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.

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.

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.