About Us
An Introduction to Pony Club
The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. started in 1954 to teach riding and the proper care of horses. It is based on The British Pony Club, which was created in 1929 as a junior branch of the Institute of the Horse. Since then, Pony Club has expanded to many countries around the world, with the main goal being to promote sportsmanship, stewardship and leadership through horsemanship.
What is in a name? Back in 1929, the term “pony” was used to describe the mount of a youth equestrian. With a name steeped in the tradition of educating the next generation of equestrians, the name Pony Club continues to focus on education and quality care of both horses and ponies.
In the last decade, Pony Club has strengthened programming to meet the needs of equestrians of all ages. This has included, offering Pony Club through established riding centers, expanding certifications to include the disciplines of Dressage and Show Jumping, bringing in Western disciplines, adding educational opportunities at the grassroots level through developed standardized curriculum and additional online education, and including land conservation in the Standards of Proficiency.
Mission:
The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. is an educational organization that builds the foundations of teamwork and sportsmanship through riding, mounted sports, and the care of horses and ponies, while developing and enhancing leadership, confidence, responsibility, and a sense of community in its youth and adult members.
Vision:
To be the leading source and voice of education in horse care, safety, and equestrian pursuits.
Heartland Region Pony Clubs
The Heartland Region of Pony Clubs encompasses the state of Indiana. With an offering of 4 clubs around the state and a variety of disciplines, this region is a great way to get yourself or your child involved in the world of Pony Club. Our region focuses on offering a variety of educational opportunities both mounted and unmounted. With a focus on education, we partner with a number of world-class instructors, clinicians, and volunteers to bring the best education offerings to our region.
Heartland Region Pony Clubs also partner closely with the Indiana Eventing Association and Indiana Dressage Society to offer several rally and competition possibilities.
