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.
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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.
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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 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 or working with horses on…
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Emerging Eighties for the United States Pony Clubs
The 1980s saw many USPC events evolving to accommodate large numbers of participants, including the first USPC Festival held at the Kentucky Horse Park in 1983.
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The Solid Seventies for the United States Pony Clubs
The 1970s brought continued growth for Pony Club as USPC truly came into its own as a national organization. Safety was at the forefront as USPC became the leader in pursuing standards for equestrian helmets.
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The Expanding Sixties for the United States Pony Clubs
The 1960s were a time of tremendous growth for the United States Pony Clubs, fueled by the sheer numbers coming out of the Baby Boom generation.
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The Founding Fifties for the United States Pony Clubs
Read about the founding of The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. in 1954 and the early years of the organization in the 1950s.
