2024 USPC Festival Event Program by USPonyClubs

2024 USPC FESTIVAL Event Program

2024 USPC

MAP KEY

OVERALL LOCATIONS

Murphy Pavilion

Stonelea and Claiborne Pavilion

Dressage Complex Pavilion

Trade Fair: Covered Arena

CHAMPIONSHIPS LOCATIONS

Staff Parking Only

Dressage Complex

Rolex Arena, Cross-Country Course, & Walnut Arena

Covered Arena

Polocrosse Field

Participant Parking

KENTUCKY HORSE PARK MAP

KENTUCKY HORSE

Main Show Office, Murphy Pavilion, & Rolex Arena

Double Schooling, Stonelea, & Claiborne

Walnut Arena, CrossCountry Course, & Steeplechase Barn

Covered Arena & CrossCountry Course

EDUCATION LOCATIONS

Participant Parking

MOUNTED EDUCATION

Dressage Complex & Covered Arena

Cross-Country Course

Walnut Arena Warm-up

D Camp: Annex Ring & Warm-up

Double Schooling, Stonelea, Claiborne, & Walnut

Cross-Country Course

Old Vet Box

Groundwork: Covered Arena Warm-up

UNMOUNTED EDUCATION

Barn 5: World Class Grooming & Horse Management D & C Levels

Tent A & B: Various Other Unmounted Education

(Shop Pony Club & Information Booth Here!) (Location TBD)

USPC FESTIVAL

HORSE PARK

2024 USPC FESTIVAL

JULY 15–22, 2024

The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. 4041 Iron Works Parkway Lexington, Kentucky 40511-8462 (859) 254-7669 | Fax (859) 233-4652 ponyclub.org

Pony Club Mission Statement

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.

Pony Club Core Values

orsemanship with respect to healthcare, nutrition, stable management, handling and riding a mount safely, correctly, and with confidence.

Organized teamwork, including cooperation, communication, responsibility, leadership, mentoring, teaching and fostering a supportive, yet competitive, environment.

espect for the horse and self through horsemanship, for land through land conservation, and for others through service and teamwork.

ervice by providing an opportunity for members, parents, and others to support the Pony Club program locally, regionally, and nationally through volunteerism.

ducation at an individual pace to achieve personal goals and expand knowledge through teaching others.

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 consideration due a partner.”

LETTER FROM THE USPC LEADERS

The Pony Club program impacts and changes the lives of our members daily through the development of riding, horse management, leadership, and sportsmanship skills. We are very excited that you are here at the Kentucky Horse Park, home of the USPC National Office and staff, showcasing your accomplishments and participating in the 2024 USPC Festival. Congratulations, and welcome!

As you are embarking on an exciting and enriching experience, we hope that you will take advantage of the many opportunities at this 2024 USPC Festival. Throughout the week, there will be numerous Pony Club activities, competitions, clinics, workshops, and, of course, shopping at the trade fair.

The Kentucky Horse Park is a truly special place that showcases so many aspects of the equestrian world, including different breeds and sports, and the many reasons that horses have perhaps become our most cherished member of the animal kingdom.

We hope you have a wonderful time at the USPC Festival and encourage you to take in as much as you can. You will be creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Teresa Woods USPC Executive Director

Jennifer Sweet USPC President

LETTER FROM THE GOVERNOR

LETTER FROM THE MAYOR

Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

Linda Gorton Mayor

July, 2024

Hello, Everyone,

Welcome back to Lexington, the Horse Capital of the World, and the United States Pony Clubs Festival, a week-long celebration of Pony Club!

For people who love horses, there is no place in the world like Lexington, especially during the Festival. More than 3,000 Pony Club members, volunteers and families are here for the National Championships and educational opportunities.

While you are here, I hope you will visit our horse farms. They’re world famous and home to a wide variety of breeds, of course including Thoroughbreds.

There’s a lot to enjoy in Lexington … great restaurants and shopping. If my office can be of assistance while you are here, please let us know.

Sincerely,

Linda Gorton Mayor

FOLLOW MAYOR GORTON: www.facebook.com/MayorGorton www.twitter.com/MayorGorton

200 East Main Street •Lexington, KY 40507 • (859) 425-2255•www.lexingtonky.gov HORSE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

FESTIVAL ORGANIZERS

USPC President – Jennifer Sweet

First Vice President – Deb Kirsch

Vice President of Activities – Jan Whitehouse

Vice President of Instruction – Sarah Andres

Championships Organizer – Erin Roland, USPC Activities and Events Director

Education Organizer – Connie Jehlik, USPC Instruction Services Director

SUPPORT

Barn Manager – Jan Whitehouse

Commissary – Kathy Ingandela

Information Coordinator – Melanie Stewart

Vet Services – Park Equine Hospital

Farrier – Bryan Osborne

Medical – Alpha Event Medicine

Operations – David Roberts, Joe Stegeman, Bennie

Logsdon, Bo Rhone, Regan Degitz, Joe Beiter, Ken Bunn

Pony Club National Office – Mary Beaven, Karen

Clark, Sarah Conrad, Max Day, Miranda Donnelly, Bada Faber, Julie Gragg, Connie Jehlik, Macee Matott Klimper, Liz Moyer, Erin Roland, Alyssa Sands, Caryn Sappelli, Megan Scharfenberg, Gillian Stover, Dawn Strickler, Marian Wahlgren, Karol Wilson, Laura Wright, and Teresa Woods

Traffic/Parking – Darlene Connors, Jon Adams, Dell Rhodes, Tim Rhodes, Amanda Nossel

Volunteer Coordinator – Candy Tavormina

Photographer – Xpress Foto

Communications/PR – Sarah Conrad, Miranda Donnelly, Liz Moyer, Megan Scharfenberg

Videographer – RNS Media

CHAMPIONSHIPS

Overall Organizer – Erin Roland

Assistant Organizer – Gillian Stover

Overall Horse Management – Clare Burkhart

Overall Ground Jury – Jennifer Sweet, Jan Whitehouse, Clare Burkhart

Awards/Emcee – Yvette Seger

Dressage/Western Dressage Manager – Caroline Stegeman

Dressage/Western Dressage Secretary –Lynn du Celliee Muller

Eventing Manager – Kelly Sanders

Eventing Secretary – Patricia Palm

Gymkhana/Trail Manager – Sue Ann McClelland

Gymkhana/Trail Secretary – Gillian Stover

Mounted Games Manager – Sharon DeCant

Mounted Games Secretary – Nikki Gorrell

Polocrosse Manager – Holly Beth Hatcher

Polocrosse Secretary – Karen Childers

Quiz Manager – Sue Beth Bunn

Quiz Secretary – Shelley Nevins

Show Jumping Manager – Ada Holley

Show Jumping Secretary – Sandy Wright

Tetrathlon Manager – Rich Rogers

Tetrathlon Secretary – Sally Herbert

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Overall Organizer – Connie Jehlik

Assistant Organizer – Macee Matott Klimper

D Camp Organizer – Sedate Kohler

Foxhunting Organizer – Marian Wahlgren

Unmounted Workshops Coordinator –Kerry McKinley

Volunteer/Hospitality Coordinators –Candy Tavormina

Main Show Office – Macee Matott Klimper and Dawn Strickler

Cross-Country Steward – Sarah Andres

Dressage Steward – Becky Logsdon

KENTUCKY HORSE PARK RULES

TRAFFIC

Horses and carriages have the right of way on all roads and paths.

The speed limit on all roads is 25 mph. The speed limit in the barn areas and campground is 10 mph. This is enforced by the Kentucky Horse Park Police.

Drivers of any vehicles on the Park must be at least 16 years of age and have a valid driver’s license. This includes golf carts, scooters, mopeds, etc.

PARKING

Parking at KHP is free in 2024.

Parking is permitted in designated areas only, and there is NO PARKING on grass at KHP. Only licensed vehicles with licensed operators will be permitted.

All trailers MUST be parked in the designated trailer parking lot behind the Alltech Arena across from the Secretariat Center. NO trailer parking in the front lot of KHP or any location designated with “No Trailer Parking” signage. Inappropriately parked trailers will be towed at the owner’s expense.

ADMISSION

KHP admission for the world-renowned International Museum of the Horse, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution; the American Saddlebred Museum; and live equine presentations is available at a discount for all Championships competitors and Education participants. Competitors and participants should stop by the Visitors Center to purchase a wristband.

ICE

Bagged ice can be purchased on site from Dever (859-223-9702) in the Alltech Arena parking lot.

ON-SITE DINING

The Kentucky Horse Park offers several dining and food options onsite including the Iron Works Café located next to the Visitors Information Center. The Paddock Café/Patio Bar is located next to the Show Office and the Campground Store.

A variety of food trucks will be available throughout the week at Nina Bonnie and Rolex Way.

USPC GENERAL ADMISSION

Admission is FREE to Festival Championships, the Trade Fair, Opening Ceremonies, Competitor Party, Upper-Level Member Showcase, open Gymkhana competition, open Trail competition, and Championships workshops.

Festival Education occurs after Championships and registration is required for both mounted and unmounted education.

KENTUCKY HORSE PARK RULES & REGULATIONS

Detailed participant information regarding parking, golf carts, and other information is available on the Kentucky Horse Park website. While the highlights of the information are included in the following document, all Festival attendees are responsible for reviewing and abiding by all KHP regulations while on-site.

TRADE FAIR

The USPC Trade Fair, featuring businesses, sponsors, and Shop Pony Club, will be located in the Covered Arena and around the competition venue. The information booth will also be in the Trade Fair.

CAMPING

No camping is allowed in the stabling area, around the show rings, Covered Arena, or any other nondesignated area.

KENTUCKY HORSE PARK RULES

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

In compliance with the State of Kentucky Fire Code, the KHP does NOT allow any of the following in stalls, barns, or tents:

• Any 2-prong plug appliances

• Any 2-prong plug extension cords

• Light-duty cords for indoor use

• Any 3-way adaptors unless speciﬁcally made for outdoors

• Any adaptors without 3-prong connections

MUCK

All muck generated during the event must be placed in marked muck concrete bins. Muck may NOT be placed in the barns, at the ends of the barns, or in any other non-designated area. Participants who fail to adhere to marked muck-dumping areas may be asked to leave the park grounds.

DOGS AND PETS

• Are not allowed in the barns or indoor venues

• Must be leashed at all times

• Must never be left unattended

BICYCLES

Attendees may ride bicycles to traverse the competition areas of the park. However, bicyclists must always give way to horses, and bicycles must be parked at the end of barns during Championships competition.

GOLF CARTS

• All drivers must have a valid driver’s license.

• All drivers must follow all posted signage.

• All carts must be parked in appropriate areas.

• Golf carts are not allowed in barns.

• Violators of golf carts rules will be subject to a ﬁne.

Golf carts are available for rent on site from Devers. Call 859-233-9702.

