SPRING 2021 | NO. 161
STORIES THAT INSPIRE: ANDIE SUE ROTH VIRTUAL EQUINE SYMPOSIUM AND CONVENTION WRAP-UP PREPARING FOR FESTIVAL
Photo Courtesy of Susan J Stickle Photography, SusanJStickle.com
Spring 2021
Issue No. 161
Published by the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. 4041 Iron Works Parkway | Lexington, KY 40511-8483 | Office 859-254-7669 President
website: ponyclub.org uspc@ponyclub.org
Ben Duke
inquiries@ponyclub.org
Executive Director
shopponyclub@ponyclub.org marketing@ponyclub.org
Teresa Woods
communications@ponyclub.org
Director of Marketing and Communications / Editor
development@ponyclub.org
Samantha Smith
executivedirector@ponyclub.org
DISCOVER USPC, The Official Magazine of the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. is published three times a year by the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. and mailed to Pony Club families and Corporate Members. Readers are encouraged to submit ideas or articles for publication. Address all correspondence to the Editor, at the above address. USPC reserves the right to refuse any advertising or copy that it feels is not in the best interest of the membership of this association. USPC is not responsible for the opinions and statements in signed articles and paid advertisements. These opinions are not necessarily the opinions of USPC and its staff. Pony Club recognizes that equestrian head-gear that does not meet USPC Policy # 0810 is not safe, although certain equestrian activities pictured in this magazine may not adhere to these requirements. Change of address must be made six weeks before date of publication for next issue to be delivered to a new address. Address changes can be made to your USPC member profile online or by mail. POSTMASTER: send address changes to United States Pony Clubs, 4041 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511-8483. ABOUT ADVERTISING: Pony Club does not endorse any publication, service, or product. Advertising in DISCOVER USPC, The Official Magazine of the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. does not imply any such endorsement; nor does Pony Club warrant as to the accuracy of any claims made by such advertisements that claim to meet Pony Club needs or requirements. Advertising does not necessarily reflect the standards and practices of Pony Club.
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CONTENTS 38
In Every Issue Letter from the Executive Director 7 Letter from the President
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Letters to the Editor 12 Just for Fun 34 Member Spotlight
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I am a... Board Member
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Good Grooming Goals
42
Nutritional Notes
44
36
Department Updates 50
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Features Stories that Inspire: Andie Sue Roth 14 Virtual Equine Symposium and Convention Wrap-Up 22 Festival Preview
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Preparing for Festival 30 Designed by Sophie 35
On the Cover: Andie Sue Roth
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Meet the New Marketing and Communications Director 40 Annual Fund Inspiration
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LOVE THE HORSE FIRST BECOME A MEMBER SECOND
THREE PHASES, TWO PARTNERS, ONE GOAL #BetterTogether | www.useventing.com
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR A couple of Pony Club “firsts” set a great tone for the year ahead. The 2021 Virtual Equine Symposium and Convention kicked off the year with more than 500 Pony Club members, volunteers, leaders, and equine enthusiasts connecting, learning, and enjoying a variety of online activities and fun. This, Pony Club’s first ever virtual event, was followed by the USPC Virtual Quiz Rally. Exceeding our highest expectations, 900 members participated in a friendly competition to test knowledge and possibly qualify for Festival 2021. While 2020 had unexpected twists and turns, many of these twists and turns led to creative thinking and innovation, highlighting Pony Club’s resilience and adaptability. Pony Club will continue to capitalize on this momentum, and innovation and technology will remain a focus as we will continue to improve and enhance the delivery of programs, educational opportunities, and accessibility to members and leaders. Perhaps now, more than ever, technology has changed how we do business, how we learn, interact, and go about our day-to-day routines. However, there is no substitute for real connection with friends, real experiences that can be touched, felt and seen, and new adventures and joys that can be shared with others. As we eagerly await the day when we can be together again, know that the plans for Festival 2021, to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park from July 19 - 26, are moving forward. The National Office staff along with many dedicated volunteers are working diligently to provide an exceptional and safe Festival experience for all. One can never truly know what is ahead in any given year, but what we do know is that Pony Club is, and will continue to be, guided by mission and by purpose, and committed to providing the USPC program and education to all who desire to learn, and to share the love of horses and community. Have a great and safe spring!
Teresa
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Pony Club is a wonderful mix of fun, learning, competition, and life lessons. As many of you know, I was fortunate to grow up in Pony Club myself, as a member of the Platte Valley and Cherry Creek Pony Clubs in Colorado. I joined in 1964 and was fortunate to graduate as an “A” in 1974. Those ten years certainly shaped my life in so many ways. Not only did I learn a great deal about riding, in all sorts of disciplines I never thought I would try, but even tried some I never particularly liked (such as dressage)! I was an avid foxhunter with the Arapahoe Hunt, and had tremendous fun competing in eventing. In
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Colorado we pushed the Pony Club model to its limits with mountain trail rides, camps, hunter trials, polo matches, along with traditional rallies. I was particularly lucky to have had the wonderful experience and opportunity of having our horses right at home on our farm outside of Denver. The responsibilities learned for the care of our equine companions continue to guide me today on our ranch in eastern Colorado. During my youth, when going to Pony Club, we merely groomed and tacked up our horses, mounted, and rode maybe four or five
miles to our mounted lessons, always held on the same wonderfully dedicated grounds, complete with riding rings, cross country jumps, and standards, rails, and barrels for stadium courses. We were lucky, indeed. Our instructors were a cadre of remarkable horsewomen, all of whom saw the rich value of a Pony Club education. They were so unselfish with their time and talents. They donated their time and became surrogate mothers to us all. Believe it or not, at one time, Platte Valley Pony Club had nearly ninety members, including about fifteen boys!
We were divided up into groups of fifteen to twenty, according to our ratings (now certifications), age, and general abilities. The lessons always began with exercises, flatwork, and other things that we boys thought were exceedingly tedious. But, to make it more palatable to us, our main instructor would always end the flatwork lessons with formation riding, telling us that military precision made for competent riders! We loved it! And boy, did it develop a set of riding skills that have stuck with me nearly six decades later. Pony Club in Colorado, during the 1960s, was pretty far removed from the heart of Pony Club activity found along the Eastern seaboard, California, and the Midwest. Our rallies always were run following every Pony Club guideline and rule, but, admittedly, we were isolated and somewhat naïve. In the late 1960s, one of our DC’s (she also was our RS) decided we needed to be exposed to the “real” Pony Club world. She took a group of us to observe the National Rally (we now call them championships) in Bath, Ohio. I believe it was around 1969. We were in awe! And, we immediately informed our DC that our goal was to compete in a National Rally. For the ponyclub.org
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next few years, the Midwest Region, light years ahead of the Colorado Region in terms of sophistication, graciously invited a team from Colorado to compete at its Regional Rally. We might as well have been going to the Olympics, as far as we Pony Club members were concerned! It opened our eyes to a whole new level of riding and competition.
Then, in 1972, the Pony Club National Rally was slated to be held in Omaha, Nebraska! It seemed as though that was right next door to us, only ten hours away! What many today probably do not know, is that for many years the National Rallies were for “B” and “A” competitors only! The “A’s” competed as individuals, and the “B’s” could compete either on Club teams or Regional teams. At the Rally in Omaha, there were about 15 individual “A’s” and nearly 200 “B’s.” As I recall, there were about 25 Regional Teams and 15 or so Club teams. It drew competitors from all over the United States. We from Colorado had never experienced anything like it before. It was a beautiful competition, and I made many friends that I continue to see to this day. The best part for our Colorado team was that Pony Club was so consistent with its training, expectations and rules, that we felt completely at home and were warmly welcomed by our colleagues from across the nation. To this day, I think that many of the competitors from the Eastern U.S. were surprised to see us using English saddles and wearing traditional hard hats and not cowboy hats! Our team did not do particularly well, but we had a blast and were able to take home to Colorado a Pony
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Club experience that made us seem like celebrities! Best of all, though, was the fact that we had, firsthand, experienced the magic of a national Pony Club activity and competition. In the end, we were no different from those coming from Virginia, California, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Ohio, or New York. We all were Pony Club proud. As Pony Club members and families converge on Lexington, Kentucky, later this year for our Festival, even if it looks a little different from previous years due to COVID-19, it will produce the thrills, friendships, educational opportunities that the 1972 National Rally held for me those many years ago. I encourage each and every one of you to cherish the Pony Club traditions that make these national gatherings so special and so magical. I guarantee that you will remember this Festival with the same fondness that I have for Omaha. And, regardless of how you get to Pony Club activities, and no matter how your instructors, DC’s and other dedicated volunteers teach and take you through your paces, remember that Pony Club has been built on decades of tradition, dedication, knowledge, safety, and fun. I am confident that each Pony Club member today has surrogate “parent(s)” just as I did many years ago. I cherish every Pony Club memory that I have; I use my Pony Club skills daily; the very foundations on which I operate today all are directly traceable to my Pony Club upbringing. I know that the same will be true for each and every one of you! We all are blessed to have Pony Club! Don’t you agree?
