Gillian Stover

Pony Club is the largest equestrian educational organization in the world. This is where it all begins! The skills, habits and values instilled through horsemanship will apply to every part of a member’s life. Members have access to the Pony Club online community, educational standards and achievements, and the chance to participate in activities such as lessons and certifications, rallies and competitions, Championships and Pony Club Festival. A host of additional programs such as international exchanges, scholarships, and the Visiting Instructors Program are available to members who develop and progress through Pony Club. Many of our participants feel that Pony Club helped shape their character and the choices they have made in life. The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. started in 1954 to teach riding and the proper care of horses. Since then, Pony Club has expanded to many countries around the world, with the main goal being to promote sportsmanship, stewardship and leadership through horsemanship. What is in a name? Back in 1929 in Great Britain, the term “pony” was used to describe the mount of a youth equestrian. With a name steeped in the tradition of educating the next generation of equestrians, the name Pony Club continues to focus on education and quality care of both horses and ponies, although we now offer educational opportunities to all ages, levels, and disciplines of equine enthusiasts. In the last decade, Pony Club has strengthened programming to meet the needs of equestrians of all ages. This has included, offering Pony Club through established riding centers, expanding certifications to include the disciplines of Dressage and Show Jumping, bringing in Western disciplines, adding educational opportunities at the grassroots level through developed standardized curriculum and additional online education, and including land conservation in the Standards of Proficiency. With approximately 600 clubs and centers, there is a good chance we are near you!