USEF MOTORIZED VEHICLE STATEMENT

Minors who do not have a valid driver’s license which allows them to operate a motorized vehicle in the state in which they reside will not be permitted to operate a motorized vehicle of any kind, including, but not limited to, golf carts, motorcycles, scooters, or farm utility vehicles, on the competition grounds of licensed competitions. Minors who have a valid temporary license may operate the above described motorized vehicles as long as they are accompanied by an adult with a valid driver’s license. The parent/ legal guardian or individual who signs the entry blank as a parent or guardian of a minor operating a motorized vehicle in violation of this rule are solely responsible for any damages, claims, losses or actions resulting from that operation. Violations of this rule will be cause for penalties against those responsible for the child committing the offense. Wheelchairs and other mobility assistance devices for individuals with disabilities are exempt from this rule.

The unsafe use of personal electronic transport devices, as determined by the competition officials and management in their sole discretion, that do not require a driver’s license to operate, including but not limited to segways, hover boards, and single wheeled scooters is prohibited on competition grounds. Operating such devices in areas where people gather may be deemed “unsafe use” if there is a risk of harm to others. If the operator of the device is a minor, the parent/legal guardian or individual who signs the entry blank as a parent or guardian of a minor operating the device in violation of this rule is accountable and may be subject to penalties. Wheelchairs and other mobility assistance devices for individuals with disabilities are exempt from this rule.

LOCAL WEATHER

Please make sure participants and horses are prepared for hot and humid conditions. Participants are expected to have an ample supply of water and, if necessary, electrolytes for their mounts. Please refer to Appendix II of your discipline rulebook for information regarding heat illness and symptoms.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

Bad weather can close, delay, or cancel some events at the discretion of the Kentucky Horse Park or USPC Festival organizers. In the event of inclement weather, The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. does NOT issue refunds or rainchecks. We will adjust the schedule if possible to accommodate Festival competition, riding clinics, and workshops to the best of our ability.

VOLUNTEERS ARE THE HEART OF PONY CLUB

No Pony Club activity would be possible without the hard work and support of our valuable volunteers. Festival is no exception, and we want to honor and say thank you to all volunteers who are here making the 2024 USPC Festival a fabulous event. While you are here at Festival, be sure to say thank you to anyone who is making your experience a memorable one.

OFFICIAL USPC SPONSORS

Thank

Official Apparel Sponsor of USPC—We know the apparel needs of women who ride because we are women who ride. We know the importance of riding clothes that ﬁt well, work as hard as we do, and boost our conﬁdence in and out of the saddle. We strive to make them better every season by pushing the envelope with cuttingedge fabrics and constant input from our community of riders across the disciplines. kerrits.com

The Official Grooming Product Sponsor of USPC—Since 1938, Shapley’s has been providing top-quality products for the health and shine of horses. Shapley’s provides safe, proven results with an extensive line of equine grooming products, used and trusted by horsemen worldwide for more than 80 years. Learn more and ﬁnd expert grooming advice at shapleys.com.

The Official Feed Sponsor of USPC—There is more to horse feed than just protein, fat, and ﬁber, but identifying the right feed can be challenging. For over 20 years, Triple Crown has been using cutting edge technology, focusing on gut health in order to improve digestion and immune function to help your horse achieve excellent health and championship performance. See which Triple Crown Feed is right for your horse, with our feed selector tool at www.triplecrownfeed.com/feed-selector

The Official Saddle Sponsor of USPC—Wintec has always made riding easy and comfortable. Combining world-leading innovations and high-tech materials in lightweight, weatherproof and easy-care saddles, it’s easy to see why Wintec is the world’s number one synthetic saddle brand! The comprehensive Wintec range offers not only cutting-edge designs, but new standards in ﬁt, comfort, and performance beneﬁts for both horse and rider. wintec-saddles.com

The Official Equine Health and Wellness Partner of USPC—Zoetis Equine is committed to providing horse care you can count on, with trusted vaccines, medications, dewormers, diagnostic tools, regenerative medicine devices, and more. Whether at the veterinary clinic or in the barn, Zoetis Equine is always by the side of horses, veterinarians, and horse owners at every step of a horse’s care and throughout the journey of a horse’s life. Visit zoetisequine.com to learn more.

The Horse—Since 1995, The Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care has been essential reading for responsible horse owners and caretakers. Written for hands-on horse owners and managers of any breed or discipline and reviewed by a board of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) veterinarians, this publication provides current, understandable, and practical information on equine health, care, management, and welfare. thehorse.com

USPC FESTIVAL 2024 SPONSORS

USPC is pleased to welcome our 2024 Festival sponsors

2024 USPC FESTIVAL TRADE FAIR

located in the Covered Arena on the concourse Sponsored by WESA

TRADE FAIR HOURS

Tuesday, July 16 10:00 am–6:00 pm

Wednesday, July 17 9:00 am–6:30 pm

Thursday, July 18 9:00 am–6:30 pm

Friday, July 19 9:00 am–6:00 pm

Saturday, July 20 11:00 am–5:30 pm

Sunday, July 21 8:00 am–3:00 pm

Please Note: Trade Fair hours are subject to change as competition and demonstration schedules are finalized.

VENDORS

Thank you to our vendors and also our sponsors who are noted with a blue ribbon.

*List may be incomplete at time of printing.

70 DEGREES LIFE

Sun shirts, show shirts, breeches, sweaters, belts www.70degrees.life

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF EQUINE THERAPISTS & TECHNICIANS

Membership-based educational non-profit www.aaett.org

BLM WILD HORSE AND BURRO PROGRAM

Education and outreach on adoptions and management of wild horses and burros blm.gov/whb

BARNCAT APP

Equine health and performance tracking app www.barncat.app

BLUEGRASS VIBERSHIELD

Vibrational animal tags and jewelry https://www.vibershield.com//

DUSTY ROSE COFFEE ROASTERS

Bagged roasted coffee — whole bean and ground www.drcroasters.com

EQUILINE

Equestrian apparel www.equilineamerica.com

GG EQUINE / GREENGUARD GRAZING MUZZLES

GreenGuard grazing muzzles, HayPlay slow-feeders gg-equine.com

GIFT HORSE BASKETS

Horse-care products, grooming tools, rider products, etc. www.gifthorsebaskets.com

GRAYSON-JOCKEY CLUB RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Equine research, scholarships, horse health and internships www.grayson-jockeyclub.org

HORSE & COUNTRY

H&C+ is the leading international equestrian streaming service with live sport and equestrian series https://horseandcountry.tv/en-us

INTERNATIONAL LIBERTY HORSE ASSOCIATION

Liberty shows, competitions, and events for all ages, levels, and styles of Liberty. www.libertyfestival.com

JANE HEART JEWELRY

Jewelry, handbags, and accessories www.janeheart.com

KERRITS

The Official Apparel Sponsor of USPC www.Kerrits.com

LUBRISYNHA FAMILY OF PRODUCTS

The LubriSynHA Family of Products is centered around the revolutionary science of hyaluronic acid (HA) www.lubrisyn.com

NORTHWEST DESIGNS INK, INC.

Souvenir tees and hoodies www.nwd.ink

OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY

Equine majors and equestrian team information www.otterbein.edu

RICHARD A. GILLESPIE COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AT LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY

Undergraduate, graduate, and professional education www.lmunet.edu/college-ofveterinary-medicine/

RNS VIDEOMEDIA

Official Festival Event Videographer www.rnsvideomedia.com

RUBY ROO SADDLES LLC

Kids and pony saddles www.rubyroosaddles.com

THE SECRETARIAT CENTER

Thoroughbred after-care and adoption www.secretariatcenter.org

SHOP PONY CLUB

Official United States Pony Clubs, Inc. logo wear and accessories www.shopponyclub.org

SUMMER FROST DESIGNS

T-shirts

TABORTON EQUINE BOOKS

Books, posters, DVDs (All Equine) www.tabortonbooks.com

TRIPLE CROWN NUTRITION

Horse feeds and storage extenders www.triplecrownfeed.com

UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE

EQUINE INDUSTRY PROGRAM

University/higher education http://uofl.edu/equine

UK AG EQUINE PROGRAMS

Higher education http://equine.ca.uky.edu/

USA WORKING EQUITATION

Information on USAWE, membership opportunities and an interactive obstacle course to scale with horse models www.usawe.org

WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY

Education - University www.williamwoods.edu/eqs

WINTEC SADDLES

Saddles, mounts, and accessories wintec-saddles.com

WISE CHOICE TACK AND SUPPLY

Tack and riding apparel www.wisechoicetack.com

XPRESS PHOTO

Official Festival Event Photographer www.xpressfoto.com

YOUNG RIDER MAGAZINE

The magazine for kids who love horses and ponies www.youngrider.com

ZOETIS EQUINE

Equine health products (vaccines, dewormers, sedation products, regenerative medicine devices)

USPC FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIPS SCHEDULE

MONDAY, JULY 15

12:00 pm Championships Move-In Begins

TUESDAY, JULY 16

8:00 am–10:00 am Championships Packet Pick-Up

10:00 am Championships Competition Begins (Barn access limited to competitors only)

6:00 pm Barns Closed

6:30 pm Opening Ceremonies/Competitors Party

8:00 pm–8:30 pm Night Checks

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17

6:00 am Barns Open

3:00 pm–4:00 pm Championships Barns Open to Visitors (Quiz Barn excluded)

6:00 pm Barns Closed

8:00 pm–8:30 pm Night Checks

THURSDAY, JULY 18

6:00 am Barns Open

3:00 pm–4:00 pm Championships Barns Open to Visitors (Quiz Barn excluded)

6:00 pm Barns Closed

TBA Quiz Championships Awards

6:30 pm Upper-Level Member Showcase

8:00 pm - 8:30 pm Night Checks

FRIDAY, JULY 19

6:00 am Barns Open

12:00 pm–4:00 pm Education Packet Pick-Up

TBA Mounted Discipline Championships Awards

SATURDAY, JULY 20

7:00 am All Championships horses must be moved out if not participating in Education

OPENING CEREMONY AND COMPETITORS PARTY

Tuesday, July 16, 6:30 p.m. in the Rolex Arena

USPC welcomes and celebrates our 2024 USPC Festival Championships competitors. All competitors are invited to walk with their region in the Opening Ceremonies. Line-up for the Opening Ceremonies starts at 6 p.m. in the Rolex Arena warm-up area. Join us for this short welcome followed by the Competitors Party, featuring food trucks, music, games, and more, with a pin trading event. Bring your pins to trade.

UPPER-LEVEL MEMBER SHOWCASE

Thursday, July 18, 6:30 p.m. in the Rolex Arena

The celebration of our members continues Thursday night with the Upper-Level Member Showcase in the Rolex Arena. The entertainment for the evening involves Championships competitors who have earned a national certiﬁcation exhibiting their talents in the legendary Rolex Arena! This event will be livestreamed and available for viewing exclusively on Horse & Country.

