Always dreamed of a life with horses?
Want to safely learn how to ride and care for a horse of your own?
Consider joining Pony Club and enjoy the rewards of membership. You don’t need to own a
horse, just have a love for them. Pony Club fosters superb equestrians, extraordinary citizensand lifelong friendships. With over 600 clubs and riding centers across the country, there is agood chance we’re near you!
What we’re all about
Pony Club is the largest equestrian educational organization in the world. The cornerstones of our foundation are education, safety, sportsmanship, stewardship and FUN. Members learnriding and the care of horses through mounted sports. The skills, habits and values instilledthrough horsemanship will apply to every part of a member’s life. Many of our graduates feel that Pony Club helped shape their character and the choices they have made as adults.
The Pony Club Legacy
The idea for Pony Club started in Great Britain in 1928. The founders recognized the need forany child with an interest to have access to excellent equestrian education and training. The idea was so successful that it soon spread to other countries. In 1954, Pony Club came to the United States and today flourishes in 31 countries with 130,000 members! An impressive percentage of the world’s top riders in international competition are graduates of Pony Club.
Devoted to safety
Pony Club members learn how to handle and work around their horse with safety and self-reliance under trained supervision. Pony Club played an integral part in the development of equestrian sport safety helmets. All members are required to wear helmets, and safety checks before riding is a Pony Club “best practice” to ensure that equipment is in good condition and properly adjusted.
Learning, building and progressing
Everyone begins Pony Club at the same level. As members learn and develop at their own pace, they have the opportunity to progress through the Pony Club certification system. Each level requires an increasing depth of knowledge and skills. The highest certification distinguishes the rider as an accomplished, professional-level horseman.
Confidence in the saddle
Pony Club teaches a solid foundation of correct riding based on timeless classical principles. Members learn good balance and communication, developing into thinking and effective riders, always with the horse’s best interests at heart. They become confident and comfortable riding in the arena and in the open.
Not just riders, but horsemen
Good horsemanship extends far beyond skills in the saddle. Pony Club members gain an impressive depth of knowledge in equine behavior and training, health and fitness, nutrition and veterinary care,and the correct use and maintenance of equipment. Strong business skills are built through stable management: budgeting, record-keeping, and interacting with professionals in the equine industry.
Getting together to learn and compete
Pony Clubs from different parts of the country gather to learn, prepare for certifications and compete. Members compete in teams. Team competition is a fun and important part of Pony Club’s education and training, and is a strong bonding element.
Opportunities abound
Members have opportunities for a host of additional programs such as international exchanges, regional and national clinics, National Youth Congress and college scholarships.
Membership for all ages, interests and skill levels
Pony Club has tailored its educational program to meet the needs of anyone looking for FUN with horses or ponies. Check out all the options, including traditional membership through age 25, adult membership opportunities and online E-Membership by visiting ponyclub.org.
Our Mission
The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. develops character, leadership, confidence and a sense of community in youth through a program that teaches the care of horses and ponies, ridingand mounted sports.
The Pony Club Pledge
As a member of the United States Pony Clubs, I stand for the best in sportsmanship as well as in horsemanship. I shall compete for the enjoyment of the game well-played and take
winning or losing in stride, remembering that without good manners and good temper, sport loses its cause for being. I shall endeavor to maintain the best tradition of the ancient and noble skill of horsemanship, always treating my horse with the consideration due a partner.