Joining Whidbey Island Pony Club

To join the Whidbey Island Pony Club, a member should be able to ride completely on his/her own without assistance. 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 members 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 follow a standardized learning program. This program includes 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 "certified" at the following levels:

Everyone begins Pony Club membership at the untested level and progresses at his/her own pace. There is no relationship between certification 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 certification.  Certifications up to C-2 are usually held twice each year and are conducted at the local club level.  The H-B and above are 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 by the club to Nationals by November 15th.

Additional expenses incurred by a Pony Club member might be private lessons or entry fees to rallies, clinics, competitions, etc. not to mention the expense of the horse upkeep and tack.

As a member of the United States Pony Club you will receive access to their private website where you will have access to all of the Pony Club materials. If there are items you would like to purchase you can shop at:  ShopPonyClub for all the latest spirit wear, manuals, materials, etc.  As you progress  through the different levels you will most likely need better equipment and mounts. Although we try to keep expenses for our members at a minimum, it can add up to a tidy sum, depending on just how high up the rating structure a member wants to go. It is, however, an opportunity for you 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):

1. An English saddle
2. A snaffle bridle (Kimberwick or Pelham is acceptable at the lower levels)
3. A halter (leather or nylon with a break-away leather crown piece)
4. A saddle pad
5. A cotton lead rope (with a strong hook)
6. An ASTM-SEI approved helmet with chin harness 
7. An armband w/medical information 
8. Riding boots (leather or rubber)
9. A suitable mount
10. Grooming tools
11. A trailer (sometimes sharing can be arranged)

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!" 

Thought you were too old for Pony Club?  Well think again, the USPC is open to all ages!!