Pony Club is a national organization, with regional oversight for each of the local Pony Clubs located within specific regions. All are run according to the by-laws of the national organization. The Whidbey Island Pony Club is active mainly in the areas of dressage, show jumping and combined training competions (3 day eventing). In some areas, the Pony Club is based at a particular stable. Most of the horses and riders stable and take lessons there. This is not the case for our club. Most of our members board their horses at home or at various locations in the Oak Harbor, Coupeville or possibly the South Whidbey area. For this reason, each member must transport his/her horse to the lesson site. A parent or guardian must attend the lesson. This is a wonderful way for parents to see improvements as well as observe any problems their child may be experiencing. Most parents seem to enjoy one another's company too! There is a good deal of socializing in Pony Club, but this is not the main aspect of the club. The main aspect is to teach horsemanship and sportsmanship. Membership requires many hours of hard work and dilligence. It requires parents to be supportive, patient and committed to their child's success. Families are expected to paticipate in club activities, regular meetings, fundraisers and Pony Club sponsored activities. Our families make a significant time commitment to helping with the WIPC Horse Trials, a 3 day eventing competion, every July. Work to prepare for the event generally begins as early as April and builds to 100% during the event. A club newsletter is sent to each member on a regular basis; parents really need to read this newsletter to stay aware of what's happening in the club and not rely solely on information from their children in this regard. To join the Whidbey Island Pony Club, a member should be able to ride completely on his/her own without assitance. He/she must have access to a suitable mount, which can be ridden unassisted in an open area and in a group at a walk or trot, with control. Prior to joining, consideration should be given to obtaining some private lessons. Horses or ponies must be five years of age as of January 1 of the year they are to be used in Pony Club, and suitable to the child's age, ability and riding group. Participation in mounted meetings and events will normally involve hauling your horse. Therefore, a trailer or arrangements to haul your horse must be considered. Pony Club members follw a standardized learning program. This program incudes both riding and horse management. There are printed "standards" for each level. Members are tested when they feel they can pass a particular standard and when they have complied with other requirements. Members are "rated" at the following levels:
Everyone begins Pony Club membership at the unrated level and progresses at his/her own pace. There is no relationship between rating level and age, except for the minimum age requirements. It is a matter of individual readiness. Members are not measured against other members, but only against the standard for that particular rating. You can find the standards of proficiency for each rating posted at the National USPC web site. Ratings up to C2 are usually held twice each year and are conducted at the local club level. As of August 1, 2007, the HB and above ratings will be national ratings. Fees: Fees include national dues, insurance, a one-time national initiation fee, regional dues and local club fees. Dues must be paid by November 1 of each year as they must be submitted to Nationals by November 15th. Additional expenses incurred by a Pony Club member might be private lessons or entry fees to rallies, clinics, competitons, etc. not to mention the expense of the horse upkeep and tack. Each child is required to purchase a copy of "The USPC Manual of Horsemanship-Volume1, D Level" and any other Pony Club materials he/she needs to study. As your child progresses through the different levels, he/she will usually need better equipment and mounts. Although we try to keep expenses for the children at a minimum, it can add up to a tidy sum, depending on just how high up the rating structure a child wants to go. It is, however, an opportunity for your child to build character, self confidence, self-esteem and independence while developing a love for animals and the ability to work as part of a team. Equipment: Each member must have (or have access to):
All equipment must be clean and safe, though it need not be new or fancy. If you have questions as to what type of equipment to purchase, there will be someone available to help you. If, after taking all of this into consideration, you are interested in joining Pony club, we are delighted to say: "Welcome to Whidbey Island Pony Club!" |