Club Blog, Safety, USPC Championships, USPC Festival, USPC History
Pony Club Newsletter Notes from the 1980s: A Decade of Development
A lot can happen in 10 years for an organization. As evidenced in the Pony Club News newsletter, the 1980s were transformative years for the United States Pony Clubs, marked by significant organizational changes with the National Office, leadership, and the committees; the introduction of what is now an iconic event—Pony Club Festival (now called USPC Festival); changes to other championships; the continuation of many international exchanges; and a focus on safety and education. As the organization expanded, so did the USPC newsletter, reaching upwards of 20 pages. Read on to learn about some of the interesting changes in the 1980s that I discovered during my journey through the 1980s…
- Horse Management, Leaders and Volunteers, Pony Club Activities, Safety, USPC Championships, USPC Festival
Be Prepared to Prevent Heat Illness in Horses and People When Summer Temperatures Soar
Prevent heat illness in horses and humans during the summer, use the heat index tool, and use the heat illness training from Pony Club.
- Horse Management, I Ride! - Pony Club Discipline News, Pony Club Blog, Safety, Tips From Pony Club Pros, USPC Championships, USPC Festival
Show-Stopping Biosecurity: A Horse Show Veterinarian’s Personal Experiences
Sometimes biosecurity measures at a horse show and at home barns get neglected. We underestimate the potential impact to our horses’ health, along with the economic impacts to owners and the industry. The necessary measures will continue to require leadership, time, education, routine preventive care and public awareness. Learn biosecurity tips from an expert veterinarian at Zoetis Equine.
-
The United States Pony Clubs Adds New Helmet Certification to Official Helmet Policy; Shares Decades of Safety History
March 18, 2024 (Lexington, KY) —Since its founding, The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC or Pony Club) has led the equestrian community in promoting and teaching safe horsemanship practices in all equestrian activities. As part of its emphasis on safety, USPC has a long history of raising awareness for the usage of riding helmets, and their related safety certifications, and of working to improve safety requirements within the horse industry. The United States Pony Clubs was the driving force behind the standardization in safety testing of riding helmets. Until recently, Pony Club was the only equestrian organization that collected data on accidents and incidents that result from horseback riding…
-
A History of Equestrian Helmet Awareness and Use in the United States
Helmets have become part of nearly every rider's equipment usage every time they ride. But this wasn't always the case, as helmets were once hotly debated. Learn more about the history of helmets in the United States, and the role of the United States Pony Clubs in creating helmet standards.
- Horse Management, Instruction, Pony Club Blog, Safety, Tips From Pony Club Pros, USPC Championships, USPC Festival
Guidelines for Delay, Cancellation, or Disruption of Events Due to Severe Weather or Natural Disaster
The United States Pony Clubs (USPC or Pony Club) does not have a specific set of guidelines for cancellation or delay of events/activities due to all of the different geographic areas and potential weather issues across the country. However, the Safety Committee has compiled these tips and resources to aid leaders in determining what steps to take during inclement weather or a natural disaster.
-
Ovation Protégé Helmet Has Been Recalled
On February 9, 2023, English Riding Supply recalled about 55,000 Ovation Protégé equestrian helmets for failure to meet the impact requirements. These helmets pose a risk of injury to someone who falls while wearing the helmet. Learn what to do if you own one of these helmets, and help spread the word to other riders.