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2/20/21 6:39 AM
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR I wanted to share something that happened [in January] this weekend in our region (Sunshine) with our local Pony Club (Wekiva Basin.) For months, our members had been looking forward (with great anticipation) to our regional Dressage Rally. Our little club FINALLY had enough members to make a team. Everyone got busy, planned and prepared for the big day. About a week and a half prior to the rally, one of the members had a family member diagnosed with COVID. Our dream team now had a snag, one of our riding members would have to quarantine; leaving us one member short for an already short team! Thankfully, one of our super seasoned rally moms presented the "extraordinary circumstances clause" from the 2021 Dressage Rally Rulebook and the region allowed our team to proceed as a two member riding one member stable manager team. 2. In extraordinary circumstances when a short team (three rider team) becomes a shortened team (two rider and one stable manager), prior to the start of competition, the following team scoring will take effect. A. In the event of the competitor being removed completely from the team. Ghost Horse Management scores will be determined per the Horse Management Hand book. Ghost riding scores will be determined by averaging the riding scores of the two remaining competitors. B. In the event of the competitor no longer being able to participate in the riding portion of the competition. They shall continue to earn Horse Management scores, and ghost riding scores will be determined by averaging the riding scores of the two remaining competitors. Please note: The above scoring is not to be used in a 4 man team’s loss of a rider or mount. Only to be used with a 3 man team rather than losing a team completely from the rally.
The show could now go on as they say. The best part of this story is yet to come - these extraordinary team members remembered the MOST IMPORTANT thing about being a "team!" Even though their teammate could not be present physically, they decided they would come up with a creative way for her to be an ever present reminder of what it means to truly be a team. The attached photos say it all and I am extremely proud of our members and their initiative. They are learning so much more than just preparing for a rally thanks to Pony Club! Thank you Pony Club for always finding a way to make opportunities available to our members - even in extraordinary circumstances! Submitted by Allison Thomas, DC Wekiva Basin Club
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Dear Pony Club, This is my heart horse, Q, short for Quicksilver. I am a Maryland Region Pony Club member. Q is my Make A Wish horse after battling Leukemia for two and a half years (20182020). He brings me so much joy and happiness. He loves jumping the most but really enjoys anything. He loves treats, and is not picky at all! I am currently leasing him while his owner is at college. He is a 17-year-old Welsh Pony and Percheron cross. He has competed up to C-3 in Eventing with his owner and I am riding him at the D-2 eventing level. This summer I wasn’t able to compete him much except for the dressage rally. I also was able to do the pony swim at my barn this summer and he loved the water!! Thank you for the opportunity for allowing me to share my heart horse with you! Audrey Juliana is very excited to announce her new pony, Max! She is a 7-year-old D-1 and excited to show him off this year! We are with the Pleasant Ridge Pony Club Riding Center in Cresco, PA. Submitted by: Jessica L. ponyclub.org
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Stories that Inspire: Andie Sue Roth
By Samantha Smith, Director of Marketing and Communications
M
eet Andie Sue Roth, an inspiring USPC Member from the Middle California Region. Andie Sue is an amputee rider with an incredible passion for riding and horsemanship. She is a C-2 certified member in Horse Management, Dressage, Traditional Eventing, and Western. Andie Sue also has an incredible support team - her mother and her trainer - who also happen to be Pony Club members. Here are their stories:
Andie Sue pictured with Centeno. Photo courtesy of Lindsay McCall.
Disciplines involved in:
Mostly Dressage and Eventing. I have achieved the highest level offered in the Western track so other than trail riding, I am not doing much Western training. I also like Games Rally and Tetrathlon, especially the shooting phase. There are so many fun things to do in Pony Club so I pretty much do anything that comes up!
Tell us about your current mounts:
My family has three horses and two of them are my show horses, the other is a trusty trail horse named Sage. He is a Quarter Horse and we say he is 1/4 horse and 3/4 couch! He’s the same guy every day and loves to go out on trail. Cape Royal “Blue” is my newest Club/Region: OTTB and he is such a sweet puppy dog guy. He In the Irons Pony Club, Middle raced for many years, so he is learning a new job with California Region. dressage and we are going to do our first First Level test next month. I also want to do lower level eventing with Years in Pony Club: him just to keep things fun. My goal is to do at least 8 years Third Level with him. I think he has so much talent and Current certification: he is just the most willing and kind horse ever. Indiana I have my C-2 certification Tamalpais is my Morgan eventer and Pony Club fun in Horse Management, horse. He loves to do everything from cattle drives to Dressage, Traditional dressage, trail riding and games. I have done every Eventing, and Western. rally with him and he goes to all the Pony Club camps either with me as the rider or loaned out to other Pony Certifications currently working on: Club members who need a reliable mount. Tam thinks H-B Horse Management and C-3 Dressage. everything is his favorite thing. I just love him!
Andie Sue Roth
Left: Andie Sue pictured with Aniko. Photo courtesy of Barbie Roth.
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Andie Sue and Barbie. Photos courtesy of Lindsay McCall.
Tell us about your goals in Pony Club:
I am working on my H-B for Horse Management and my C-3 in Dressage. I am planning to go to Kentucky for Festival this summer if it’s not canceled. I would love to also do my C-3 in Eventing too but I would need to borrow a horse to go that level.
What is your favorite thing about Pony Club?
My favorite thing about Pony Club is that there are so many activities to do and over the years I have tried everything that my region offers. I even got to play polo! My very favorite thing though is that as I went up the levels, I found that what seems like a small network of local clubs is actually a HUGE network of Tell us about your goals with riding: connections that far surpasses what I ever thought. I I am working right now on moving up a level with have met people coast to coast who have a common all my dressage tests. Blue is coming into First Level thread in Pony Club. We even connected with a Pony (and I am SO proud of him!) I will be doing Second Club in China when I visited there last year! Level next month with my leased horse, Sunny, and I am working on the FEI Grade 5 Para Equestrian Unfortunately, the timing didn’t work out to visit in Novice Tests A and B to use with borrowed horses for person but it was really amazing to know that there the National shows and Development List designation are Pony Clubs all around the world with kids just for Para Dressage. Long term? Paralympics, Paris like me! 2024.
What is one thing you would tell younger members first joining Pony Club? I am 16 right now and will be graduating next year Tell us about your life goals:
which is a year early from high school. I plan to start taking my certificate classes at the local junior college to become a contractor and classes toward a business degree. I really want to build big barns! I love math and I really like to build things, so this is what I have always wanted to do. I have a big goal to compete at the 2024 Paralympics, but I know I will need to continue with my studies, so I have other opportunities as well.
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Do all the things. Don’t worry if you don’t know how or if you might think you’ll look dumb. The only way to learn what you like is just to get out there and do all the things.
What is your favorite way to prep for a HM certification?
I take the HM standards for my next certification and start looking them over right after I have completed the one before it. I try to incorporate the standards into my daily routine with my horse as much as I can.
I also have been mentored by some of the best. I have she was super happy to find that USPC allowed HM found that the trainers I have benefitted the most from to be taken separately and that there were so many have had Pony Club in their background. disciplines offered. It allows people to participate in different ways with success.
If you could try out any other discipline or activity, what would it be and why?
How do you balance riding, school, and social / I have tried so many of them but I have never gone extracurricular? foxhunting! That sounds like so much fun!
Favorite Pony Club memory:
C-Camp at Eventful Acres in Oregon House, CA, was the best time ever. I got to go with several of my friends and met so many more. C-Camp is very relaxed and after the day clinics, we did a lot of bareback riding, grazing the horses and eating ice cream. Flashlight tag at night was really fun too. My friend made a really awesome video of our time there and I watch it often and smile. It is an experience that was indescribably amazing and I will never forget it because I have never had so much fun.
What makes you #PonyClubProud?
It makes me #PonyClubProud to know that USPC has changed their certifications to include so many disciplines and has separated out the HM sections from the riding sections. It helps Pony Club be inclusive and diverse so that more people can benefit from the teaching. When my mom was in Pony Club, it was just traditional Eventing. She is a B graduate but was lucky to have a horse that could do everything at that level. Some of her friends could not finish that high of a certification because they didn’t have a horse who could do that level and didn’t have the means to lease or connections to borrow one. When I was little she wasn’t sure if me being an amputee would limit my riding ability so
I don’t. It all mushes together and some days are just crazy. I am homeschooled but I take enrichment classes two days a week with other homeschooled kids. Most days I can ride in the morning before the after school rush at the barn. But between full training with Blue at the barn, several days a week on Sunny, the upper level dressage horse I lease, the other two horses at home that need riding and care, my days go by pretty quickly. The best social time is at horse shows with friends or when we end up at the barn together on Saturdays and can go on a trail ride. We like to all go cross country schooling together and those are always fun because everyone is watching each other and laughing at the weird things that happen. We really cheer for each other too.
What is your favorite hobby or activity outside of riding?
Fishing, hiking, adventuring. I love being outside. Our family business is cattle ranching so we spend a lot of time on the ranch. I will take any spare minute and go to the lake and fish, Of course, I am super competitive so my brothers and I have bets going about who gets the biggest fish all the time. So far… I am winning.