2024 USPC FESTIVAL SCAVENGER HUNT

For your chance to win cool prizes, join our scavenger hunt!

Find all ten 8x10 laminated signs with historical information on them along with the 70th Anniversary logo. Then, take a photo of them or write down the information so you have all the information for your complete entry. Finally, scan the QR code from a sign (and right) to answer the related questions for your entry to win! (Note: You will need to provide your email address and name to enter. Please read all contest rules online.)

USPC FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AWARDS

AWARDS PRESENTATIONS

Awards ceremonies are scheduled based on the conclusion of discipline competitions. Please subscribe to our texting platform for official announcements and speciﬁc times. Awards ceremonies will be on Friday, July 19 (except Quiz on Thursday, July 18).

Sponsored by Kentucky Performance Products

OVERALL AWARDS

Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals are awarded to the overall winning team in each division of each discipline (Tetrathlon pins individual division winners). Placing ribbons go to 1st–10th place.

SPECIFIC AWARDS

HORSE MANAGEMENT AWARDS

All mounted disciplines will receive Horse Management team awards. First-place teams will receive the Margo Leithead Cornerstone Award for Excellence in Horse Management.

TINY BUT MIGHTY CHARACTER AWARD

Awarded to one member per discipline who displays excellent character both in and out of the arena. Members are chosen based on award submissions from competitors, Horse Management staff, volunteers, and discipline organizing volunteer staff. Sponsored by Erin Roland.

SCANDALOUSLY DAN DEE BEST-PRESENTED PAIR

Awarded to one member who goes above and beyond in presentation and turnout of both rider and mount for the horse inspection. This competitor is chosen by the inspection panel. This award is sponsored by Alyssa Sands and co-sponsored by Shapley’s, the Official Grooming Product Sponsor of USPC.

OUTSTANDING TURNOUT AWARDS

Members who received zero penalties during their turnout inspections will receive a special ribbon noting their achievement.

STABLE MANAGER PINS

All Stable Managers will receive a special Championships pin.

BREED AWARDS

Competitors were required to submit documentation for breed awards with their entries by the closing date of Championships. Therefore, no documentation is accepted on site.

Arabian Horse Association USPC Championships Awards

Awarded to the highest-placed registered Arabian or Half/Anglo-Arabian in the Standard divisions in all mounted disciplines.

Cleveland Bay USPC Championships Awards

Awarded to the highest-placed registered pure or partbred Cleveland Bay in the Championships divisions of all mounted disciplines.

American Connemara Pony Society Awards

Awarded to the highest-placed registered Connemara purebred or half-bred in Dressage, Eventing and Show Jumping.

Draft Cross Breeders And Owners Association Rising Star Awards

Top-scoring Draft Cross Breeders And Owners Association, (DCBOA) rider (riding a DCBOAregistered horse) in Dressage, Eventing, Show Jumping, Polocrosse, Tetrathlon, or Trail at Championships.

Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP) Awards

All divisions of Dressage, Eventing, Polocrosse, Show Jumping, and Tetrathlon at Championships are eligible for TIP Awards. Open to all Thoroughbreds registered with The Jockey Club or a foreign Thoroughbred stud book recognized by The Jockey Club.

USPC DISCIPLINES

Being part of Pony Club offers the opportunity for members to experience a wide variety of disciplines in order to become more well-rounded equestrians. Trying new horse sports is a fun way to improve riding skills. In addition to 11 competitive disciplines, which you can see at the USPC Festival, Pony Club provides resources to learn and explore many other equestrian sports including some during the Education sessions at Festival. Pony Club emphasizes safety and horse care in all activities so that the well-being of horse and rider is always a top priority. One of the most unique aspects of Pony Club is the team competition format. Competing as a team forges strong bonds while also developing leadership and communication skills through horsemanship. Here’s a look at the disciplines included in Pony Club activities today.

HORSE MANAGEMENT

Horse Management encompasses all aspects of horse care, including health, maintenance, nutrition, and handling. Members are required to keep a Health and Maintenance Record Book for a horse they own or care for to complete the Horse Management portion of their certiﬁcations, and Horse Management knowledge is tested during member certiﬁcations and evaluated at USPC rallies.

THE GOALS OF HORSE MANAGEMENT

The ultimate goal of Horse Management is to create a safe, knowledgeable, well-rounded horse person. It has helped shape the core values of Pony Club.

DID YOU KNOW?

Horse Management (HM) is an integral part of Pony Club at all levels of the organization; teaching and learning about horse care has always been the foundation for Pony Club. In 2020, USPC announced an updated certification path focused entirely on Horse Management from the beginner level to the advanced level. With the addition of the HM certification, members do not need to own a horse, just have access to one. There’s also no need to focus on a specific riding discipline or fulfill a riding requirement.

DRESSAGE

Defined as the French term for “training,” Dressage is the harmonious development of the horse and rider in both mind and body. Dressage requires the mount and rider to combine strength and agility with the elegance and beauty of ballet.

THE GOALS OF DRESSAGE

The object of Dressage is the harmonious development of the horse in both mind and body. Every horse, regardless of its type or use, can beneﬁt from this training. Dressage requires the horse and rider to combine strength and agility with elegance and beauty.

COMPETITIONS

Competitions are held at many levels, beginning with Walk-Trot and Training Level, and continuing through nine levels to Grand Prix. During a Dressage test, all movements and certain transitions from one gait or movement to another are scored individually on a scale from 0 to 10. A score of 0 means that virtually nothing of the movement was performed, while a score of 10 is excellent. The individual scores are added and then calculated as a percentage of possible points to come up with a score. The highest percentage wins the class. Tests are different for each level and are written so there is a way to consistently measure the horse’s progress through the levels. Judges are looking for accuracy, obedience, suppleness of the horse, quality of the gaits, and the rider’s use of aids. There are also musical freestyle Dressage tests for individual riders, pairs, and groups of four or more.

SPECIAL AWARDS

MUSICAL FREESTYLES

Training: 1st–10th place individual ribbons

First Level and above: 1st–10th place individual ribbons

Pas de Deux (combined division including Training and First Level and above): 1st–10th place team ribbons

Quadrille: 1st–10th place team ribbons

Robert Dover “I Love Pony Club” Pin: This special award recognizes the 1st-place competitors in the Musical Kur, Pas de Deux and Quadrille Musical. It is a replica of the gold “I Love Pony Club” pin that belonged to Robert Dover’s mother. Mrs. Dover’s original pin is on display at the USPC National Office.

DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Manager: Caroline Stegeman

Secretary: Lynn du Celliee Muller

Technical Delegate: Laura Brown

Judges: Maureen John ‘r’, Janine Malone ‘R’, Koby Robson ‘R’, Dot Demis ‘S’

Chief Horse Management Judge: Cindy Medina

Assistant Horse Management Judges: Annette Ruths, Gretchen Durepo, Sedate Kohler, Becky Robinett, Becky Smith

Volunteer Staff: Brandi Branscomb, David DeCant, Kathleen Magsam

DID YOU KNOW?

Dressage in Pony Club came about naturally from the connection with Eventing. At the first Festival in 1983 at the Kentucky Horse Park, Championships included Dressage. A Dressage specialty certification was added in 2007, and today Pony Club members can earn Dressage certifications from the very basic D-2 level up to the highest levels of accomplishment, the A level.

Members can also receive recognition for participating in USDF-recognized shows through the USPC/USDF Dressage Recognition Program, and can participate in the International Virtual Dressage Show. Starting in 2025, members can also participate in virtual Dressage competitions.

EVENTING

The sport of Eventing is the ultimate test of a horse and rider’s versatility, ﬁtness, and stamina. It’s often described as an equine triathlon because it has three phases of competition, including Dressage, Cross-Country, and Show Jumping.

THE GOALS OF EVENTING

Originally developed in the cavalries of Europe as a test of the ideal military charger, Eventing has now evolved into an exciting sport attracting interest from all levels of sports enthusiasts, from weekend hobby riders to professional international stars.

PHASE ONE: DRESSAGE

The French term for “training,” dressage is very important to the event horse. It helps to develop the muscular strength, suppleness, obedience, and maneuverability needed in the other two phases of competition.

PHASE TWO: CROSS-COUNTRY

The object of this test is to prove the speed, endurance, and jumping ability of the horse over varied terrain and obstacles. The horse must be bold, smart, and obedient, and the rider must use knowledge of pace in order to expend only as much of the horse’s energy as necessary.

PHASE THREE: STADIUM JUMPING

Not an ordinary show jumping competition, the sole object of this ﬁnal test is to demonstrate that after a test of endurance, the horses have retained suppleness, energy, and obedience.

SPECIAL AWARDS

USEA Individual Ribbons: 1st–10th place individual divisions

EVENTING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Manager: Kelly Sanders

Secretary: Patricia Palm

Technical Delegate: Robyn Munson ‘r’

President of the Ground Jury: Julie Congleton ‘r’

Dressage Judge: Lori Hoos’R’

Cross-Country Designer: Cathy Wieschhoff ‘R’

Cross-Country Control: Eric Sampson

Stadium Course Designer: William Robertson ‘R’

Chief Horse Management Judge: Catie Itschner

Assistant Horse Management Judges: Eben

Haber, Elizabeth Young, Shawna White, Stephanie

Infante, Abe Rastkar, Cheryl Williams, Kerry

McKinley, Ann Adams

Volunteer Staff: Jeannine Cerny, Tampa Bay Ray Ingandela, Bonnie LaMonte, April Wilde

DID YOU KNOW?

Since the introduction of Pony Club in the United States, Eventing has been part of Pony Club activities and competitions. Back then the sport was known as Combined Training; the name officially changed to Eventing in 2001. The original Standards of Proficiency for certifications were also rooted in the Eventing discipline. Certifications earned prior to 2007, when USPC began to offer certifications in different disciplines, are often still referred to as “Traditional.”

Members can also receive recognition for participating in USEA recognized shows through the USPC/USEA Eventing Recognition Program, and can participate in the Inter-Pacific Exchange.

GYMKHANA

Gymkhana is a discipline in Pony Club that allows riders to display their horsemanship and teamwork through precise, controlled actions at high speed in timed, patterned races through barrels, poles or other markers.

THE GOALS OF GYMKHANA

Gymkhana is a mounted competition in which riders display their horsemanship and teamwork through precise, controlled actions at high speeds. Each race is designed to allow the rider/horse team to demonstrate their skill, control, and partnership through variations of speed, turning and navigating obstacles, hand -eye coordination, and safely completing the race. Gymkhana provides a fun sport that teaches sportsmanship and the proper care of mounts in members of all ages.

