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.

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

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.