What is your favorite thing about riding?
I am able to hop on my horse and forget about everything else. I can just focus on what is in front ponyclub.org
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of me at the time, either my current goal or what exercises I am working on with my horse. But some days are just about getting on and feeling connected and peaceful. Life seems to stop when I mount up and I can just be in the moment.
As far as specific challenges that come with being an amputee equestrian? It took a while to figure out the right design for my riding leg. I have three legs; a walking (every day) leg, a swimming (beach) leg and a riding leg. Everyone always asks me if I have one What is a specific personal challenge you have of those blade running legs. I think those are cool but faced in the equestrian community? then I would have to RUN! So, no. My riding leg is I have had only one really negative experience designed differently than my walking leg because because I am an amputee and a coach once refused to it curves in a little and has some articulation in the work with me because of it. I was young and didn’t ankle area so I can have a “heel down” on that side. really understand but it was pretty upsetting to my mom. Mom trained me for a long time herself then we found Kyana Sazegari and I have been with her ever since. Other than that, I have just had my share of disappointments at shows or days where I feel like my training is not going how I would like but honestly, I am too busy to think much about those things. I have not had a bad day yet that didn’t have something good or something funny come of it so I just look at it as an opportunity to do better next time.
Andie Sue pictured with Centeno. Photo courtesy of Lindsay McCall.
I do a lot of the adjustments myself and I carry an Allen wrench to shows with me in case things need to be tweaked a bit. It is not comfortable to walk in but I do end up wearing it several hours a day because I don’t want to bring my extra leg to switch between rides or classes at a show.
Andie Sue pictured with Rebecca Hart. Hart, who has hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), has competed in around the world, including three Paralympics and four World Equestrian Games. She gave Andie Sue her personal best ribbon for her freestyle at Tryon in October. Photo courtesy of Lindsay McCall.
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When I am riding, I band my stirrup to the girth and my foot into the stirrup with breakable hair bands. I have an amazing prosthetist, Eric, at Shriners Hospital who has made my legs the last few years. He really listens to me and what I need. I have a box of legs in my garage because as I grow and change, I need new ones. And, I’m pretty hard on my legs so they are pretty thrashed by the time I grow out of them and I have a lot of broken feet in that box!
Andie Sue pictured with Aniko. Photo Courtesy of Susan J Stickle Photography, SusanJStickle.com
What is an area where you could see the Is there anything else you would like to tell us? equestrian community or sport improve?
I think that the local shows are undervalued in our community and I think more people should see them as ways to give their horses experience without costing too much money or going too far away.
Tell one of your favorite memories or stories in general with riding:
It is hard to choose a favorite memory of riding because I love that I am able to ride my horse all the time. I love the connection and feel when I am riding and I can’t remember a time when I haven’t enjoyed it. But, I do have a funny memory to share. My mom, her friend, Karen and I trail ride a lot and when I was younger I had a hard time keeping my stirrups or I just wouldn’t bother to put on a saddle to go off riding. We live close to the base of a mountain and one day, we were riding through the neighborhood and my prosthetic leg kept falling off. My mom dismounted twice to get it and then finally decided to go into a neighbor’s driveway and put my leg on the front of their horse trailer. She texted them and said, “Hey, this is kinda a crazy text, but I put Andie Sue’s leg on the front of your horse trailer and I will come back to get it later.” The neighbor wrote back that it WAS the craziest text she had ever gotten! When we finished our trail ride, we went to pick up my leg and our neighbor had filled the socket full of mini chocolate chip cookies. We all had quite a laugh about that and we had snacks for the way home!
Only that I am grateful to be on the cover of this month’s magazine! The horse I am riding in the photo is Aniko, owned by Lisa Hellmer of LCH Equestrian in Ocala, Fl. I met Lisa when I was looking for a horse to ride at The Global Dressage Festival in Wellington for a National ParaEquestrian competition. She asked my mom to send her my resume to see if she knew of a horse I could use for training and the competition. When she saw my resume included so much with Pony Club, she was so excited! She is a graduate B and though I had lots of things listed like show wins, grants and articles, she was most excited about my Pony Club accomplishments. What that showed her was that I was willing to train hard, do the work and knew how to take care of Aniko the way he should be cared for. Aniko is her own personal horse who she has poured her heart into. I was so excited to come to her barn and meet him. He was every bit as wonderful as she described him to be, so for him to be on the cover of the Pony Club magazine with me is a great honor.
Barbie Roth When did you begin Pony Club?
I was about 7 and had my little Shetland pony named Tony. I was just in the process of buying my first show pony who was the cutest (and fattest) little Connemara mare. ponyclub.org
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applied to my whole life. Because of rallies, I know how to organize a trailer and get to a show. Because I was actively involved until I aged out. Now I am back involved as a parent of two Pony Club Members, of certifications, I know how to present myself and the District Commissioner of our local Pony Club, In be on time. Because of turnout inspections, I know the Irons, and I am the Vice Regional Supervisor of how to focus on details and organize my time wisely. Because of stable management, I know how to work Membership for Middle California Region. as a team. These life skills are all part of Pony Club…. What certification level? horses just get to be the medium for learning. B Traditional Eventing.
How many years were you actively involved?
What advice would you give to young equestrians trying to get involved with the I am a mom and have homeschooled all my kids. sport? What do you currently do?
My older kids are in their 20's and are off on their own. I am still homeschooling Andie Sue and her younger sister, Kaysie Li. I teach 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8 grade students at our local enrichment group and until COVID changed a lot of things, I was still teaching beginner riding lessons at home. My very favorite students are the ones who love horses but never have had a lesson. I love to teach grooming, tacking and I say “up, down, up, down” all day long and love it so much!
How did Pony Club influence your life and where you are now?
I think it is really important that recreational equestrians remember that they have a lot to learn and that there is not a timeline to get there. They should find a coach that is invested in the process, not just the product. By recognizing that, they can learn skills while having fun safely. Having goals is a great thing, so use the Pony Club standards as a method of incremental learning! But don’t be so hung up on being a particular level by a certain time, that you forget to be a partner to your horse and enjoy the ride.
Pony Club greatly influenced me because I know that I learned the gold standard of horsemanship that has So funny... I don't know why I was crying! Well, yes I do. I "rode" that dressage test right along with her, breathed out every downward transition and lifted every step. To see it all come together so beautifully was really just so sweet. It wasn't perfect, but it was perfect in that moment. I could see the smile on Andie Sue's face and I knew she was so proud of Centeno. The thing is, with a big stallion like that, if he wanted to leave the arena, or buck her off or do any number of things, he absolutely could. But he is such a gentleman, he just doesn't. He's a special horse for sure. I looked at Leoni "Button" Baker and she said, "Oh my gosh are you CRYING? Why are you crying??" Just as I started to answer I saw that she was crying too. Then we started cracking up laughing at each other. "I'm not crying, YOU'RE crying". It was hilariously ridiculous. Button and Andie Sue really hit it off that week. I know Andie Sue came away not just feeling like she had an incredible coaching experience but a friend as well.
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Barbie watching Andie Sue Ride. Photos courtesy of Lindsay McCall.
-Barbie
Spring 2021
Lisa Hellmer When did you begin Pony Club? I became a member in 1999.
How many years were you actively involved?
I was an active member from 1999 through 2009 right up until I aged out (when the age out was 21).
Andie Sue and Lisa with Aniko. Photo courtesy of Barbie Roth.
What certification level?
I am a Traditional B (now known as Eventing).
What do you currently do?
I currently own my own training business in Ocala Florida called LCH Equestrian. We have a dressage training facility where we use a unique cross training approach to dressage, utilizing my background as an eventer and Pony Club member to keep our horses happy. I really enjoy the benefits of cavalletti work, trail riding and working outside of the arena to improve the dressage horses we work with.
What advice would you give to young equestrians trying to get involved with the sport?