COMPETITIONS

A Gymkhana rally will generally offer various races, from as few as four to as many as 12. There is a timer that records the time taken by each competitor in each race. Each race is run with one rider in the ring at a time. Most of the races are completed with poles and/ or barrels, although there are some race options with a few other types of equipment. At the highest levels, it is expected competitors will run these events at speed. Good horsemanship and safety are always a priority, and there are even divisions for the beginning rider.

OPEN GYMKHANA COMPETITION

Manager: Sue Ann McClelland

Secretary: Gillian Stover, Erin Roland

Chief Horse Management Judge: Lisa Reader

Assistant Horse Management Judges: Nancy Mac Isaac, Eileen Kirby

*List may be incomplete at time of printing

DID YOU KNOW?

Gymkhana had its beginning with the English military during the Colonial period. On Sunday afternoons, the cavalry would compete in horseback games to sharpen their horsemanship. The word “gymkhana” is derived from the Hindi word referring to a place where sporting events took place. Through the years, different events have been added, some of which originated in Europe and others which were developed in the U.S.

Gymkhana officially became a discipline in Pony Club in 2019. Members and non-members alike can participate in the Open Gymkhana Competition at USPC Festival.

MOUNTED GAMES

Mounted Games is a series of relay races on horseback where the riders must perform different tasks while riding at speed and working as a team to complete each relay. It offers riders a fun way to learn riding skills and be part of a team with other riders. Ponies are typically the preferred mount of choice for games as their shorter stature offers an advantage for some of the races.

THE GOALS OF MOUNTED GAMES

Mounted Games were originally the idea of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, as a way to encourage enthusiasm, participation, and training in younger riders without the need of expensive ponies. A natural draw to all levels of riding abilities, Mounted Games provide a fun sport that teaches the basic natural aids, physical coordination, self-conﬁdence, and teamwork skills. It also fosters sportsmanship and the proper care of mounts in less experienced members.

COMPETITIONS

The relays run the gamut from slower-paced with precision handling to a fast pace with faultless execution. Hand-eye coordination and agility are honed by tasks like picking up objects on the ground while mounted, weaving through poles at high speeds, dunking an object into a basket at a full gallop, and passing a baton to other members of the team without slowing the pony. Mounted Games start at the Walk-Trot level.

SPECIAL AWARDS

The Frances E. Pitts Memorial Games Trophy: This award is given in memory of Frances Pitts, a member of the 1995 USPC International Mounted Games team. This trophy is awarded to the Mounted Games player who demonstrates excellence in horsemanship, sportsmanship, and leadership. A permanent trophy is kept on display at the USPC National Office in Lexington, Ky., and each recipient receives a smaller “keeper” trophy engraved with their name.

MOUNTED GAMES CHAMPIONSHIPS

Manager: Sharon DeCant

Secretary: Nikki Gorrell

Technical Delegate: Madisyn Hoggard

Judge: Cheryl Dukes

Chief Horse Management Judge: Lisa Reader

Assistant Horse Management Judges: Nancy Mac Isaac, and Eileen Kirby

Volunteer Staff: Mark Atherholt, Ric Sutton, Trish Ray

DID YOU KNOW?

Organized Mounted Games competition began in England in 1957 when HRH Prince Philip came up with the concept as a way for youth to ride and compete without the need for expensive ponies. The idea caught on in the U.S., and in 1963, Mounted Games was added as a competitive discipline in Pony Club. The sport became popular, and soon local clubs were competing with some very talented Mounted Games teams. Mounted Games aficionado Jim Ligon produced a rulebook, and by 1973, the USPC was holding a National Mounted Games Championship.

Mounted Games competition has continued to grow as a popular Pony Club discipline. Opportunities include rallies, Championships, the Prince Philip Cup, Presidents Cup, and an International Exchange program.

POLOCROSSE

Polocrosse is a game related to polo but played with a racquet similar to that used in lacrosse.

THE GOALS OF POLOCROSSE

Developed in Australia in the 1930s, Polocrosse has been played internationally with great enthusiasm. Polocrosse develops strong self-conﬁdence in riding ability while improving hand-eye coordination. Even beginner riders can manage this fun game that encourages them to improve quickly. Polocrosse requires practice of ball-handling skills: bouncing, picking up, throwing, and catching the ball in the net of the racquet. Players learn to cradle the ball to keep opposing players from hitting it out of the net. A horse must have good balance and respond well to rider aids. Horses quickly catch on and seem to enjoy the game as much as their riders!

COMPETITIONS

A Polocrosse team for Pony Club consists of three players and a Stable Manager, who may participate as a replacement. Horses wear leg wraps and bell boots for protection. Each game period, or chukka, is 6 or 8 minutes long. Each team usually plays four chukkas per day. Players use a ball made of soft rubber that bounces well and is caught, thrown, or carried in the net of a cane racquet.

SPECIAL AWARDS

The Cadillac Memorial Trophy: The Diemer Family annually awards the Cadillac Memorial Trophy in memory of their great Polocrosse mare, Cadillac. Along with the honor of being named, the best horse is awarded a leather halter with the nameplate “Best Horse.” Selection is made by the umpires based on ﬁtness, agility, and responsiveness of the mount in the Championships division.

POLOCROSSE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Manager: Holly Beth Hatcher

Secretary: Karen Childers

Chief Horse Management Judge: Melissa Dabadie

Assistant Horse Management Judges: Yvonne Ferrante, Melissa Myers

Umpire: Katelyn Pierce

Volunteer Staff: Paul Johnson

DID YOU KNOW?

Polocrosse got started in Pony Club in the early 1990s. As it gained popularity in the Maryland Region, Regional Supervisor Mickey Skipper was instrumental in getting Polocrosse added as a USPC discipline. A group of dedicated Pony Club parents and leaders worked hard to gain momentum, source equipment, and create the first Polocrosse rulebook, which was required in order to be a USPC sport. Polocrosse was approved as a USPC discipline in 1997.

QUIZ

Quiz is a non-riding team competition designed to demonstrate in-depth horse management knowledge and skills.

THE GOALS OF QUIZ

The mission of Quiz is to promote a deep understanding and familiarity with the material presented at each certification level. Quiz is a fundamental and creative learning tool. Many aspects of Pony Club mounted rallies can be learned at a Quiz rally. This rally, besides challenging the Pony Club members to learn horsemanship and horse care, provides them with opportunities to display and learn good sportsmanship, leadership, stewardship, and teamwork as they prepare, plan, and cooperate with their teammates.

COMPETITIONS

In an effort to make Quiz more interactive, there are ﬁve phases: Classroom, Stations, Mega Room, Barn, and Written Test. Quiz is competitive, challenging, and educational while promoting creativity and fun.

SPECIAL AWARDS

Individual Awards: 1st–10th place individual placings per division.

QUIZ CHAMPIONSHIPS

Manager: Sue Beth Bunn

Secretary: Shelley Nevins

Technical Delegate: Lorelei Coplen

Volunteer Staff: Laurie Chapman-Bosco, Rae Birr, Bruce Birr, Dick Adams, Debra Sue Waters, Heather Bell, Nancy Grout, Krista Degitz, Kelly Smith, Susanna Bunn, Ann Florand

DID YOU KNOW?

Prior to the current Quiz format came Know-Down, a knowledge-based competition with a question-andanswer format. Know-Down questions covered all aspects of horse health and care, plus riding knowledge, and Pony Club history and discipline rules. The first Know-Down Championships were held at Festival in 1983.

Members can participate in International Quiz Exchanges, as well as International Virtual Quiz Exchanges.

SHOW JUMPING

Show Jumping is an exciting competition as horse and rider negotiate a course of obstacles within an arena. It utilizes physical skills to negotiate a series of obstacles, and mental skills to plan the proper lines and approaches to allow the horse to jump those obstacles. The jumps are colorful and of varying heights and widths.

THE GOALS OF SHOW JUMPING

Show Jumping is a lot of fun and improves the agility and focus of both horse and rider. Each course is intended to demonstrate the horse’s training and obedience, as well as the rider’s horsemanship. The goal of the horse-and-rider combination is negotiating the course without errors or disobediences.

COMPETITIONS

Show Jumping competitors face the challenge of several entirely different courses (rounds). Horse and rider gain an additional challenge: if they jump without penalties, they then attempt a modiﬁed course as a timed jump-off. Pony Club Show Jumping competition is a team sport with Horse Management playing a signiﬁcant role. Competitors work together to develop a rapport and team camaraderie. The winning team accumulates the fewest penalty points.

SPECIAL AWARDS

Five ‘clear round’ ribbons: Clear round ribbons awarded to all riders who complete ﬁve clear rounds. Equitation ribbons: 1st–10th in each division (for scores 60 and higher).

Judy Thayer Coaching Award: Given to the coach who best demonstrates the attributes of Judy’s coaching style. A coach who:

a) Shows respect for the rider and especially for the mount in the heat of the competition and after.

b) Always encourages riders to focus on the positive in order to learn from each riding experience inside and outside the competition arena.

c) Recognizes that the simplest methods in coaching often create the best communication between riders and their mounts.

SHOW JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Manger: Ada Holley

Secretary: Sandy Wright

Judges: Melissa Roades ‘R’, Dacia Johnson ‘R’

Course Designer: Jack Nash ‘r’

Stewards: Terri Foreman, Jennifer Merrick-Brooks

Chief Horse Management Judge: Karen Marcotte

Assistant Horse Management Judges: Amber Goodrich, Katherine Wilson, Teagan Judd, Anna Vaculik, Hannah Arbogast, Krissy Lewis, Kelli Johnson

Volunteer Staff: Stacie Macdonald, David West, Kim Richie, Alicia Richie-Quinn, Irv Richie

DID YOU KNOW?

Show Jumping has long held a place in Pony Club as one of the phases of Eventing. In the late 1970s, demand grew at the local levels for Show Jumping as a club and regional activity. By 1978, a Show Jumping committee was formed and USPC added an East Coast InterRegional Show Jumping Rally in 1982. The first Show Jumping National Championships were held in 1984. A certification in Show Jumping was added in 2007.

Starting in 2025, members can also participate in virtual Show Jumping competitions.

Thank you to our 2024 Show Jumping Championships Sponsor

$1500

Riding

TETRATHLON

Tetrathlon offers a challenging four-phase competition of riding, running, shooting, and swimming. The sport requires solid horsemanship plus general athletic ability. Tetrathlon is a great way to combine interest in riding with other sports.

THE GOALS OF TETRATHLON

Tetrathlon requires sound horsemanship and general athletic ability. Its goal is to encourage Pony Club members to broaden their interest in riding and multiple sports.

COMPETITIONS

The running phase challenges each competitor’s physical stamina and endurance over cross-country terrain and may include negotiating obstacles, such as hay bales, logs, and low fences.

The shooting phase tests a competitor’s skill and accuracy in a standing position, using an air pistol on a 10-meter course of ﬁre.

The swimming phase allows competitors to demonstrate their swimming skills.

