Letter from the President

What a difference a year makes! Last year, due to COVID-19, Pony Club’s activities were curtailed, postponed, or modified considerably. One of the 2020 casualties was the always-popular Pony Club Festival in Lexington. Well, I am so happy to report that this past July, at the spectacular Kentucky Horse Park, The United States Pony Clubs produced what has to be considered one of the best Festivals ever! Hosting National Championships in eight disciplines, the Horse Park was abuzz with action-packed competitions, drawing competitors from as far away as Hawaii. Following the Championships, the Pony Club team, comprised of exceptional volunteers and staff, put together an amazing array of educational programs, seminars, camps, and activities, again attracting participants from throughout the USPC Regions, including one participant from the St. Croix Pony Club in the U. S. Virgin Islands.

It was both an honor and terrific fun to be able to attend and participate in the 2021 Festival. At every turn, the Pony Club spirit was evident, and very rewarding to see. The legions of volunteers who give selflessly of their time and expertise make the Festival a reality. Jump judges, umpires, ring crews, announcers, scribes, parking monitors, quiz assistants, goaltenders, safety personnel, cooks, drivers, stabling assistants, office workers, scorers…the list goes on and on. Our Pony Club competitors and participants have much to appreciate, when one considers the volunteer army that makes such an event possible.

Then there is the remarkable, dedicated, and skilled Pony Club National Office staff. The coordination required for an undertaking such as the Festival is phenomenal. Making sure that there are sufficient supplies and volunteer staff, timing events so that there is no inadvertent conflict of space or equipment needs, lining up the legions of volunteers for competitions and educational programs alike, manning the ever-popular Shop Pony Club store, soliciting countless sponsors and trade show participants, making sure entries are complete and reflect appropriate qualifying requirements, creating educational program schedules that allow for maximum participation…this list goes on and on as well.

I am so very proud and appreciative of both our National Staff and the hundreds of volunteers that continually make Pony Club the most exceptional educational opportunity in the United States.

A few special moments for me personally included:

• Being able to participate in the Polocrosse Clinic, where I graciously was provided a proper helmet and a horse. I had a blast and even scored two goals! • Being asked to be the announcer for the Western Discipline Trail Class. • Enjoying the shrimp boil prepared by Joe Stegeman from Broussard, Louisiana. • Having my picture taken with countless Pony Club members and volunteers. • Touring the Secretariat Center with Executive Directors Shelley Mann (Secretariat Center) and Teresa Woods (USPC). • Participating with Nancy Grout at her cross-country clinic for D’s. • Engaging with Billie Jo Pearl and Andrew Barclay from the Masters of Foxhounds Association…a terrific and important partner with Pony Club. • Watching the Tetrathlon Jumping competition in the Rolex Arena. • Being allowed “behind the lines” during the Quiz “Stations” competition. • Watching Gegi Winslett judge the Show Jumping Championships. • Engaging with Pony Club Graduate “A,” Lendon Gray, during her phenomenal dressage clinic. • Listening to Pony Club competitors explaining the finer points of Horse Management to their judges in the Dressage, Show Jumping, and Eventing barns. • Watching the skills and enthusiasm demonstrated by the Games competitors in the Covered Arena. • Helping present literally hundreds of awards and ribbons, all coordinated with amazing precision. • Visiting with and enjoying time with numerous families and members from across our great nation. • Participating in the opening ceremonies with Kentucky Governor (and Pony Club father) Andy Beshear.

For over a week, I could not have had more fun, or have been more in awe of the incredible reach and significance of The United States Pony Clubs. Great job everyone! You all have every right to be Pony Club Proud!