Pony Club was the foundation to my equestrian education and has helped me over and over throughout my career. Before I even decided to become a professional, the life skills I learned in Pony Club I used everyday and in many of my other jobs. As I have gotten older, been through the ranks of working
student, assistant trainer and now owner of my own training facility, I still feel my Pony Club education is an enormous asset. When I have hired working students, I know which ones have done Pony Club and those are the ones I want to work with! They are organized, understand the horses, are able to ask questions, always want to improve themselves and most importantly are good horse people. It cannot be overstated how valuable that is in any kind of work place - whether in the stable or not. My advice to those looking to get involved in the sport is to use your Pony Club experiences to help you. Ask questions, LISTEN, observe and never stop learning. Everyone you work for has something to contribute to your own wealth of knowledge and if there is anything Pony Club teaches you, it’s that there is always more to learn. Take any opportunity you can and work for other professionals. See how they do it, and stick it out for a while, through the good, the bad and the ugly. Take each opportunity as a way to expand your vocabulary. Work as a team and be the best horse manager you can be - because oh my gosh does it make my heart sing when another Pony Club member steps in my barn and can appreciate how “Pony Club” it is. It is safe, tidy, and most importantly horses and riders are happy.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
The reason I was initially so drawn to Andie Sue was because she was a Pony Club member. It was not because of her many other accolades, which there were many and don’t get me wrong, impressive. But what made me as a trainer want to help find Andie Sue a horse was how her mother spoke about her experience as a Pony Club member. Because of that I knew we would speak the same language and I knew the education she had received. I trusted her to with my horse and they were tremendously successful together after just a few rides. Because she was a Pony Club member I also offered her this opportunity at a discount, because I want to support fellow Pony Club members just as I had been supported. I did many certifications on someone else’s horse, borrowed horses for all my USDF medals and to this day still don’t own a big time horse of my own. But using the Pony Club foundation and support I was able to use other people’s horses and I want to be able to pass that along as best as I can, as I did with Andie Sue. ponyclub.org
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VIRTUAL EQUINE SYMPOSIUM AND CONVENTION WRAP-UP By USPC Staff 2021 Virtual Equine Symposium 2021 Virtual Equine Symposium and and Convention hosted by USPC Convention hosted by USPC a success
Pony Club members, leaders and equine enthusiasts connected online January 27-30 for the 2021 Virtual Equine Symposium and Convention, hosted by the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. More than 500 attendees from seven time zones logged in during the event for a blend of live and on-demand educational opportunities, with over 75 workshops, live presentations, networking sessions and interactive learning experiences on a variety of equine topics. As an added benefit, meeting attendees will enjoy access to all content on the digital event platform for the next six months. Based on attendee feedback and requests, registration was reopened during the month of February for anyone who missed the event but would like to access recordings of the live and on-demand sessions. Representatives from 41 United States Pony Club Regions plus attendees from international Pony Club organizations participated in the event, working to expand Pony Club programming for current and future members. In addition to educational workshops, attendees enjoyed a variety of online activities, from viewing research project fair entries and exploring the anatomy lab to shopping the virtual trade fair and exhibit hall. Pony Club members got advice to prepare for horse management at certifications and rallies, and workshop tracks focused on leadership, instruction, veterinary care, and riding disciplines.
National Youth Congress
The convention welcomed 14 delegates to the 2021 National Youth Congress as well as honoring the inductees into this year’s Academy of Achievement: Royce L. Evans-Mason, Emily Harvey, and Sara Lieser.
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Pony Club Awards Presented at the 2021 Meeting of the Corporation
Pony Club members, leaders and equine enthusiasts gathered online January 29 for award presentations at the 2021 Meeting of the Corporation, taking place during the 2021 Virtual Equine Symposium & Convention, hosted by USPC. Four clubs received recognition for their dedication and longevity, marking milestone anniversaries with USPC. The Olympus Pony Club (formerly named Vashon Island Olympus) in the Northwest Region and St. Margaret’s Pony Club in the Maryland Region received 50-Year Club Milestone Awards, while Rose Lake Pony Club (Great Lakes Region) and Shaker Valley Pony Club (White Mountain Region) were honored with 25-Year Club Milestone Awards. Two national-level members received special recognition for achieving Pony Club’s top A-Level certification, with the presentation of awards sponsored by Stites & Harbison Attorneys. Members Anna Douglas (Lakeville Pony Club, New York/ Upper Connecticut Region) and Kim Goto Miner (Santa Rosa Valley Pony Club, Camino Real Region) both earned their A certifications in 2020. The Brookfield Land Conservation Award was presented to Groton Pony Club in the Central New England Region for their ongoing efforts to preserve and maintain the Hazel Grove Fairgrounds for equestrian use. This annual award is made possible through a generous donation from the van Nagell family of Lexington, Kentucky, and rewards the efforts of clubs, centers, regions and members who are active in and help promote land conservation and stewardship through various projects.
"Excellent job! The event was well organized and very informative. I learned a lot and look forward to future conventions." - Survey Response "The attendees of the National Youth Congress were extremely intelligent, thoughtful, and motivated to make positive changes in the equine world and beyond. At the end of the NYC experience, I felt energized and hopeful for our future because of the youth who attended. I was also very impressed with the organization of the virtual NYC experience this year - kudos to the organizing team!" - Emily H.
"Even if you have to go back to the normal symposium, you should offer an online option for those who can’t attend!" - Survey Response
"I was so fortunate to be able to join virtually in the NYC this year; the virtual aspect made it highly accessible to me, since it is difficult to take time away from my work. I felt like I was helping with significant work and I look forward to seeing what my group’s proposal grows into!" - Darcy B.
"Thank you for holding a great symposium. I am sure it was a lot of work and you were blazing trails but it was very good and we sincerely appreciate the effort." - Survey Response
"NYC was a great way to meet new people and come up with ideas to make USPC even better." - Jessica B.
Thank You to the Sponsors of the 2021 Virtual Equine Symposium and Convention hosted by USPC
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The Flash Teamwork Award went to Woodside Pony Club in the Middle California Region. Located in the Bay Area of Northern California, Woodside Pony Club members jumped into action when wildfires were burning and threatening thousands of acres in the surrounding area this past fall, preparing over 30 stalls and working together to care for evacuated horses. “The amazing teamwork around this was like nothing our club has ever seen before,” shared Karen Flores, who submitted the winning entry. “In such a scary and uneasy time, this club came together for the greater good of their community. They demonstrated not only their horse management skills learned in Pony Club, but also the core values of horsemanship, organized teamwork, respect and service that are the foundation of our organization.” Winners of the USPC Research Project Fair sponsored by Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation were announced, judged by a panel of experts from veterinary, scientific and equine backgrounds and showcasing the work of Pony Club members of all ages and certification levels. The highest scoring individual experimental project belonged to Janna S. (Deep Run Hunt Pony Club, Virginia Region) who presented her work, “Evaluation of Various Cryotherapy Methods.” Charlotte H. (Hinkson Valley Pony Club, Midwest Region) earned the top score in the Individual Literature Review Category with her project, “When Carrots are Painful: EOTRH Syndrome.” The top-ranked group literature review project was “Ow! My Metacarpophalangeal Joint!” submitted by “The Three Musketeers” from the Midwest Region: Michaela F. (Mill Creek Pony Club); Alaina M. (Hinkson Valley Pony Club); and Lillian K. (Mill Creek Pony Club).
and deep connection to the Pony Club community she has enjoyed through her years in the organization. Healy, who has volunteered with numerous youth and community organizations in the course of raising five children, cited Pony Club as the foremost in developing character, leadership, confidence and a sense of community. “It’s been a privilege to give back to an organization that gives us so much. Pony Club is more than an organization; it’s a family, and I love my Pony Club family.”
Thank You to our Sponsors
The 2021 Equine Symposium & Convention was possible thanks to the support of our sponsors, including the Arabian Horse Youth Association, Aurora Pharmaceutical, Flair Equine Nasal Strips, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, Small Bytes, LLC, Specialty Program Insurors, and Stites & Harbison PLLC Attorneys, as well as USPC corporate sponsors Kerrits, Shapley’s, Triple Crown Nutrition, Wintec, and The Horse.
Mark Your Calendars
The 2022 Equine Symposium & Convention hosted by USPC will be held January 26-30, 2022, as Pony Club will “Seas the Magic” with the Old Dominion Region at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott in Norfolk, Virginia.
The meeting concluded by celebrating the recipients of the USPC Founders Awards for 2020, recognizing longtime volunteers Lynn du Celliee Muller and Cindy Healy for their dedicated service to Pony Club. “I am grateful to have found Pony Club for my children, and as it turns out, for myself as well,” shared du Celliee Muller, noting the many friendships ponyclub.org
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Up Nex t:
FESTIVAL PREVIEW
Find out what fun awaits this summer at USPC Festival 2021 presented by SSG Riding Gloves and sponsored by State Line Tack. By Liz Moyer, Fundraising & Marketing Coordinator Festival is a special event for Pony Club. Held every three years at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, it’s a celebration of the best that Pony Club has to offer with a weeklong schedule of competition, clinics and workshops. The 2021 event promises to be even more special since we’ve had to wait a whole extra year for it to happen. Pony Club members have shown tremendous resiliency in adapting and rising to the challenges presented in the past year by the global pandemic, and Festival is no exception. Plans for USPC Festival 2021 presented by
SSG Riding Gloves and sponsored by State Line Tack are well under way—be sure to save the date for July 19-26.
“The postponement of Festival from 2020 hasn’t dampened the excitement of putting together a world-class event, and USPC looks forward to hosting our membership
at the Kentucky Horse Park for Festival 2021,” says Erin Woodall, USPC Activities & Events Director. While she explains that the event will look a little different, without spectators and with the addition of masks and social distancing, Woodall says you can expect the show to go on with safety measures in place. “With this in mind, the organization is closely monitoring Kentucky Horse Park event parameters, as well as local, state, and national health guidance regarding the pandemic,” she says. “Stay tuned for updates and information about
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how USPC is working to provide “Whether you would like to test a safe and fun experience for our your skills against competitors members.” from other regions, or you would like to learn more from some of the top educators and judges, you Something for Everyone Festival is unique part of the Pony will find that Festival is the place Club experience. It’s the triennial for you,” offers Woodall. gathering (meaning it’s held every three years) of United States Pony The first Festival was held in Clubs members from all across the 1983 and featured five USPC country, coming together for eight Championships disciplines, along days of competition, education with educational clinics. The event and friendship. While spectators has continued to grow, with an may not be allowed for 2021, the estimated 3,000 attendees in recent competitions and events require years. significant volunteer power. Therefore Pony Club members, Championships in Eight leaders, volunteers and families Disciplines can all find a way to be involved Festival kicks off with the USPC at Festival either as a competitor Championships, where members or volunteer. from across the country compete
for USPC National Champion titles in eight disciplines. Championships competition includes Dressage, Eventing, Games, Polocrosse, Quiz, Show Jumping, Tetrathlon and Western Dressage. To recognize the most recently added Pony Club disciplines, Gymkhana and Western Trail invitational competitions will also be held in conjunction with Festival in 2021.