The riding phase provides an opportunity to demonstrate equestrian skills over a stadium-type course. Scoring is a combination of the competitor’s four phase scores.

SPECIAL AWARDS

Stettinius Achievement Award: This award is presented to the female USPC competitor with the highest overall score in the highest-offered division for the competition.

Sacksen Achievement Award: This award is presented to the male USPC competitor with the highest overall score in the highest-offered division for the competition.

George Helwig Team Award: Presented to the U.S. team with the three highest individual scores, regardless of divisions, for each phase added together.

Geriann Henderson Sportsmanship Award: This award is presented to the Tetrathlon competitor who displays exceptional inclusiveness and unconditional support of teammates and competitors alike. The winner is chosen by a selection committee.

Equitation Award: Awarded to one male and one female with the best equitation score.

Perfect Score Award: Awarded to all competitors meeting the criteria.

TETRATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS

Manager: Rich Rogers

Secretary: Sally Herbert

Technical Delegate: Nichole Fisher

Course Designer: William Robertson ‘R’

Chief Horse Management Judge: Melissa Dabadie

Assistant Horse Management Judges: Yvonne Ferrante, Melissa Myers

Riding Judge: Shelley Mann

Volunteer Staff: Tim Herbert, Colin Tilzey, Ned Gerard, Leigh Cushing, Mike Dickey, Rachael Reeder

DID YOU KNOW?

Tetrathlon as a Pony Club competition originated in England and was introduced to the USPC in 1972. It was intended to appeal to boys in Pony Club, but by the 1980s, girls joined in on the competition, too. The U.S. Modern Pentathlon and Olympic committees encouraged the growth of Tetrathlon in Pony Club as a way to develop multi-talented athletes. The first USPC Tetrathlon Championship was in 1974, and today Tetrathlon is an established discipline at all USPC Championships.

Members also have the opportunity to participate in International Tetrathlon Exchanges.

From left to right: Yasmin Ingham, Ros Canter, Tom McEwen

TRAIL

Trail is an individual competition where a horse and rider negotiate obstacles and are judged on how well they complete each one.

THE GOALS OF TRAIL

Trail courses are designed to showcase the horse’s maneuverability, willingness, grace, training, and obedience, as well as the rider’s horsemanship. The obstacles are inspired by what a working ranch horse may encounter.

COMPETITIONS

Trail competitions comprise multiple rounds that feature courses designed to challenge the mount and rider in many ways. Trail courses can consist of anywhere from eight to 12 obstacles and often include a gate, poles (either raised or on the ground), a bridge, a backing obstacle, water, cones, and a task, such as transferring an object from one location to another. The mount and rider negotiate the speciﬁed course in an allotted time without major disobediences or negatively impacting the obstacle. Each obstacle is designed to challenge a mount and rider’s precision, communication, training, and mental preparedness. There may be a timed portion or an option to plan the most efficient course in some rounds or competitive levels to complete all the obstacles.

OPEN TRAIL COMPETITION

Manager: Sue Ann McClelland

Secretary: Gillian Stover, Erin Roland

Judge: Chris Pepplitsch

Chief Horse Management Judge: Lisa Reader

Assistant Horse Management Judges: Nancy Mac Isaac, Eileen Kirby

DID YOU KNOW?

As the offerings of USPC become more diverse, Trail became an official discipline in 2019.

Trail in Pony Club uses obstacles and challenges similar to those seen in other shows offering a trail class. Members compete on a team of three to four riders with a Stable Manager. At a rally, they will generally complete two to three courses, which may include a traditionally judged trail course, a speed round with a time limit, and a course outside of an arena.

In 2023, Western Trail changed to Trail to allow for the use of English tack, as well as the traditional Western tack.

Starting in 2025, members can also participate in virtual Trail competitions.

WESTERN DRESSAGE

Western Dressage grew from the idea that the principles of classical dressage beneﬁt any horse and rider.

THE GOALS OF WESTERN DRESSAGE

Western Dressage has levels from Intro (walk-trot with simple ﬁgures) to Level 4 (collected gaits, half-pass, pivots, and lead changes) that focus on developing rhythm, balance, relaxation, and suppleness in both horse and rider. The goal is free forward movement on light contact downhill carriage, extravagant or impure gaits are not rewarded.

COMPETITIONS

Competitions are held at many levels, beginning with Intro and Basic Level, and continuing through Level Four. A Western Dressage test is a series of movements, performed at various gaits, designed to test the rider’s ability to communicate with their mount. Each movement is performed at a speciﬁed point in the arena and is scored individually on a scale from 0 to 10. A score of 0 means no portion of the movement was executed, while a score of 10 shows excellent execution. The individual scores are added and then calculated as a percentage of possible points to come up with a ﬁnal score. The highest percentage wins the class. Tests are different for each level and are written so there is a way to consistently measure the mount’s progress through the levels. Judges are looking for accuracy, obedience, suppleness of the

mount, quality of the gaits, and the rider’s use of the aids. There are also musical freestyle Western Dressage tests for individual riders.

SPECIAL AWARDS

Musical Freestyles

Basic: 1st–10th place individual ribbons

Level 1 and up: 1st–10th individual ribbons

WESTERN DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Manager: Caroline Stegeman

Secretary: Lynn du Celliee Muller

Technical Delegate: Laura Brown

Judges: Maureen John ‘r’, Janine Malone ‘R’, Koby Robson ‘R’, and Dot Demis ‘S’

Chief Horse Management Judge: Cindy Medina

Other Volunteers: Brandi Branscomb, David DeCant, and Kathleen Magsam

DID YOU KNOW?

While the Western disciplines are fairly new to USPC, Pony Club members have been riding Western for decades! Pony Club Western Dressage is an excellent way to bring proven horse management programs and classical mounted exercises to a new audience of Western riders.

Pony Club began formally incorporating Western disciplines in 2009. Western Standards of Proficiency for local-level tests (D-2 to C-2) were released in 2012 so that Western riders could progress through the USPC program. In 2024, USPC introduced the Western Dressage certification track, allowing riders to receive local certifications (D-2-C-2) in the discipline of Western Dressage.

Western Dressage was the first Western discipline offered at regional rallies, and the 2017 USPC Festival hosted the first Western Dressage national competition.

Starting in 2025, members can also participate in virtual Western Dressage competitions.

USPC RESOURCE DISCIPLINES

DISTANCE RIDING

Distance riding is a sport where speed and stamina win the race as long as the horse is deemed ﬁt enough. Most races occur anywhere from 25 miles to over 100 miles long, all ridden in one day. Terrain is varied from mountains to desert and everything in between. At a competition, riders are required to stop periodically along an assigned route to pass a veterinary check that determines the horse in good health and ﬁtness to continue.

In Pony Club, the sport of Distance Riding encompasses both Endurance racing and Competitive Trail riding. When participating in Distance Riding, members learn to care for and condition themselves and their horses for a test of determination and stamina.

DRIVING

FOXHUNTING

The sport of Driving includes several different variations: combined driving, which is similar to 3-day Eventing; carriage pleasure driving, which has several different types including, turnout, and obstacle classes; and recreational driving, which does not have a competition component.

Driving is gaining popularity for members at the local levels who enjoy working with horses in a different capacity. Driving is not limited to horses alone, as ponies, Miniature Horses, donkeys, and mules make great driving prospects, as well.

Since 1954, the leaders of The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. have maintained a close relationship with the world of Foxhunting. The four founders of USPC—Dean and Louise Lott Bedford, Alexander Mackay-Smith, and Col. Howard Fair—were all hunting enthusiasts who recognized the importance of training and celebrating youth in the sport, while at the same time developing riding and horse management skills along with leadership and other life skills.

Perhaps most important is that Foxhunting and Pony Club together work to preserve open space and lands and to promote effective land stewardship in order to instill a respect for and understanding of land and its importance to virtually all horse sports. Land stewardship and an understanding of open space preservation have become cornerstones of the Pony Club educational program. This is a direct and valuable outgrowth of Pony Club’s long history with foxhunting.

USPC members can celebrate their Foxhunting ties and accomplishments with the Foxhunting Recognition Program, Live Oak Hounds–USPC Foxhunting Challenge, and the International Foxhunting Exchange.

HUNTER SEAT EQUITATION

Hunter Seat Equitation is derived from the hunt style of riding with a focus on basic, balanced, and effective communication between the rider and horse.

Hunter Seat Equitation demands riders practice correct form, both on the flat and over fences, with the goal of having a picture-perfect clear round that looks effortless. Learning to maintain this balanced position in Hunter Seat Equitation helps to develop the speed and accuracy needed to succeed in Show Jumping.

Hunter Seat Equitation has been incorporated into the Pony Club program as an educational track offering certiﬁcation from the D-2 level through the C-2 level. After achieving their C-2, members move on to the Show Jumping certiﬁcation. Equitation is also a component of Pony Club’s Show Jumping rallies. Riders are scored on how well they maintain a basic, balanced position throughout the entire course.

POLO

VAULTING

Polo is a fast-paced team sport on horseback where each team works to send the game ball through a goal while moving the ball along the ground using a mallet. Polo teaches skills such as hand-eye coordination and communication, as teammates work together to move the ball down the ﬁeld and navigate through the opposing team’s players.

Members are encouraged to compete in polo matches outside of Pony Club at the local and regional level, as well. Pony Club regions may host polo rallies. Many regions of Pony Club host polo clinics in conjunction with the United States Polo Association as an introduction to the game and a way for members to practice.

Vaulting as an activity gives riders the opportunity to improve their conﬁdence, suppleness, balance, and rhythm. Learning how to vault off from any position, as well as achieve good landings, decreases chances of injury from a fall.

Pony Club has had a close affiliation with vaulting since the sport ﬁrst came to America. Elizabeth Searle, who founded the American Vaulting Association (now Equestrian Vaulting USA), brought vaulting to the United States in 1956. She added it to her riding school’s Pony Club program for children who did not have their own horses. The sport continued to grow throughout the 1970s, and USPC officially listed vaulting as an activity in 1975.

