The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC or Pony Club) invites equestrians of all ages and disciplines to attend the 2023 USPC Convention sponsored by Stephens College, hosted by USPC and the Midwest Region, taking place January 18–22, 2023, in St. Louis, Mo. The event will offer a blend of in-person, live streaming, and on-demand opportunities with more than 40 workshops and seminars, as well as trade fair shopping, networking, awards presentations, and more.
“Pony Club is excited about all the educational experiences that this event provides, in addition to opportunities for networking and personal growth,” said USPC Executive Director Teresa Woods. “We look forward to seeing everyone in St. Louis and to welcoming those who will be joining us virtually through our hybrid format.”
Both in-person and virtual meeting attendees will have access to extensive education during the event and for six months following. Workshop sessions cover topics ranging from horse health and care to fitness for both horse and rider, sport psychology, equine behavior, safe horsemanship, trailering, and more.
Leadership training is an important part of the USPC Convention for Pony Club’s instructors, leaders, and the vast network of volunteers who make Pony Club happen at all levels. A special highlight will be the two professional development sessions on Friday, January 20, presented by Jay McChord, an expert on intergenerational communication who works with the equine industry in numerous capacities.
The USPC National Youth Congress, with support from the Western & English Sales Association (WESA), is also held during Convention and offers an extraordinary opportunity for growth and development for nominated delegates. This program recognizes outstanding members, ages 18-23, who are selected for their achievement, leadership, and volunteerism, and brings them together with accomplished Pony Club alumni from a variety of fields.
Popular event features include the Anatomy Lab, sponsored by Banixx Horse & Pet Care; the USPC Research Project Fair, sponsored by Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation with support from Kentucky Equine Research; the Pony Paddock, supported by the Arabian Horse Youth Association, Breyer Model Horses, and Trafalgar Square Books; a hands-on Horse Management Room, sponsored by Indian Hills Thoroughbred Farm, Inc., and the Saturday night banquet, which will feature five-star eventer Allison Springer as the keynote speaker, sponsored by Brooke USA Foundation. In addition to title sponsor Stephens College, support for the event is being provided by The American Association of Equine Practitioners, Dressage4Kids, Santa Cruz Animal Health, Specialty Program Insurors, Unicorn Trails, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, and USPC’s corporate sponsors, which include Kerrits, Shapley’s, The Horse, Triple Crown Nutrition, Wintec, and Zoetis. Sponsorship and trade fair opportunities are currently available, with a deadline of December 9. Those interested should email development@ponyclub.org.
Registration for the 2023 USPC Convention sponsored by Stephens College is currently open online. USPC group rates on lodging are available at the Marriott St. Louis Grand, the host hotel for the event. For more information, visit www.ponyclub.org/Events/Convention.
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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