Education for All
Festival offers a three-day weekend full of educational opportunities for all levels, including clinics, workshops and instruction from a wide range of experts. D Camp and the Mock Fox Hunt are two popular activities that are traditionally part of Festival education, and
Finding Festival Info Keep an eye out for more details on the Festival page of the USPC website: ponyclub.org/ Events/Festival Be sure to follow Pony Club’s social media channels and email newsletter to stay up to date on Festival and all things Pony Club.
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horses and Pony Club,” explains USPC’s Erin Woodall. “Lifelong connections are made during the event through the many teambuilding experiences.” The tradition of Festival continues to grow in importance to Pony Club through the years, along with the event itself. If you come to Festival, you’re sure to leave with friendships and memories to last a lifetime.
Festival instruction covers a variety of competitive and resource disciplines as well as unmounted education from grooming tips to H-B and H-A prep.
horses to Thoroughbred champions. Festival offers a chance to both visit and ride at the legendary venue. Lexington, Kentucky is known as the Horse Capital of the World for good reason. Located in the heart “Come participate in Festival of Kentucky’s beautiful bluegrass education and have a chance to ride horse country, it’s an equine and school cross country, learn how paradise that’s home to more than to play polocrosse, or maybe earn 450 horse farms. a spot to ride with Lendon Gray in her Dressage4kids program,” urges Pony Club Connections Connie Jehlik, USPC Instruction The USPC is a national organization Director. “It’s also a very special with 41 regions and more than 500 way to experience the Kentucky local clubs and riding centers. Horse Park on horseback, such as Festival is the one event that brings riding in the Rolex Arena.” members from all regions across the country together to ride, compete, Location learn and celebrate what Pony Club The Kentucky Horse Park is like is all about. Disneyland for horse enthusiasts, with museums and multimedia “Festival provides an opportunity exhibits, plus live horses of all for members from across the breeds to meet and greet, from draft country to share their joy of
Thanks to our 2021 Festival Sponsors:
Day by Day Guide to Festival Monday, July 19
Competitors can move their horses into the Kentucky Horse Park between noon on Monday, July 19, and noon on Tuesday, July 20.
Tuesday, July 20
• Briefings and jogs for all disciplines. • Opening ceremonies start at 6:30 p.m. in the Rolex Arena.
Wednesday, July 21
• All disciplines begin competing.
Thursday July 22
• Quiz Championships competition concludes. • Quiz awards. • Member Showcase. • Competitor Party.
Friday July 23
• Mounted discipline awards.
Saturday July 24
• Education participants can move their horses into the Kentucky Horse Park between 8 am and noon.
Sunday, July 25 Monday, July 26 EQUINE INDUSTRY PROGRAM
• Educational clinics and workshops.
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PREPARING FOR FESTIVAL IN KENTUCKY, JULY 2021
BY RAE A. BIRR, DVM
condition and plateau for a little while and then add to your base. No matter how well-trained your mount is, the travel and weather conditions in Lexington will be a drain on the horses and they need to be properly acclimated. Conditioning muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and cardiovascular system is a balancing act of adding enough stress and strain to get the body to add more strength without over-doing the stress and causing break down of tissue and systems. This statement is not meant to be alarming but to show that there is some art, not just science, to a good conditioning program!
So you have decided to come to the Kentucky Horse Park for Championships and/or Educational rides in July, 2021! Great news and congratulations on Monitor your mount regularly. Know your horse’s resting pulse, respiration and body temperature embarking on a fun and busy plan! parameters. Check them before you ride. Follow It is not too soon to be preparing for your trip to pulse especially as you add more riding time and Kentucky. You have horse athlete conditioning, stress. How long does it take your horse to return human athlete conditioning, equipment preparation to a resting pulse after you gallop around the pasture such as: tack, rally equipment, truck and trailer, or jump a Show Jumping course? Look for the time feed, a travel itinerary, and do not forget Regional it takes to return to resting levels to be reduced even logowear. Many areas need attention prior to arrival as you add more strenuous activities to your rides. When you cannot get a rapid recovery (10 minutes or in Lexington. less) then you are pushing too hard and need to back This article will cover some of the points of getting off your program a little, perhaps even give an extra your horse fit and arriving safely to the hot and humid day off. Monitor tendons and ligaments for heat, pain Kentucky Horse Park in July. Even if you live where or swelling (the definition of inflammation) before the summer temperatures are routinely hot and humid, and after your rides and be prepared to reduce the there are still some conditioning pointers to consider. stress if there is inflammation. Know your horse and learn more about his responses to exercise stress. Write a conditioning plan—just like you would need for your H-B certification. If you are not yet an H-B, you can ask for help from an National-Level Pony Club member or a trainer. Plan weeks ahead to prepare your mount for the heat, humidity and exertion we will expect in July. If you are dealing with winter weather that limits riding, be sure to start slowly and increase exercise in a routine manner when regular riding can occur. Horses have amazing muscle memory so if one has ever been fit before it is easier to regain the last level of fitness than it is to start with a horse that has never been fit. The trick with a horse that gains fitness fast is to not over-condition and not push them too fast. It is appropriate to gain ponyclub.org
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Ride in the heat of the day. Ride more than once a day. These steps will help you and your horse be ready for the heat in Kentucky. Do your horse a kindness by going to the barn to ride when the air conditioning is where you want to stay. Help acclimate yourself and your horse to be ready to do your best.
for protection from dust and debris in the horses’ eyes and ears. Fly scrims or window screens are safest. Never travel with the horses’ heads outside the trailer. As a veterinarian, I have seen horrendous injuries and death when horses can hang their heads out open windows while traveling down the road.
Help your horse learn to enjoy cool baths. Sometimes this takes the use of bucket after bucket of water rather than a hose but be sure you and your horse have developed a method that is low stress for cooling out. And remember that water acts to transfer heat from the horse’s body so you want to be constantly replacing cool water with large volume of water (perhaps a hose or mister) or dousing and scraping the hot water off and replacing with new cool water (sponging). A fan can help enhance evaporative cooling in humid air. Keep going with cool water until the skin is cool to the touch and does not heat back up after scraping or drying.
Plan to travel in the cool of the day. Make stops every few hours to offer water and potentially a walk outside the trailer. Find safe locations to stop, off of interstate highways and away from large, noisy truck stops. Even if you do not unload the horses, 30 minutes of standing still gives the travelers a needed break from balancing in the trailer. Rule of thumb: 200 miles riding in the trailer is the same muscle work out as riding 50 miles. They have to work to stay standing in a moving trailer. Untying their heads so they can drop their head down will help drain the mucus that accumulates in the airways and lets gravity assist the normal mucus clearing mechanisms. It is a good idea to remove manure and soiled shavings as you travel. Riding in our air-conditioned trucks and cars, we do Manure and urine incubate bacteria and fumes that not realize how hot it can get in a horse trailer. A are noxious to a horse, even when there is good air good plan for long travel over baked roads is to add an flow. extra layer of mats to your trailer. This helps insulate the horses’ feet from the heat radiating off the road Carry water from home with you. Many horses will surface. The extra padding is also good cushion for refuse unfamiliar water and the last thing we want is a joints standing for long hours. Be sure you have good dehydrated horse in Kentucky. Sometimes it works to air flow through the trailer with adequate screening flavor your horse’s water so they are used to a certain
◦ Plan ahead ◦ Have a conditioning plan ◦ Research itinerary for stops and overnights ◦ Prepare the truck and trailer for safety and comfort ◦ Offer stomach-soothing snacks while traveling ◦ Supplement electrolytes ◦ Bring water from home
taste to water. Try this at home before you head out this summer. A few teaspoons of flavored gelatin granules can sometimes mask new water. Be careful not to use too much flavoring. They don’t need the sugar. Try to work over to plain water when you are settled. Carry enough water with you for drinking, truck engine needs, and horse cooling. In extreme heat, having ice in a cooler may help with needed cooling. Horsemen have different ideas about feeding horses in a trailer and this article will not address all of those ideas but it is important for the horse’s system to have food moving through and plenty of moisture for normal digestion. Feed a snack of soaked hay cubes or hydration hay or hay tea (soak hay in cold water and offer the resulting “tea” to drink) with or without some stomach support such as aloe vera juice, UlcerGard or Purina Outlast. Practice with your chosen snack before you embark for Lexington. Introducing a new food while traveling may upset a horse's stomach. Electrolytes are salts that circulate in the bloodstream and fluids of the body. Horses lose gallons of liquid and these salts when they sweat. Supplementing electrolytes may be a good idea or even a necessity for good bodily functions in heat and humidity. A simple recipe for electrolyes is 1 part table salt (NaCl) and two parts Morton Lite Salt (mostly KCl). A heaping tablespoon is a basic dose and can be given in feed, water or by syringe. Supplementing electrolytes is appropriate for trailer travel in heat and before during and after strenuous exercise. Practice giving electrolytes at home and find the best method to get your horse to accept them. Fresh water should always be available even when you offer electrolytes in water. If your horse is not drinking well, do not give electrolytes to stimulate thirst. While a bag of salty potato chips will make a human want to drink more water, salt does not have the same effect on horses and electrolytes without adequate hydration will serve to dehydrate a horse more.