USPC FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

COMPETITORS BY REGION

CAMINO REAL

Poppy Binns

Addison Devers

Zemira Dominis

Bea Freels

Lily Guerin

Olivia Moore

Gaelynn SchwarzAustrheim-Smith

Sol Sorenson

Malia Ujiki

CAPITAL

Eve Ackiewicz

Avery Barwick

Eleanor Bayly

Maddie Belles

Sienna Bishop

Macy Dunn

Alanna Embrey

Alison Hardman

Amina Harouna

Josephine Janelli

Brooklyn Moore

Emiliya Nikolaeva

Ella Norman

Hannah Norman

Addie Reed

Erin Reeder

Lilia Rogers

Angelina Rosenthal

Ciana Rutledge

Amelia Schellhaas

Abigail Shabbott

Cornelia Sievers

Claire Superczynski

Maggie Testerman

Tarini Tippa

Gretchen Wolfe

Piper Yates

CAROLINA

Eleanor Anthony

Lydia Bacon

Ella Jean Cox

Anne Laurel Dempsey

Anna Erickson

Estelle Harper

Ella Harris

Sebastian Howard

Isabella Hughes

Audrey Jensen

Isabel Lacson

Penelope Maddalone

Trinity Maddalone

London McCalley

Payden McLaughlin

Lillian Oakley

Marissa Redmond

Landyn Riddle

Alexis Ryan

Emma Shade Kleintop

Kayla Smith

Katie Spross

Hazel Wade

Olive Wade

CENTRAL NEW ENGLAND

Anna Banas-Chen

Aubrey Bedard

Brook Brown

Gianna Calabro

Tanya Campus

Caitlyn Engle

Kadence Hamel

Meredith Hurwitch

Kayson Jacques

Charlotte Lynch

Leyla Sheldon

Aiden Smith

Katie St. Mary

Isabelle Strauch

Glynda Taylor-Calabro

Reese Weiss

Kiki Yolen

DEEP SOUTH

Alden Dorris

Connor Stegeman

Kennadi Terry

DELMARVA

Delaney Abel

Alexandra Bradshaw

Courtney Bradshaw

Erin Dernowski

Brielle French

Paige Geiter

Natalie Griger

Lindsey Groves

Reina Hall

Emma Humble

Jocelyn Hunt

Taylor Kozink

Katherine Mentrak

Madeline Metten

Quinn Parsons

Kendall Reuwer

Marissa Reuwer

Sarah Solloway

Chloe Thibaudeau

Delaney Williams

EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA

Leah Beattie

Brandylola Benedix

Emma Brooks

Audrey Buchanan

Isla Carley

Emma Chin

Jaelyn Coe

Christina Elliott

Julia Francis

Layla Frantz

Adlai Kaplan

Grace Kroboth

Chloe Mann

Madelyn Miller

Kurtis Monahan

Keira O’ConnorReichert

Darby Reinbold

Brooke Sidorsky

Cady Snavely

Annalise Woody

GREAT LAKES

Elsie Brinson

Lailah Diegel

Elaine Fidler

Hannah Fountain

Sophie Fri

Lylah Hadﬁeld

Catherine Koepke

Elena Norrick

McKenna O’Brien

Moriah Orlando

Samantha Slater

Ryla Tengdin

Jacquelyn Walters

Marian White

Baya Wolf

Carolyn Wolf

HAWAII

Sydney Berry

Annabella Driskell

Letesha Driskell

Mahealani Farrell

Hope Fuentes

Harper Ignacio

Laura Little

Elaine Nakagawa

Chloe Platt

Willow Theusch

HEARTLAND

Zoe Driggers

July Owen

Eva Taylor

Melissa Tilden

Ava Walton

INLAND EMPIRE

Sarah Covington

Abigail Durepo

Emma Durepo

Zia Izzard

Maizy Sandoval

INTERMOUNTAIN

Olivia Brown

Courtney Cummings

Alice Macleod

Galena McMahan

Penelope Zook

LAKE SHORE

Else Achenbach

Evelyn Benkard Gaumnitz

Carly Boyle

Laura Boyle

Anika Engelsma

Elise Engelsma

Megan Fargen

Kaelyn Jenkins

Tayte Johanningmeier

Maggie Johnson

Barbara Landes

Elizabeth Moore

Cadence Osieczonek

Lucy Silva

Lauren Werner

MARYLAND

Ryleigh Adams

Chelsea Adkinson

Olivia Baltrotsky

Courtney Bell

Macie Blair

Eliana Boan

Emma Grace Browning-Elam

Madalyn Caiazzo

Phoebe Cavalcanti

Clara Charpentier

Summer Chestnut

KiMani Davenport

Isla Deigan

Madelyn Dietrich

Cochran

Veronica Dobre

Katelyn Donnelly

Olive Dumais

Sadie Edwards

Charlotte Eskeland

Julia Findley

Hope Gaskill

Liam Gaskill

Ella Ruth Goodman

Anna Grasso

Ellie Harris

Sophia Harris

Ayla Havrilla

Elle Havrilla

Elizabeth Hebbel

Eleanor Hilliker

Leah Holt

Audrey Hopkins

Camden Kern

Carly Kern

Brooke LaFountain

Bailey Lightner

Madeleine Liker

Chloe Luedtke

Caroline Magill

Caroline Manthy

Soﬁa Martinez

Eve McMahon

Claire McMillan

Genevieve Murray

Mary Nelson

Scarlett Nossel

Josephine Pavis

Evangeline Rhodes

Quinn Riesse

Aila Rodriguez

Donald Ruths, Sr.

Donald Ruths, Jr.

Regan Ryan

Brooklyn Shives

Dover Saddlery is a proud sponsor of United States Pony Club Festival Best of luck to all riders

