Heart Of Illinois Member Materials
Pony Club Member Information
Welcome to Pony Club! The experience for our members is one that is both educational and fun. The following is a list of some important items members should obtain once they have joined as well as a list and links to some of the essential Pony Club resources.
Along with learning riding and horse care skills at local meetings, there are a variety of other educational and competitive opportunities in Pony Club for its members. Check out this chart of opportunity listing various opportunities and information on any age and/or certification level requirements for participation.
Top Five Things You Need in Pony Club
1) Pony Club Pin. This pin is worn at Pony Club functions including rallies, clinics, championships, and outside horse shows to show Pony Club pride! Members receive one pin in their new member packet. Additional pins can be purchased at Shop Pony Club.
2) Helmet. Following Pony Club policy #0125.A, Pony Club members must wear a safety helmet in all mounted activities and in some unmounted activities.
3) Medical Armband/Bracelet. Following Pony Club policy #0128, members must wear a medical armband or bracelet in any USPC affiliated mounted or unmounted activity. Medical bracelets are allowed from any company who follows the UPSC requirements of five lines of information. Medical armbands can be purchased through Shop Pony Club. Be sure to update and/or replace the Medical Card insert as needed.
4) Proper Footwear. Footwear includes any boot with a heel, such as, rubber riding boots, jodhpur boots, paddock boots, or tall boots. For unmounted activities a shoe or boot that is securely fastened, entirely closed, covers the ankle, and has a thick sole is permitted. For more information refer to section 7c in the Horse Management Handbook.
5) Horse Management Handbook. In this handbook are the basic rules and guidelines that every Pony Club member needs to know about horse management. The handbook gets updated yearly with new horse management rules and guidelines and can be either downloaded from the Pony Club website or purchased at Shop Pony Club.
Top Five Things to Know in Pony Club
1) Pony Club Pledge. The pledge was created as a way for members to vocalize their dedication to excellence in horsemanship, sportsmanship, and teamwork. Read the pledge.
2) FUN. Pony Club offers competitions and activities members can get involved in to show off skills, learn teamwork, and craft horse management skills. Learn more.
3) Certifications. Members obtain their certification levels through testing their core educational skills and knowledge. This curriculum is taught through the Pony Club Standards of Proficiency (Aka SOP's). At the local level (D-1 through C-2) it is done through the Clubs and Centers. At the National Level (H-B and above) the tests are hosted at a neutral site. Learn more.
4) Lesson Plans. Lesson plans are provided for instructors to teach both mounted and unmounted skills. Members use these skills to achieve their certifications.
5) Disciplines. Pony Club recognizes 8 disciplines at the Championship level where members are eligible to compete; Eventing, Dressage, Western, Show Jumping, Polocrosse, Quiz, Games, and Tetrathlon. Members are encouraged to also try Pony Clubs supported sports such as Polo and Vaulting. Learn more.