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Traveling with horses can be an adventure. Make plans ahead of time so that you can have fun as you travel to Kentucky this summer. See you there! ponyclub.org
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Just for Fun
Spot the Difference Can you find 5 differences in these two pictures?
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Answers on page 47
DESIGNED BY SOPHIE
Meet Sophie Wayner, the winner of the Kerrits Junior Designer Contest just for Pony Club By Liz Moyer, Fundraising & Marketing Coordinator
a love for dressage, along with equine massage, and the pair is now schooling Third Level together. Sophie says Andy, a former fox hunter, likes to share his love of jumping with her as much as she likes to share dressage with him, and they are schooling First Level movements. In addition to riding, Sophie also has fun teaching her horses to do tricks. “They both are beginning to learn how to Spanish walk, and Libbie can do many tricks like saying yes and no, bowing, kissing and smiling,” she says. “They are truly my best friends and the joy they bring to my life inspires many drawings in my sketchbook each and every day. Andy’s cartoonish body figure and silly personality along with Libbie’s curviness and sassy character makes them perfect to appear in my artwork.”
Last summer, USPC official apparel sponsor Kerrits asked Pony Club members to share their creativity by designing their dream pair of riding tights. You responded with an incredible outpouring of imagination to be part of the Kerrits Junior Designer Contest for the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. “This year’s Junior Designer Contest produced many wonderful entries from passionate young riders who will be future leaders in our industry. They truly inspire us, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds,” says Sara Florin, Kerrits senior director of branding and marketing. It was hard to choose just one design from all the amazing and creative entries, but at the 2021 Virtual Equine Symposium & Convention hosted by USPC, Sophie Wayner was revealed as the Pony Club’s top junior designer with her winning creation, “Wear Your Grey Mare.”
Sophie did the original sketch by hand and developed it into her finished design using an iPad. The Kerrits team then brought it to life, creating the tights and T-shirt Sophie is modeling in the photos, with bigger plans in the works. “Sophie’s design immediately caught our attention. It is so artfully created, and we love that it was inspired by her two unique horses,” says Kerrits’ Sara Florin. “We also feel the entire Kerrits audience will share our enthusiasm for her design, which is why we are so excited to make the tights and matching tee available for purchase this spring.” The riding tights and T-shirt featuring Sophie’s designs will be available at Kerrits.com and at your local tack shop starting in May 2021. In addition, every member of Sophie’s club will receive a free outfit thanks to the generosity of Kerrits. “It is truly incredible,” says Sophie. “I am so thankful to be able to share my artwork with this brand and Pony Club.”
Nineteen-year-old Sophie is an H-B/C-2 Dressage member of Somerset Hills Pony Club in the New Jersey Region who enjoys dressage, quiz rallies and local horse management teaching. “It’s still hard to believe that my design was chosen by Kerrits, a brand I have grown up with and have known since I began riding as a kid,” says Sophie. “The first time I saw my original artwork on a T-shirt and riding pants sent to me in the mail, I was speechless!” Sophie’s design was inspired by the two horses in her life, Andy, a Haflinger, and Libbie, a gray Appendix mare. Sophie credits her “heart horse” Libbie with leading her to discover
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By Mary-Courtney Gaddini, Marketing & Instruction Coordinator Meet sisters Macy and Emme! Both are H-B/C-2 Dressage certified members with Ramona Vicente Pony Club in the Southern California Region. They both show in Dressage, and absolutely love Pony Club! Name: Macy and Emme Age: Macy: 16, Emme: 14 Club: Ramona Vicente Pony Club Region: Southern California Region Years in Pony Club: 3.5 Years Disciplines & Activities: Dressage Current Certifications: H-B, C-2 Dressage Tell us about your current mount(s) and what you do with them: Macy: I ride a Fresian/Gypsy cross. We bought her green broke and with the help of Pony Club have brought her through to Second Level in dressage. We also trail ride. She is a great horse and easy going. Emme: I ride an American Trakehner. We are currently working on the FEI junior tests (Second/Third Level dressage). He is a school master for me and has taught me so much.
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Tell us about your goals (with USPC, riding, life): Our goal is to achieve our A certification in Dressage as well as the highest Horse Management level. We would like to continue this journey with horseback riding through our adult lives and give back to Pony Club what it has given to us. Macy is interested in becoming a CHMJ (Chief HM Judge) when she is old enough and Emme is interested in achieving national level examiner.
If you could try out any other discipline or activity, what would it be and why? Games! We have played around with the Games rally events and they are super fun, fast paced and exciting! If we had smaller horses we would definitely give games a shot!!
Favorite Pony Club memory: Hands down, Pony Club camp. We attend every year in our region. It's the perfect combination of riding, horse management and ridiculousness with our friends What is your favorite thing about Pony Club? We love the relationships we have made and the people we met at Pony Club Champs! We also see the strong skill set of have stable/horse management skills. We love the camaraderie of meeting a stranger and having Pony Club in common .
What makes you #PonyClubProud? When we set an equestrian goal and achieve it. We know Pony Club was a major factor in the success of the achievement. We wear out PC pins which sets us apart.
What is one thing you would tell younger members first joining Pony Club? It is very rewarding if you commit the time to mastering the knowledge that is available to you in the manuals, with trainers and through alumni. What is your favorite way to prep for an HM certification? Group studying - If you can get together in a group and go through the actual materials - this creates the best way to remember. Hands-on practice of what Pony Club teaches on a daily basis and you will pass the HM, no sweat! ponyclub.org
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I AM A... Board Member Deb Kirsch
I am a Board member and I am involved in whatever is needed at the time: from instruction, to organizing, to being an officer. I enjoy my role as a Board member because I got so much out of Pony Club when I was a kid - it truly shaped who I am today - and I want to help create that opportunity for others. I enjoy being a leader because I get to work with amazing, dedicated people from around the country.
Lisa Evans
I am a past Board member and current Chair of the Advisory Committee. Growing up with horses, I appreciate the hard work and support so many young riders require to develop and test their skills as equestrians. As a banking professional, I also appreciate the significant impact great instructors and mentors can make to develop the skills of young leaders. Community involvement is important to me as an expression of gratitude, a way of giving back. I enjoy being a leader in Pony Club because I feel good knowing my efforts are helping to advance the mission of the organization and provide much-needed support and programming for members. More importantly, I feel good knowing positive experiences such as those gained in Pony Club can open doors to self-discovery and give members and volunteers a sense of their own potential and a base from which we all continue to learn, grow and succeed.
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Yvette Seger
In Pony Club, I am a wearer of many hats! Most members know me as a Chief Horse Management Judge – and my crazy, colorful socks that I wear when judging. In this role, I have a front row seat to everything Pony Club taught me in my teenage years: excellent horsemanship, teamwork, and self-advocacy. Each rally provides an opportunity to help members develop new skills and celebrate their progress through the Standards of Proficiency. I am also a Committee Leader, having chaired several committees in both the Activities and Instruction Councils, as well as Board-level committees. In those roles, I have had the opportunity to contribute to the Pony Club curriculum and ensure learning environments that are safe – and fun! Committee leadership ties into my next role within Pony Club – member of the Board of Governors. This is where I learned about the “business” of Pony Club. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Pony Club is dependent upon the network of club, center, and regional volunteers to implement programming, but the true heartbeat is the National Office staff. Board members are responsible for the “big picture” – the confluence of the work from the different layers of Pony Club to fulfill our mission to develop character, leadership, confidence, and a sense of community through equestrian sport. Finally – and most importantly – I am a Pony Club member. The ability to rejoin the active member ranks 15 years after “aging out” has provided a new appreciation for all the work that goes into every aspect of Pony Club – from club lessons and certifications, regional clinicals and rallies, and national certifications and Festival. Regardless of one’s rank on the Standards of Proficiency, there is always something new to be learned from Pony Club! ponyclub.org DISCOVER USPC | 3 9
Meet the New Marketing and Communications Director By Ray Ingandela
There’s a new face at the United States Pony Clubs’ National Office! Meet Samantha Smith, our new Marketing and Communications Director. Although she is responsible for a lot of things—promoting Pony Club, editing the magazine, logo design and maintenance, social media growth, etc.—my impression, when I interviewed her, was that she is well-qualified to handle it all. She brings to USPC her vast experience from roles on her career path. Sam is originally from Upstate NY where she first was introduced to horses. Her father and grandparents owned harness horses and she always asked to take riding lessons. At ten years old, she began riding at a hunter-jumper barn called Gallop On Farm with Linda Connors. Four years later, her parents bought her first horse, a seasoned Appendix Registered Quarter Horse named Kas. Together they had so much fun in American Quarter
Horse Association (AQHA) shows in Hunt Seat Classes plus loads of local shows. Lots of hoofbeats later, Samantha left for college and sadly
leased (and later sold) her aged horse to a deserving new rider. Fortunately, for us, she opted to school at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. Her love of horses steered her towards a major in Animal Science with Animal Industry Specialty and a minor in Biology. At UK she discovered Kappa Delta Sorority AND the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). By the time her Junior year rolled around, she was President of the 70-rider
team. She also spent time as an undergraduate research assistant in the College of Agriculture for Dairy Sciences. After college she worked at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute as a technician in the Internal Medicine department. She most recently spent the last five and a half years at The Jockey Club working with Industry Initiatives for horse racing. Experience at The Jockey Club ranged from supporting after-care initiatives, regulatory research, assistance with running various horse shows and conferences, and much more. Her biggest accomplishment was to design and manage a project developing an Electronic Treatment Record System, which is now being implemented in three racing jurisdictions. On the side Samantha also runs a design company which specializes in custom art, graphic design, and marketing consultation.
