The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC or Pony Club) was pleased to present many awards during the 2023 USPC Convention, Sponsored by Stephens College and Supported by Via Nova Training, held Jan. 18–22 in St. Louis, Mo.
Milestone Club Anniversaries
Six clubs were honored for their member dedication and longevity with the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. with the Club Milestone Award, given to clubs reaching their 25th or 50th anniversary years.
The following clubs were recognized with 25-Year Club Milestone Awards:
- Live Oak Hounds Pony Club (Sunshine Region)
- Tidewater Pony Club (Delmarva Region)
- Two Rivers Pony Club (Northern Lakes Region)
The clubs below were honored with 50-Year Club Milestone Awards:
- East Aurora-Lake Erie Pony Club (Western New York Region)
- Piedmont Pony Club (South Region)
- Tecolote Pony Club (Camino Real Region)
“We are proud to recognize these important milestones, said Karol Wilson, USPC Director of Member Services and Regional Administration. “These long-standing clubs have shown an incredible commitment to Pony Club, providing an example and inspiration to all. The dedication of their leadership is essential to USPC, and we look forward to celebrating future successes.”
Local Pony Clubs such as these provide Pony Club education in safe horsemanship, with the opportunity for members to participate in mounted and unmounted meetings, clinics, Pony Club rallies, the Pony Club certification program, and much more.
A-Level Certification Achievements
Four Pony Club members who earned A-level certifications received special recognition for their accomplishment. The A certification is the top level in the USPC certification program and is widely recognized throughout the equine industry as the mark of a highly competent and knowledgeable horse person.
The following members were honored for achieving A-level certifications during 2022:
- Audrey Buchanan (Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds Pony Club, Eastern Pennsylvania Region)
- Margaret Buchanan (Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds Pony Club, Eastern Pennsylvania Region)
- Eleanor Goldfarb (Middle Tennessee Pony Club, Midsouth Region)
- Genevieve Munson (Northwest Arkansas Pony Club, Midwest Region)
“We are proud of our newest A recipients and the level of dedication and excellence this award represents,” said Connie Jehlik, USPC Director of Instruction Services. “I know all of these members will continue to achieve great success in future pursuits.”
Each of the Pony Club certification levels is more challenging than the preceding one and requires Pony Club members to learn more about horses and their care, and to become increasingly accomplished riders, trainers, and instructors. Along with an emphasis on learning to ride and care for horses, Pony Club promotes teamwork, a sense of responsibility, safety, good character, and self-confidence.
Anyone interested in becoming a Pony Club member may join a local club or riding center in their area. Visit the Pony Club website to learn more about membership and find a Pony Club or Riding Center nearby.
About The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. — The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC or Pony Club) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization that builds the foundation of teamwork and sportsmanship through riding, mounted sports, and care of horses and ponies, while developing and enhancing leadership, confidence, responsibility, and a sense of community in its youth and adult members. USPC is proud to offer instruction and competitive opportunities in 11 competitive disciplines through hundreds of clubs and centers across the United States. USPC’s educational standards continue to be instrumental in curriculum development for schools, universities, equestrian professionals, and organizations across the United States. Many of the nation’s top equestrians, including Olympic team members, as well as successful business professionals and leaders in a variety of fields, have roots in Pony Club. For more information, please visit www.ponyclub.org.
Press Contact: Sarah Evers Conrad, communications@ponyclub.org
Pony Club: ponyclub.org | (859) 254-7669
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