Parents
WHERE IT ALL BEGINS™
For over 60 years Pony Club has been the leader in providing a life-changing experience for youth in horsemanship. Through positive youth development, an emphasis on safe, practical horsemanship, and teaching confidence and a sense of community, Pony Club can help your horse-crazy child become independent and self-confident.
Parent FAQ
What will my child do in Pony Club?
Pony Club members learn how to handle and work around horses with safety and self-assurance under trained supervision. 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. Members are taught a solid foundation of correct riding, based on timeless classical principles. Members learn good balance and clear communication, and develop into thinking, effective riders, always keeping the horse’s best interest at heart.
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 learn the correct uses and maintenance of equipment. Members from different parts of the country gather to learn, prepare for certifications, and compete. All Pony Club competition is team competition. Members learn cooperation and teamwork while creating strong bonds with fellow teammates. There are also opportunities for a host of additional programs such as International Exchanges and college scholarships as participating members progress in Pony Club.
While your child grows and excels through the Pony Club educational standards, parents do not just sit on the sidelines. Opportunities to volunteer, help, educate, and join are available for families. Pony Club tailors its educational programs to meet the needs of anyone looking for FUN with horses or ponies. Non-participating memberships, and online E-memberships are all available for the busy Pony Club family.
How does my child join Pony Club?
Individuals join USPC by becoming a member of the local Pony Club or Riding Center. A club is a group of parents and other adult volunteers who have gotten together to administer the Pony Club program in their area. Typically, a member needs to have his or her own mount, or access to a mount in order to join a club and get the most out of the program. A center is an equestrian facility that has been recognized by USPC to administer the Pony Club program to its clients and others in the area. See the Joining? New Members tab for more information.
How much does it cost to join Pony Club?
When an individual joins Pony Club, they are a member of the National Organization, USPC, a region (a geographic collection of clubs and centers), and a local club or center. Membership runs yearly January 1 through December 31. Current dues are available under the Joining? New Members tab under Members.
National Dues: Club or Center leaders will advise current dues.
Regional Dues: Set by each region.
Local Dues: Set by each club or center.
Does my child have to own a horse?
Ownership of a horse or pony is not required for membership, but arrangements for a suitable mount must be made on an individual basis. (Stallions are unsuitable mounts for Pony Club activities. Horses and Ponies must be at least five years of age for use). Please note: The first year is considered to be January 1 following the date of foaling.
What if we don't have a pony, what if we have a horse?
It doesn't matter, as long as the mount is suitable according to the Pony Club policy. The word "pony" in Pony Club comes from the British Pony Club and was originally used to refer to the size of the rider, not the size of the horse.
How often does the club/center have meetings?
This varies between each club or center, but generally FCHPC meets once a week. During unmounted meetings members learn about feeding, shoeing, veterinary care, and other areas of horse management. Under adult supervision, the more experienced Pony Club members instruct and assist the more inexperienced members.
Are there any age restrictions to become a member?
There is no national minimum or maximum age to join Pony Club. Some clubs and centers have set a minimum age due to resources available to them. Members are considered youth members until they turn 18. Adult members are any individual aged 18 and above, and are subject to Member and Volunteer Protection policy requirements such as favorable background checks and SafeSport™ trained course completion.
What kind of clothes do I need to buy?
USPC is committed to safety. It is a membership requirement that Pony Club members wear a riding helmet meeting the ASTM/SEI standard when attending mounted meetings. Parents should be prepared to purchase this item and the minimum basic riding equipment such as jodphurs, paddock boots, etc. All members are also required to have a medical armband, pin and club polo shirt. See the FCHPC Shopping List tab under Members for more information about required/recommended supplies.
What opportunities are available to members?
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 that lists various opportunities and information on any age and/or certification level requirements for participation.
Do I need to/can I take riding lessons in addition to Pony Club?
Most members take riding lessons in addition to Pony Club. The Pony Club program is designed to be a supplement to any other formal individual training a member is receiving.
Do parents need to "know" horses?
No, they don't need to "know" horses, but they will be involved. Clubs are administered by the parents and other adult volunteers in the area. Parents play an important role in the club. Centers are administered by a facility, but many still rely on their parents to assist in the program. Parents should ask any club or center they are thinking of having their child join about the expectations for the parents in the club or center.
Parents are a huge part of what makes Pony Club possible! Thank you for everything you do!
Volunteer Expectations
Pony Club parents play a critical role in the experience each child has within their club or center. Volunteers make Pony Club happen. Parent involvement at the local level is vital. Not a horse person? No big deal. There are plenty of volunteer positions that don’t require equine knowledge.
Local clubs and centers offer many opportunities for those interested to support their program. Some options include: bring snacks to a meeting, organize an unmounted meeting, or help with organization and implementation of a rally. Parent contribution makes it all happen.
Learn more about volunteering in Pony Club. Access the Pony Club Adult Code of Conduct.