Thoroughbred that needed to be re-homed. The horse was a three year old born on the year that his half-brother (out of the same mare) won the Derby. This was so exciting for the farm where he foaled, that they held a naming contest. The winning name was Superfection. Sam kept this as his show name and assigned the barn name Shaylon. For now, Sam and Shaylon are content with Hunter Classes at 2’6”. At home, she shares snuggles with Owen, her Boxer/Hound cross pound puppy. Samantha fell in love with Lexington the minute she moved here in her UK Freshman year. (Really, what horseperson wouldn’t?) She loves the area and considers this her permanent home. She is very excited to have found this new role at Pony Club and can’t wait to help such a great organization “where it all begins”.
In 2013, a friend in the racing industry helped her find a
LEFT: Owen helping with barn chores RIGHT (Top to Bottom): pictures from the University of Kentucky; working at Hagyard in Medicine; working hospitality for Breeders' Cup; working the Pan American Conference for The Jockey Club and witnessing American Pharoah win the triple crown at the Belmont Stakes; Showing Shaylon at the Kentucky Horse Park.
GOOD GROOMING GOALS Brought to you by Shapley's Grooming Products, The Official Grooming Products Sponsor of USPC
Creating Perfect Braids By THE MANE HUB with Jenni Savolanien / Photos by PJ Photography
This style of braiding is ideal for dressage and event horses. In the U.S., it may be referred to as button braids.
What you will need:
Braiding product
(such as Shapley’s Mane Mousse)
A high-shine finishing product (such as Shapley’s Hi Gloss Finishing Spray)
Needles and Thread Scissors Mane Comb Hair Clip
1
Spray your Mane Mousse or braiding product onto your hand and apply to the mane to give you more grip.
2 3
Divide the hair to be braided into three equal sections, and make sure each braid is tight by keeping your thumb on top. Wrap the thread around the end of the braid a couple of times and push the needle back through the end of the braid to keep it in place, but do not cut the thread.
4
Continue braiding all the way down the neck. Try to ensure each braid is roughly the same size, although the last one nearer the wither may be smaller.
6
Use the mane comb to divide the mane, making sure each section is about ¾ of the mane comb. Use your hair clip to keep the loose hair out of your way.
5
Keeping the thread attached to the bottom of the braid, fold the braid in half. Put the needle through from underneath near the base of the braid and sew up and down through it several times to keep it in place. At the bottom of the braid, make a knot in the thread and then cut.
Spray a small amount of your Mane Mousse or braiding product on your hands and smooth down any stray hairs. Then spray with a shine product, such as Shapley’s Hi Gloss Finishing Spray, to add some extra shine and finish off the overall look.
NUTRITIONAL NOTES Brought to you by Triple Crown Nutrition, The Official Feed Sponsor of USPC
Feeding Recommendations for Metabolic Conditions By Jessica Drexler Your horse has been diagnosed with a metabolic condition, and now you are looking for ways to better manage his health. You may need to adjust your feed program to ensure your horse is getting not only the right amount of feed to maintain their weight, but all the essential nutrients as well. Let’s take a look at some conditions and the feed and management recommendations for those conditions.
Insulin Resistance (IR)
Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells are less sensitive to
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insulin, causing the pancreas to produce too much insulin, elevating blood insulin levels. Insulin is the hormone that regulates the amount of glucose in the body. IR is commonly seen in easy keeper breeds, but other breeds can have it too. The typical IR horse is overweight and shows “fat pads” or regional adiposity. For the overweight-type IR horse, the focus should be on providing a nutrient-dense, low calorie feed, such as Triple Crown 30% Ration Balancer or Lite. A ration balancer feed provides all
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the vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids that are lacking from the horse’s forage, with very low calories and carbohydrates and a low feeding rate of 1-2 pounds per day. For an IR horse that’s the lean metabolic type, using a low-carb feed with calories sourced from fat and fiber is ideal, such as Triple Crown Low Starch, Senior or Senior Gold. In both cases, things to avoid include cereal grains like corn, oats and barley, as well as “sweet feeds” and high-carb feeds.
Equine Cushing's Disease
Cushing’s disease, also known as pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), is a hormoneproducing tumor or enlargement of the pituitary gland. Horses with Cushing’s often exhibit long hair coats with delayed seasonal shedding, excessive drinking and urination, and can have issues with maintaining proper weight. Other symptoms can include soft tissue injuries, sudden changes in feed requirements, and loss of muscling. Cushing’s horses often have an increased susceptibility to laminitis or founder. Low or controlled-carb forage is needed as well. Some hay sellers offer forage tests with their hay so you can make informed buying decisions. Another option would be to send off a hay analysis to a lab yourself. Soaking hay before feeding can reduce the carb content by about 3%, which may be helpful for some horses. There are also hay products on the market with guaranteed low NSC (sugar and starch) levels that you can use to supplement the forage portion of
the diet. Ideally, keep the total NSC in the diet below 20%, and for some sensitive horses it may need to be below 10%. You can support the horse’s immune system by ensuring your horse is getting enough antioxidants (vitamin E, vitamin C and selenium). Pasture time also needs to be very limited— often IR horses need to be on dirt lots so their forage can be carefully controlled. Exercise and turnout time is important to help with weight and keep the horse happy.
The diet for a Cushing’s horse should include low-carb forage and a lowcarb feed. Depending on the calorie requirements of your horse, you may look for a low-carb ration balancer
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to provide nutrients in a small low-calorie package or a low-carb senior feed to provide more calories. Seek low-carb hay sources and consider soaking hay to remove additional carbs. Cushing’s horses should be kept off lush pasture, with many not tolerating pasture at all. Medication can also be an important part of managing Cushing’s; discuss pergolide with your veterinarian.
Laminitis
Laminitis is a condition where the laminae that secure the coffin bone to the hoof wall become inflamed and weaken. The damaged laminae can detach from the hoof wall and in severe cases, the horse’s coffin bone can rotate and even penetrate the sole of the hoof. If you believe your horse is having a laminitic attack, seek veterinary assistance immediately.
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There are various causes of laminitis, but for this article we’ll focus on diet and disease-related risks that can result in laminitis. Horses with endocrine disease, such as Cushing’s or equine metabolic syndrome, are prone to laminitis and need to be closely monitored. The increased carbs in spring and fall pasture can be a trigger for horses to develop laminitis. Laminitis-prone horses need a controlled-carbohydrate diet, often requiring the total carb content of the diet to be below 10% to prevent a recurrence. Keeping these horses at a lean body condition can be helpful, as well as exercised if they are able. It can be difficult to find out your best friend has a metabolic issue, but you can play a big part in his comfort and health by putting together a safe diet, regular exercise program and staying up to date on necessary care. Your farrier, vet and other equine professionals are all important team members for keeping your horse happy and healthy for many years to come, and with proper management, your metabolic horse can continue to live a long life. If you have questions about the right diet for your metabolic horse, visit www.triplecrownfeed.com/ contact-us/ to chat with an expert.
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The health and safety of our community continue to be our top priority, and EQUITANA USA is working diligently to ensure that we can reconnect safely by implementing policies and best practices in COVID-19 response and prevention. View our up-to-date health & safety strategy at equitanausa.com.
@EQUITANAUSA EQUITANAUSA.COM
Just for Fun Answer Key What do you want to see next? Submit ideas to: communications@ponyclub.org
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ANNUAL FUND INSPIRATION Meet some of the donors who support the USPC Annual Fund, and find out why they give.