Jaidyn Shore

Allison Smith

Waverly Smith

Wilder Smith

Stephanie Usselman

Ava Wehrs

Carolina Weikel

Leo Wise

Ashley Zupan

Shannon Zupan

METROPOLITAN

Denise Avolio

Mianna Cardo

Lily Cutair

Lucas Cutair

William Davis

Rose Goldﬁne

Laura Masiakos

Peter Masiakos

Heather Sullivan

MIDDLE CALIFORNIA

Leila Jones

Georgia Myers

Molly Myers

Soren Smedley

Ivory Woodson

MIDSOUTH

Liliana Amsbaugh

Julia Arbogast

Emily Aschbacher

Mallory Brandon

Millie Bronstad-Hay

Caroline Chevalier

Jessica Dees

Anne Doughty

Savannah Farrell

Ella Graham

Kennedy Hampton

Emma Hardy

Alexis Huebner

Ashley Huebner

Caroline Jenkins

Anna Beth Mahoney

Claire Maloney

Emma McClung

Ava Nieman

Savannah Nieman

Abigail Picou

Gwendolyn Raih

Mayela Salazar

Leah Schwartz

Lilliana Seto

Reagan Smith

Jocelyn Snow

Lila Swanger

Maya Torres

Grace Tucker

Sami Turner

Eliza Warner

Matilda Westrich

Arlena Worm

Ana Young

MIDWEST

Audrey Cornstubble

Karlie Drinnin

Hollynn Hudson

Mae Lieberman

Sophia Lieberman

Elsie Maranville

Mia Maranville

Abigail Moentmann

Booksie Noteboom

Mercy Thies

NEW JERSEY

Mia Bolinder

Mary Cappelletti

Annabelle Carrajat

Colleen Dixon

Kelly Dixon

MacLaren Dorcus

Daisy Flores

Madeline Hall

Olivia Hicok

Jocelyn Larney

Kelcie Lynch

Lily Lynch

Sarah McCombs

Anna Murphy

Adelaide Reist

Lee Rowsell

Hayden Swartz

Elisabeth Tansey

NEW YORK/UPPER

CONNECTICUT

Jaelyn LeAnna

NORTH CENTRAL PRAIRIE

Adelai Archer

Alison Dzierzynski

Ashton Fazio

Deacon Fazio

Bailey Finnestad

Janet Gallagher

Gianna Goodbred

Mary Kolzow

Cynthia Lachey

Mia Lullo

Katie Marchese

Jolene Scholl

Sophie Schroeder

Emmalynn Skalnik

Alyssa Suwanski

Kayla Twaddell

Emma Wheatley

Ketziah Wittenberg

Rebekah Wittenberg

Claire Wunderlich

NORTHEAST

Samantha Beckwith

Emilia Scheemaker

NORTHERN LAKES

Lily Atkins

Anna De Hoogh

Whitney Longﬁeld

Madeline McMillen

Hannah Peterson

Rachel Peterson

Morgan Shield

NORTHWEST

Sarah Braillard

Sarah Fisher

Eva Jackson

Guinevere Kelly

Juliette Kelly

Susan McLain

Avalyn Shinn

Skylar Shinn

Charlotte Tincher

Alice Winslow

OLD DOMINION

Zoe Altizer

Charlie Campbell

Brooke DeCant

Analise Eddins

Angelina Engrem

Isabella Engrem

Christian Harder

Olivia Hickman

Sophie Malone

Adelaide Smith

Amelia Smith

Maggie Thompson

OREGON

Jackie Sherer

Zack Sherer

RED RIVER

Darcy Barnett

Madeleine Bennett

Natalie Boone

Caroline Gibson

Kylie Guarnera

Lilian Pham

Ella Rocky

Savannah Ware

RIO GRANDE

Addison Balderaz

Isabela Cardenas

Riley Cook

Laeken Davis

Tristan Decker

Piper Etheridge

Sarah Foster

Lindsey Howard

Kristin Korns

Ruby Lewis

Zoe Lewis

Anna Palvino

Emma Sanchez

Lucia Sanchez

Ellie Speight

Emma Spielhagen

Annika Swier

Olivia Weathers

Savannah Welty

Allison Wille

ROCKY MOUNTAIN

Avalon Anslyn

Hazel Drees

Jaycee Herrera

Alta Kelly

Victoria Kinard

Leon Marchand

Magnolia Marchand

Lillian McElyea

EllahMae McKee

Emory Morris

Jacqueline Sculco

Hannah Watts

SIERRA PACIFIC

Pyper Arnold

Zoe Avent

Juliana Dabadie

Solea Dixon

Marie-Charlotte Guion

Autumn Henderson

Meghan Hill

Nina Koelemeijer

Josie Malone

Maya Malone

Violet Mufson

Allie Nielsen

Susan Noonan

Holly Olson

Juliet Olson

Sara Ransick

Evelyn Richardson

Audrey Ryan

Zoe Sayers

Mary Shorett

Erica Sklar

Emma Sobehrad

Leona Sobehrad

Natalie Zahradnik

Sonia Zahradnik

SOUTH

Zoe Chhum

Alexandria Clenney

Sienna Coffie

Bryanna Cohen

Caitlyn Cook

Maya Daniel

Lydia Eilinger

Josie Greenway

Danica Heeter

Austin Hermann

Kloie Hicks

Ainsley Jucknies

Anora Jucknies

Elizabeth Junius

McKayla Kelly

Cash King

Summer Kroupa

Anabelle Kurtz

Loralei Marsh

Lucy May McDaniel

Josephine McVicar

Nate Melcher

Kaylee Payment

Chloe Randall

Kendall Rariden

Emily Rawlston

Ada Reitz

Elin Sebert

Joy Stanﬁeld

Victoria Staples

Madeleine Vitale

Sarah Weldon

Hayden Wells

SOUTHERN

CALIFORNIA

Aiden Beaubien

Katie Britton

Christine Brown

Amelia Burgess

Masyn Capraro

Teegan Carthew

Ivy Chadd

Payton Gallitto

Piper Huntley

Imani Hussein

April Kear

Mia Markley

Isabella Mensik

Cassidy Ranes

Christina Ranes

Waverly Ranes

Emma Rosas

DISCOVER

Lucy Szotek

Nessa Veidenbaum

Abby Wittie

Kyleigh Ziegenbein

SOUTHWEST

Yana Carnahan

Tatem Johnson

Scotlynn Penny

Felicity Thunes

Charlie Warner

SUNSHINE

Kendall Bailys

Aubrey Bessellieu

Sophia Bessellieu

Hailey Carr

Sage Clarich

Posey Cleveland

Morgan Cress

Maddie Curry

McKinley Curry

Jessica Dziwulski

Caroline Ford

Juliana Hodges

Denise Honey

Katheryn Hughes

Audrey Johnson

Raelyn McMillin

Mariana Racine

Alexia Ray

Sophia Reilly

Reagan Rich

Addison Roberts

Stella Rosen

Miranda Siegerdt

Clara Sipple

Peyton Smith

Clara Stephens

Piper Van Tassel

Emma Watson

Molly Welz

Ella Wilson

Katherine Wilson

Mattie Belle Yates

Emory Zierden

TRI-STATE

Arabella Bacon

Estella Beckman

Makaila Beiter

Westley Burchianti

Asher Chaky

Bonnie Fisher

Cora Fisher

Emily Garside

Gregory Gebhart

Kaitlyn Gebhart

Suzanna Gebhart

Kira Keith

Samara Keith

Natalie Koch

Avery Lukehart

Celia Otterstetter

Nadia Otterstetter

Mista Reed

Alex Rzepecki

Jamie Saffles

Vivienne Stillman

Lydia Szklinski

Arthur Vogt Pimm

Madison Wade

Lily Wahl

Leonie Weber

Vivienne Zediak

VIRGINIA

Layla Alsaleh

Aubrey Arnold

Hugo Arnold

Wilhelmine Arnold

Mackenzie Aytes

Olivia Barﬁeld

Gianna Bird

Gwendalyn Brannon

Brendi Carley

Omiisha Cheella

Vinisha Cheella

Avery Collo

Brooklyn Collo

Ashley Cosenza

Natalie Cosenza

Addison Cox

Hilah Daman

Willem Daman

Abigail De Michele

WEINBERG STUDIOS

SCAN ME!

Lexi Dodge

Lauren Erickson

Lillian Goeller

Maria Graham

Samantha Graham

Jolene Grover

Jossalyn Henry

Dexter Hoke

Anna Kendall

Imani Kowalewski

Raina LaBonte

Madilyn Mathias

Madison Muldoon

Hunter Myers

Jocelyn Myers

Logan Myers

Evanna Parker

Arya Pearce

Ainsley Riddle

Matilda Rossbach

Zoe Sanborn

Ryleigh Schoﬁeld

Rayna Sheehan

Catharine Shreffler

Nina Shtengel

Eden Lily Sollimo

Alexis Souder

Benjamin Speed

Caitlin Stearns

Lyla Stotler

Anna Townsend

Liliana Young

WESTERN NEW YORK

Emily Cambridge

Landon Cambridge

Rosalyn Coronel

Meghan Davis

Madelyn DeMena

Jaelyn Jordan

Molly Krotz

Molly Mangefrida

Isabella Mantella

Skye Palmer

Olivia Putney

Charlotte Saraceni

Miruna Simina

Bocioaga-Buckholtz

Leeliana Swamp

Finley Thomas

Lydia Tracy

Hannah Worthley

WHITE MOUNTAIN

Amelia Avery

Cooper Chaiken

Katie Crawford

Evan Hare

Talliah Haynes

Trillian Hyde

Riley Stephens

Alana Willey

BE ON THE LOOKOUT NEW PROGRAMS COMING TO USPC

USPC POINTS PROGRAM

The USPC points program allows members to earn points for participating in their everyday USPC activities, as well as regional, national, and international events, while also supporting education, instruction, membership, and all other aspects of Pony Club. For example, members can earn points by attending local events, such as meetings or camps, earning certiﬁcations, or they can earn points by being a participant of a national USPC event, such as USPC Festival or the USPC Convention. Members participate within various age divisions and win awards based on national rankings, and recognition certiﬁcates and pins based on an individual’s total points. This program will be available for members yearly, and points are accumulated within a calendar year. Sign-ups will begin in the fall of 2024.

USPC VIRTUAL COMPETITIONS

Virtual competitions are planned for the disciplines of Dressage, Show Jumping Equitation, Trail, and Western Dressage during non-Festival years (odd-numbered years of 2025, 2027, 2029, etc.). Participating members can enroll regardless of their certiﬁcation level and can participate in multiple divisions/classes. All information, including courses/tests to be done, the rules/guidelines, video requirements, how to upload their videos, and more will be sent to members after entering. Virtual competitions begin spring 2025.

MORE THAN JUST ACCOUNTANTS

Blue & Co is a top 60 accounting and consulting firm that serves clients in multiple industries We help your equine business thrive by taking advantage of taxsavings opportunities, negotiating purchase decisions, and constructing business continuation plans, just to name a few of the many ways we can be of assistance to you

Our equine services include the following:

Accounting and Audit Services

Business Services

Estate Planning and Valuations

Employee Benefits Planning

Information Technology and

Cybersecurity Consulting

Tax Planning and Consulting ... and more!

USPC FESTIVAL EDUCATION SCHEDULE

SATURDAY, JULY 20

7:00 am Championships Competitors Move-Out Complete

8:00 am Education Participants Move-In Begins

8:00 am - 12:00 pm Education Packet Pick-Up*

*Participant packet pick-up available at the Main Show Office.

8:30 am Ride IQ Demonstration in Covered Arena

8:30 am - 10:00 am and 10:30 - 12:00 pm Breeding Shed and Mare/Foal Eval and Management Spy Coast Farm Tour

Available to registered Festival Education participants. Must sign up and get tickets at the Main Show Office. Limited number of spots available. Must have own transportation.

10:00 am Liberty Demonstration by Dan James in Covered Arena, sponsored by the International Liberty Horse Association

11:00 am Longeing Demonstration #1 in Covered Arena

1:00 pm D Camp Participants and Parents Brieﬁng at the Stonelea Pavilion

1:00 pm Education Participants Brieﬁng for all Participants and Families at the Covered Arena

1:45 pm Longeing Demonstration #2 in Covered Arena

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Thoroughbred Sport Clinic, in the Covered Arena sponsored by Retired Racehorse Project.

SUNDAY, JULY 21

7:30 am - 11:30 am D Camp in the Annex warmup

8:00 am - 11:30 am Mounted and Unmounted Clinics

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Working Equitation Demonstration in Walnut Arena

1:30 pm - 5:00 pm D Camp

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Mounted and Unmounted Clinics

MONDAY, JULY 22

6:30 am - 7:30 am Early Morning Foxhunt, meet at the Steeplechase tower

7:30 am - 11:30 am D Camp

8:00 am - 11:30 am Mounted and Unmounted Clinics

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Working Equitation Demonstration in Walnut Arena

1:30 pm - 5:00 pm D Camp

1:15 pm - 5:00 pm Mounted and Unmounted Clinics

TUESDAY, JULY 23

8:00 am Education Participants Must be Moved Out

USPC FESTIVAL WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

Detailed workshop schedule will be available online the week of Festival and in participant packets.

ANATOMY AND CONFORMATION

Understand basic anatomy and conformation of your equine partner. Presented by Susan Rose, The Bowen Technique. Sponsored by the American Association of Equine Therapists and Technicians (AAETT)

BODY WORK TECHNIQUES AND HOW THEY AFFECT EQUINE BODY SYSTEMS

Learn more about the equine body systems and how bodywork techniques connect messages to the horse’s nervous system with the aim of restoring balance within their body. Presented by Susan Rose, The Bowen Technique. Sponsored by the American Association of Equine Therapists and Technicians (AAETT).

PRINCIPLES OF CONDITIONING

This workshop will focus on understanding temperature, pulse, respiration (TPR), conditioning terms, and the Henneke body condition scale. Focus will be at the C level but is applicable for all levels. Presented by National Examiner Marlie Nauta.

LET’S WRAP: THE BASICS OF BANDAGING

This will be a hands-on session. Come learn proper techniques and materials for bandaging equine legs. This session is for anyone, but be sure to have proper footwear to participate. Sponsored by Absorbine.

EQUINE LEG ANATOMY AND BUILDING AN INTERACTIVE MODEL

This session will overview the anatomy of the equine leg, followed by an activity to make a horse leg.

You will leave with the skeletal bones and tendons/ligaments in a model with labels and pictures. A handout with directions and a list of needed materials will be available for anyone participating. A member can use the information to teach at their clubs/centers and regions. Limited to 100 participants. Sponsored by Absorbine.

HOW TO RESPOND IN AN EMERGENCY

What to do before your vet arrives and what is best to have in your everyday equine medical kit. Presented by Dr. Rachel Thomas from Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.

HORSE MANAGEMENT TOPICS: D AND C LEVELS

This workshop will be presented by various Pony Club alumni covering nearly all of the topics and based on the Standards of Proﬁciency. Check the schedule for speciﬁc topic and times. Organized by National Examiner Kim Lowman Vollmer.

INTERESTED IN LIBERTY?

Come check out this exciting demonstration of the Liberty discipline featuring different horses and styles of Liberty—all available for horse lovers of all ages and abilities to show at International Liberty Horse Association shows. Plus, learn more about the upcoming Liberty Festival and Amber Marshall of Heartland’s ﬁrst-ever event appearance in the U.S.! This demonstration will be on Saturday, July 20, at 10:00 am in the Covered Arena.

LEARN SOME THINGS YOUR FARRIER KNOWS!

In this session, we will go over the tools that a farrier uses to take care of your horse’s feet, as well as the steps they use to put on shoes. Presented by National Examiner Marlie Nauta. Sponsored by Absorbine.

LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY

DEMONSTRATIONS AND INTERACTIVE MODELS

These opportunities will take place in the Covered Arena Concourse at the LMU booth throughout Festival Education. LMU has brought some of their famous teaching models, such as transtracheal wash, bovine displaced abomasum, foal umbilical ultrasound, equine endoscope, equine nasogastric intubation, LMUterus, and so much more! Make sure you check out the schedule at their booth.

LONGEING DEMONSTRATIONS

National Examiner Stacy Anderson, DVM, MVSc, PhD, DACVS-LA, will demonstrate longeing of a Training Level and FEI-level Dressage mount. The demonstration will include information on what is being evaluated by Examiners during the longeing block at a national certiﬁcation. It will also include longeing training theory. If time permits, the presenter will longe an unfamiliar horse to demonstrate the requirements of the H-A certiﬁcation.

