USPC History
Founded on February 24, 1954, The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. has a long history of equestrian education and of creating well-rounded equestrians and leaders who have served inside and outside the horse industry.
-
70 Years Strong: The United States Pony Clubs’ Impact on the Horse World
October 31, 2024 (Lexington, KY) — Over the past seven decades, the United States Pony Clubs (USPC) has served more than 175,000 members and counting. For many, Pony Club is the start of lifelong involvement with horses. But the impact of the United States Pony Clubs over 70 years extends far beyond the barn. In addition to horse care and riding, the Pony Club program teaches important life skills and values, including teamwork, leadership, service, stewardship, and dedication. Even more than that, it is a passion and a way of life for anyone who has been involved. Officially founded on February 24, 1954, to teach safe riding and the proper…
- 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…
-
United States Pony Clubs Staff Over the Years
In exploring the news of the 1980s, staff have discovered just how far we’ve come since the first computer was installed in Pony Club’s National Office during this decade (1983!) and gotten to know some of the people who helped shape Pony Club’s transition from a core of dedicated volunteers into a national organization with a full-time staff of professionals. Read more about our journey into the National Office history.
-
Evolution of USPC’s Publication: From the First USPC Newsletter to the Official Magazine
With the 70th Anniversary of the United States Pony Clubs, USPC's Director of Marketing and Communications has found some interesting historical information from the first Pony Club newsletter in 1975 onward. Read more about USPC history in this look at USPC's first official publication.
-
Longtime USPC Secretary Alice Reidy
Alice Sherburne Reidy's contributions to USPC are legendary, spanning more than two decades of the organization's history. Few Pony Club members during her tenure were aware of her influence, organizational ability, and command of the many details of membership and competitions.
-
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…
-
The 2010s and Beyond for the United States Pony Clubs
The Pony Club experience continues to evolve with current times and technology, while remaining true to its core mission and values.
-
Cheers to 70 Years of Equestrian Education with the United States Pony Clubs
The year 2024 is a big year for The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC or Pony Club) as the organization celebrates its 70th Anniversary. The organization’s vision is to be the leading source and voice of education in horse care, safety, and equestrian pursuits. Officially founded on February 24, 1954, as a youth organization to teach safe riding and the proper care of horses, USPC has developed into an organization for all ages and experience levels.
-
Into the 2000s: A New Century for the United States Pony Clubs
The year 2000 saw USPC dedicating a new building for the national headquarters at the Kentucky Horse Park, along with other changes as Pony Club evolved to meet the new millennium.
-
The Organizing Nineties for the United States Pony Clubs
During the 1990s, Pony Club published the USPC Manuals of Horsemanship, and the organization prepares for success with a strategic plan for the 21st century.
