The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC or Pony Club) offers many levels of recognition each year for members who participate in Dressage and Eventing at Pony Club rallies, as well as competitions recognized by the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) and United States Eventing Association (USEA). USPC members who meet the criteria may submit an online application by November 15 of each year.
Girl training her high-stepping pony for an upcoming event.
From the beginning, when The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. was first founded in 1954, the organization’s traditional Standards of Proficiency were rooted in the discipline of Eventing.
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“Pony Club is pleased that so many of our members are actively participating and competing in these disciplines at Pony Club rallies and beyond,” said Erin Roland, USPC Activities and Events Director. “We are proud of their achievements as they represent Pony Club in the equestrian community.”
Dressage Recognition Awardsinclude:
- Blue Ribbon Club: Completion of one USPC Dressage rally at the Introductory Level and one USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized Dressage show at the Intro Level.
- Medallion Club: Completion of one USPC Dressage rally at the Training Level and one USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized Dressage show at the Training Level.
- Bronze Medal Club: Completion of one USPC Dressage rally at the First Level and one USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized Dressage show at the First Level.
- Silver Medal Club: Completion of one USPC Dressage rally (this can be in competition at any level or by being a volunteer for the rally) and one USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized Dressage show at the Second Level.
- Gold Medal Club: Completion of one USPC Dressage rally (this can be in competition at any level or by being a volunteer for the rally) and completion of one USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized Dressage show at Third Level or above.
Pony Club members can earn Dressage certifications from the basic D-2 level all the way through the advanced A level. The Pony Club certification program is a series of tests completed by members as they gain skills and become more proficient in both horse management and riding.
“The youth and members of these two organizations solidify the foundation and represent the future of the sport and USDF is thrilled to work with USPC to recognize their accomplishments both within USPC and the dressage community at large,” said Katherine Robertson, USDF Education Director.
Blue Ribbon Club: Completion of one USPC Eventing rally at the Beginner Novice Level or above and one USEA-recognized horse trial at the Beginner Novice Level or above.
- Medallion Club: Completion of one USPC Eventing rally at the Novice Level or above and one USEA-recognized horse trial at the Novice Level or above.
- Bronze Medal Club: Completion of one USPC Eventing rally at the Training Level or above and one USEA-recognized horse trial at the Training Level or above.
- Silver Medal Club: Participation in one USPC Eventing rally (this can be in competition at any level or by being a volunteer for the rally) and completion of one USEA-recognized horse trial at the Preliminary Level or above.
- Gold Medal Club: Participation in one USPC Eventing rally (this can be in competition at any level or by being a volunteer for the rally) and completion of 1 USEA-recognized horse trial at the Intermediate Level or above.
From the beginning, when The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. was first founded in 1954, the organization’s traditional Standards of Proficiency were rooted in the discipline of Eventing. It remains popular among Pony Club members today for both competition and certifications at all levels.
Since the founding of our Association, the U.S. Pony Clubs has been the pathway for a majority of our members into the sport of eventing,” said USEA CEO Rob Burk. “Members such as myself, my spouse, and my children learned horsemanship, sportsmanship, responsibility, and lifelong friendships thanks to USPC. We are excited to continue to build on our Pony Club bonds through the USPC/USEA Eventing Recognition Program.”
Anyone interested in becoming a Pony Club member may join a local club or riding center in their area. Visit the Pony Club website to find a Pony Club or Riding Center nearby.
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 USPC
Press release by Sarah Evers Conrad