LONGEING LESSONS

National Examiner Stacy Anderson, DVM, MVSc, PhD, DACVS-LA, will observe a 30-minute longeing session with members longeing their own mount. Instruction will be provided to improve longeing technique and address training of the horse on the longe. Preference will be given to members who plan to pursue national-level certiﬁcation in the next 12 months. Sign up at the Main Show Office.

TEACHING RIDING INSTRUCTION

Would you like to be an excellent riding instructor? Through learning teaching techniques, how to write a successful lesson plan, observation, and engagement with our top instructors, you will learn the ins and outs of teaching riding lessons. Heather’s goal is to help you understand Pony Clubs teaching mission, learn how to engage your students, encourage your enthusiasm for teaching, and experience how rewarding teaching can be. Recommended for C-1 and above, as well as instructors. Supports H-B and H-A candidates in their teaching requirements. With National Examiner Heather Bell.

POLOCROSSE MIDFIELD WORK

This unmounted session will be active (please wear closed-toe shoes, no flip flops) to allow you to learn how to carry the ball down the ﬁeld, as well as what to do when you are defending against the other team. The racquet and ball will be used to help show the skills needed to work as a team. Bring your own racquet, if you have one. This session will work best with at least 6 participants.

POLOCROSSE ENDZONE

Learn maneuvers used in the endzone when you are the #1 trying to score, and when you are the #3 defending. Racquets and balls will be used, and this will be an active session (please wear closed-toe shoes, no flip flops). This session works best with a partner, so plan to bring a friend to learn about the fun sport of Polocrosse. Bring your own racquet, if you have one. This is an unmounted workshop.

RETIRED RACEHORSE PROJECT THOROUGHBRED SPORT CLINIC

Designed for Thoroughbreds who are established in their competitive careers, the RRP Thoroughbred Sport Clinic grants spectators the opportunity to see ex-racehorses at a more advanced stage of training. An industry expert clinician guides riders on their Thoroughbreds through exercises and training techniques designed to further training in their chosen discipline.

TRAILER SAFETY AND CHANGING A TIRE

A skill set that is worth your time to learn and understand.

NUTRITION: DIFFERENT FEEDS FOR DIFFERENT NEEDS

This workshop will look at the nutritional requirements for different horse breeds, different disciplines, and any particular common conditions. Presented by Kentucky Equine Research.

BODY CONDITION SCORING AND READING A FEED LABEL

Presented by Dr. Clair Thunes. Sponsored by Triple Crown Feeds.

SHOW JUMPING COURSE DESIGN

Presented by Course Designer Jack Nash.

SPECIAL SPY COAST FARM TOURS

These tours will be for Festival Education registration participants on a ﬁrst-come ﬁrst-serve basis. You must sign up at the Main Show Office and sign a Spy Coast Farm waiver to attend and receive instructions.

Tour options include:

TOUR: REHABILITATION AND FITNESS—EVALUATING LAMENESS

Spy Coast Farm offers a state-of-the-art rehabilitation and ﬁ tness center in Lexington, Ky. The facility operates as a referral center where specialized staff and highly experienced sports medicine veterinarian Julie Vargas, DVM, works with each horse’s primary veterinarian during their course of treatment at our facility. The Spy Coast Farm Rehabilitation and Fitness Center is designed to help all breeds and disciplines recover from a variety of injuries, including soft tissue injuries, wounds, post-surgical layups, and bone bruising or fracturing. They are also able to assist with yearling and young horse sales prep, strengthening exercise for show horses, and postfoaling ﬁtness.

During this tour, participants will get to tour the Rehabilitation and Fitness Center, exploring the various therapeutic modalities we utilize for treating horses, as well as interact with Dr. Vargas through a hands-on lameness demonstration that evaluates gaits and movement of the horse.

TOUR: FACILITY DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT

Located on 800 acres adjacent to the Kentucky Horse Park, visitors will be given the opportunity to explore the different facets of Spy Coast Farm and learn how they have grown to be a major player in the show jumping community. Guests will tour our stateof-the-art rehabilitation and ﬁtness center, stallion barn, CEM quarantine, young horse development center, equine education center, and reproduction center where our mares and foals reside. Touring these facilities provides a great opportunity to learn about show jumping and how horse management,

training, and care differs from other equine industries. Tour participants will also get the chance to discuss the facilities and barns from a facility management standpoint and how it compares amongst the different divisions on the farm.

TOUR: REPRODUCTION AND BREEDING

Over the years, North American hunter and jumper enthusiasts have purchased many of the world’s most elite mares and stallions. Spy Coast Farm believes that it is important to utilize these valuable resources in order to create a talented and more affordable pipeline of North American-bred sport horses. Spy Coast Farm seeks to facilitate this process by offering ongoing advice, support, and services to those interested in breeding their mares or collecting their stallions. Join us as we visit the stallion station and CEM quarantine to meet our eight stallions on site, watch a collection, and dive into the lab for a tutorial on semen analysis. We will also discuss what CEM is and the protocol we follow for quarantine of imported mares and stallions located at this part of our facility. Participants will also get to visit our reproduction division to discuss mare and foal management, as well as the reproductive technologies used at Spy Coast Farm.

WORKING EQUITATION DEMONSTRATIONS

These will occur at lunch (12:00-1:00) on Sunday and Monday in the Walnut Arena. Grab your lunch and come watch!

WORLD CLASS GROOMING

With professional grooms Cat Hill and Emma Ford. Sponsored by Trafalgar Square Books, with support from Shapley’s.

There are ﬁve different World Class Grooming sessions to choose from:

STABLE MANAGEMENT

Excellent for D-level members and parents (barn tour/ lecture)

Compassion and what it means in the barn; everyday training of your horse; how safety and efficiency go hand in hand; farrier schedule; and vet schedule.

CLIPPING

Hands-on session

Why? When? How? Clip styles, prepping for clipping, taking care of the clipped horse, and blanketing.

COOLING OUT HORSES CORRECTLY

Hands-on session/lecture

How to cool out in winter versus summer; how to take care of the tired horse; when to water, feed hay, and grain; understanding what TPR (temperature, pulse, and respiration) tells you about your horse and how to cool out accordingly; cooling out an elderly or inﬁrm horse; and using and applying Flair strips.

SHOW TIPS

Hands-on session

Show prep, coping at a one-day show, making your horse comfortable at a stay over, fancy ﬁ nishes, quarter marks, white socks, shiny coats, and studs (why, when, size, how).

BRAIDING

Hands-on session

When to braid (what method, materials, and technique to use), tails, and mud knots.

Special thanks to Shapley’s, the official USPC Grooming Product Sponsor.

*Check the printed schedule for any changes and additions.

USPC FESTIVAL MOUNTED CLINICS

Mounted clinics during Festival Education are offered in the following disciplines: Eventing cross-country, Distance Riding, Dressage, Mounted Games, Ground Training/Horsemanship, Hunter Seat Equitation, Show Jumping, Trail, and Western Dressage.

There are two morning riding sessions and two afternoon riding sessions each day, Sunday and Monday, July 21 and 22.

Those registered as mounted/unmounted participants, or parents/leaders/friends are welcome to audit (observe) any of the mounted clinics. Pick up a clinic schedule at the Main Show Office on Nina Bonnie Lane or at the Information Booth in the Trade Fair for clinician schedules and locations.

Information about each riding clinic offered during Festival Education:

EVENTING CROSS-COUNTRY

Participants will get to school the wide variety of obstacles the Kentucky Horse Park has to offer and work on pace, terrain, and techniques necessary to compete in horse trials. Includes clinics from Starter to Modiﬁed.

Clinicians: Colleen Rutledge, Ciaran Thompson, Mary Schwentker, Jennifer Merrick-Brooks, Cathy Wieschhoff, Allie Sacksen, Richard Lamb, and Mandy Weissmann

DISTANCE RIDING

Sponsored by the Arabian Horse Youth Association

This is a fun, comfortable trail ride over the easy terrain of the Kentucky Horse Park. Participants will learn the procedures used in Distance Riding, ranging from pace to conditioning tips and taking temperature/pulse/respiration (TPR) skills.

Clinician: Rae Birr, DVM

DRESSAGE

Participants in the Dressage clinics will work on components necessary to successfully ride dressage tests and improve the performance of their horse. Clinicians: Ann Hill, Debra Sue Waters, Sarah Morgan, Stacy Anderson, Terri Rocovich, Reese Koffler-Stanfield, Susan Perellis, Joan LeuckWaak, Sue Kolstad, Karen Brown, and Jane Kelly

MOUNTED GAMES

Riders will learn the basic skills needed and pick up some secrets to success from an experienced coach and Pony Club alumni. Clinician: Ashley Johnson

GROUND TRAINING/HORSEMANSHIP

HUNTER SEAT EQUITATION

In these clinics, emphasis will be on good equitation and harmony with their horse. Clinicians: Deb Willson and India Anderson

SHOW JUMPING

In these clinics, participants will emphasize good equitation over fences and Show Jumping course-riding skills. Clinicians: Deb Willson, Sarah Shade, Karen Marcotte, Daniel Stewart, Kim Goto Miner, and India Anderson

USPC FESTIVAL MOUNTED CLINICS

TRAIL

We are excited that Trail is a new riding clinic this year. English or Western tack is acceptable. Riders will learn how to negotiate obstacles using their horse’s maneuverability, willingness, grace, training, and obedience, as well as their horsemanship skills. Clinician: Chris Pepplitsch

WESTERN DRESSAGE

One of the fastest-growing disciplines in the country. Come learn what type of tack to use, how Western Dressage riders train, and what judges are looking for when riding a test. Clinician: Terri Rocovich

FOXHUNTING

Come watch or participate in the early morning Foxhunt run by the local Iroquois Hunt at 6:30 am on Monday morning, July 22, 2024. Typically, this is a slightly foggy morning, and both horses and hounds are excited to ride through the cross-country ﬁelds at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Help Support USPC's Special Opportunities & International Exchanges!

Your donation to the International Exchange and Special Opportunities Fund helps offset expenses to USPC as a host country and supports all of USPC's Special Opportunities.

Scan to donate to the International Exchange and Special Opportunities Fund or to a specific USPC International Exchange Team. INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGES

The hosting country of an International Exchange is responsible for all expenses, including travel, lodging, food, horse rental, sightseeing, and any special activities and unexpected expenses. USPC Team members fundraise for a portion of each exchange, but it is the responsibility of USPC for providing an exceptional experience to guests from other countries. The fund also aids in the purchase of uniforms to International Exchange teams.

USPC is responsible for organizing events and providing uniforms for USPC teams in Games, Show Jumping and other disciplines as scheduled.

www.ponyclub.org/Activities/International-Exchanges

ADD AUTOGRAPHS FROM ALL OF THE FRIENDS YOU MAKE AT THE 2024 USPC FESTIVAL, OR WRITE DOWN SPECIAL MEMORIES HERE.