Photo Credit: Tara Garry / Courtesy MMFPCRC
By Marian Wahlgren, Development Director We often talk about giving back in Pony Club, and that comes in many forms – through volunteerism, teaching younger members and service projects. It also includes financial support of the USPC Annual Fund.
clubs, centers, regions and sponsors to support the ongoing opportunities and educational resources that are available to everyone.
Pony Club is appreciative of all who donate to the Annual Fund. In 2020, 59% of our regions, 31% of The USPC Annual Fund is one important part of the our clubs and 14% of our riding centers donated to entire funding picture for the Pony Club organization the Annual Fund. Meet a few of them here, and find as a whole. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, Pony Club relies out why they support the USPC Annual Fund. on contributions from friends, graduates, members,
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The Northwest Region
Why They Give
The Center Administrator for Misty Morning Farm Pony Club Riding Center is Marlie Nauta, a Pony The Northwest Region encompasses Club graduate, Life Member and dedicated volunteer. the western part of Washington state, Marlie has held many titles in USPC through her 20and currently has 26 clubs and two plus year involvement and enjoys sharing the program riding centers, and a total of 360 members. with her students. Through her longtime involvement Donor Stats with USPC, Marlie understands how the organization The Northwest Region has been a donor to the Annual works from the local, regional and national levels. Fund for 12 years. From regularly attending USPC’s annual convention,
Who They Are
Why They Give
Julie Mowbray, current Regional Supervisor (RS) of the Northwest Region said of their contributions “The Northwest Region always budgets $1,000 per year for the Annual Fund. As a regional leader I understand that the cost of providing services such as an interactive website, upper-level programs, activities, educational resources and staff to administer these programs and answer our questions costs more than what we bring in with membership dues. Without fundraising efforts, many non-profits must either cut programs or increase dues to keep programs running. The Northwest Region is proud to be part of these efforts with our annual contribution.”
Misty Morning Farm Pony Club Riding Center
Photo courtesy of Marlie Nauta / MMFPCRC
Marlie was introduced to the Annual Fund, and the importance of financial giving to continue Pony Club programs. One presentation that had an impact on Who They Are Marlie was an interactive display of the percentages Misty Morning Farm Pony Club Riding Center of clubs, centers, and regions support the annual fund. (MMFPCRC) is located in the Lake Shore Region, It was not a large amount. That inspired Marlie to and currently has 31 members. go home and encourage her members to support the Donor Stats Annual Fund. Founded in 2017, Misty Morning Farm has been a An Annual Fund Success Story donor to the Annual Fund for three years. Marlie found a great way to help educate her members about what the Annual Fund does while introducing them to the good feeling that comes from supporting an organization that is important to them. At one unmounted Misty Morning Farm Pony Club meeting a year, Annual Fund envelopes are handed out and members are asked to contribute what they can, from a $1 participation donation to the the price of a coffee, or more if they feel inspired. The envelopes are then collected and mailed together to the National Office. The members who contribute to the Annual Fund have Continued on page 52 Photo courtesy of Tara Garry / MMFPCRC
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DEPARTMENT UPDATES
ACTIVITIES
Welcoming Western Trail to Pony Club
The fall of 2020 brought about the release of the tenth. Yes, you read that right, the TENTH Pony Club discipline rulebook, Western Trail! Words cannot express our gratitude for the Western Trail Committee's diligent efforts as they worked tirelessly to bring this growing sport to Pony Club. The blending of any new sport with existing Pony Club policies and safety guidelines is tough, especially when there is no singular governing organizing for Western Trail within the United States. While the rulebook is aimed specifically at Western competitors, the committee and the Activities Department invite all members to participate in rallies where competitors not seeking Championships can request tack and attire allowances from the rally organizer. These allowances mean that competitors can turn out and dress in English equipment and attire to participate and gain new experiences.
Recognizing that few regions are currently offering Western Trail and Gymkhana rallies, USPC is pleased to offer both a Western Trail and Gymkhana Invitational in conjunction with the 2021 Festival Championships. Participation in these competitions is open to all Pony Club members and outside competitors. Make sure to check out the Guidebook to Festival for complete details.
DEVELOPMENT
USPC Annual Fund
We would like to thank all of our 2020 Annual Fund donors who helped us end the year with great success. We are working on the 2020 Honor Roll of Donors and will have it up on the website soon. The 2021 USPC Annual Fund Campaign officially kicked off in January, with a goal of $248,700. You can be part of the Annual Fund success by making your donation at donate.ponyclub.org.
Festival Sponsors
We are pleased to welcome the following sponsors for Festival 2021 and look forward to seeing everyone in July. SSG Riding Gloves, Title Sponsor; State Line Tack, Presenting Sponsor; and Discipline Sponsors: The University of Louisville Equine Industry Program, AgCredit, The Dressage Foundation, and Benefab.
Disaster Relief Fund
Did you know that Pony Club has a Disaster Relief Fund that is available to Pony Club families in the aftermath of natural disasters? You can make a donation to the Disaster Relief Fund by going to www.ponyclub.org/Donate/SpecialFunds. If you know anyone who might be in need of assistance from the Disaster Relief Fund, please contact the USPC Development office at development@ponyclub.org.
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Affiliate Partner Discounts & Offers
Pony Club has partnered with many wonderful companies and organizations to offer our members discounts on products, as well as earning cash back to USPC. You can find the list of our Affiliate Partners under the Donate tab on the home page and then Partners. When you are looking for specific products, don’t forget to check our Affiliate Partners first.
INSTRUCTION
D-1 Split into Horse Management and Riding
Instruction has been working to get the Horse Management track to begin at the D-1 level for members. In May of 2020 the USPC Board of Governors voted in favor to allow a member to either test the D-1 HM only (creating an HM track from D-1 up to the H-HM/H/H-A levels) or to test both HM and Riding together. Everything on the D-1 Standards of Proficiency remains the same but there is now a D-1 HM only test sheet provided on the website along with the full D-1 test sheet (HM and Riding). Since the COVID pandemic many Pony Club members across the country have been learning and studying and are ready to test their knowledge by either participating in a virtual quiz or taking a horse management certification. ponyclub.org/Certifications/LocalLevel/ StandardsTestSheetsChecklists.aspx
National Testing Feedback
USPC would like to thank the National Testing Committee for their willingness to create and design a National Testing Feedback Project which will allow current C-2 and above members to submit a video or document, of a mounted or Horse Management skill, and receive feedback from one or two national examiners. Particularly during this time when members have been unable to attend prep clinics, members can continue building their national level skills and preparing for national certifications by receiving timely feedback from
National Examiners. General guidelines and additional FAQ’s are available on the website. This opportunity has been very successful and continues through 2021. Submit those videos or documents and get some awesome feedback! ponyclub.org/Certifications/NationalLevel/ StandardsTestSheetsChecklists.aspx
Additional Highlights
Have you checked out the Pony Club YouTube channel as we have many new instructional videos covering topics such as: ● Related Distances and Basic Grid Setupfor the C level member and above ● Elements of a Show Jumping Course-for the C level member and above ● C-2 Longeing video-instructional tool for candidates and instructors/examiners ● Safely Mounting, Adjusting Stirrups and Girth While Mounted video-use for educational purposes and teaching ● Body Condition Scoring- shows 5-6 different mounts at different stages of fitness, D level members and above ● H-B Shoes Part 1, 2 & 3 and How to Remove a Shoe-for C-2 members and above youtube.com/c/UnitedStatesPonyClubs/videos
MEMBER SERVICES & REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION
The Member Services and Regional Administration Department continues to review and process membership applications for many new and renewing members. It is important for leaders and members/parents to remember that online submission of membership is the most efficient way for a membership to be received and accepted before an activity. Instructions for joining or renewing online are found on the Membership page of the USPC website. ponyclub.org
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The MS and RA Department works to update leadership resource pages and documents on the USPC website as changes to USPC Policy, ByLaws and Procedures are made. Periodic communications, geared towards local and regional leadership with regard to changes are also an ongoing priority. A current priority is collaboration with USPC’s Compliance Coordinator to ensure all 2021 club, center and regional officers have recorded a favorable Background Check, Safe Sport™ training, USPC Concussion and USPC Heat Illness
Training and Quizzes. We are also working to communicate information about upcoming compliance implementation – for adult members and other volunteers – which will become effective January 1, 2022.
Annual Fund inspiration
(Continued)
gotten thank you letters in the mail and appreciate being recognized for their donation. MMFPCRC is a large and active center, and Marlie makes sure to explain the value of the Annual Fund to everyone at meetings. “USPC has so much to offer, but all good things cost money, and the Annual Fund helps ensure that all members get the best Pony Club experience at a lower membership cost,” says Marlie. “I can’t say enough good things about this organization! Misty Morning Farms is happy to be part of the fundraising efforts.” Marlie’s message has made an impression on her members, who understand and appreciate all that the Annual Fund provides for them. That includes Misty Morning Farm Pony Club member Gibsen Kaye, who says, “I donated to the Annual Fund to give a little back for what Pony Club has given to me, and to make sure that the resources I had will still be available for the younger generation.” To make your donation to the Annual Fund visit donate.ponyclub.org.
YOUR SUPPORT MAKES A
Differe ce
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