LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The end of the year is fast approaching, and though thoughts may already be on the upcoming year and that next great adventure, it’s always nice to hit the pause button and look back on, and be thankful for, the experiences and memories of the past year. I hope your personal goals, experiences, and adventures were successful and rewarding in 2021. It was certainly a busy and productive year for our organization, with several Pony Club initiatives, activities, and goals accomplished. A few of the highlights: • Pony Club kicked off the year with a first, a Virtual Equine Symposium and Convention. More than 500 members, volunteers, and friends joined together to network, learn, and enjoy a variety of live and on demand sessions. •
Recognizing that COVID-19 caused many Quiz rallies across the country to cancel, a National Virtual Quiz Rally was created and exceeded expectations with nearly 900 members participating.
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A new organizational strategic plan has been developed and approved by the Board of Governors. This plan will help guide Pony Club for years to come.
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A new Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committee was established to work to build a stronger and more diverse USPC through breaking down barriers to participations for all individuals.
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Festival 2021, the first in-person National event in nearly a year and half, took place in July at the Kentucky Horse Park. It was great to see so many members, volunteers, and smiling faces!
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“Where it All Begins,” a new Pony Club documentary, aired on the Equine Network in October. Filmed on location at the Kentucky Horse Park, the documentary followed the journey of two Pony Cub members as they prepared for and competed in Championships.
While it is nice to look back, what best defines our amazing organization isn’t the accomplishments or activities at the National level; rather it's what occurs on any given day at local Pony Clubs and Pony Club Riding Centers throughout the country. It is here that the spirit of Pony Club is cultivated, lifelong friendships are established, and the best embodiments of teamwork, sportsmanship and leadership are demonstrated. The tagline of Pony Club is “Where it all Begins.” This wonderful tagline truly belongs to our clubs and riding centers, because this IS where it all begins. What’s more, clubs or riding centers are “Where it all Continues” for members, and for their Pony Club journey. It’s here that the Pony Club mission moves forward, here that one develops skills and knowledge of riding and horse care, and here that one grows as a person. Thank you to the thousands upon thousands of amazing Pony Club volunteers, members, parents, supporters, and alumni, for your incredible passion and dedication to make everything possible. To the amazing Pony Club officers and Pony Club Riding Center administrators, you have many responsibilities, and your dedication is endless. Thank you. In closing, there is one other thing to be thankful for. Over the last four years, our President, Ben Duke has led the organization through the good as well as the challenging times. Always an influential voice, standing tall at the Pony Club pulpit, leading with a steady hand, vision, wisdom, quick wit, and first and foremost, a love of Pony Club. Our great organization has benefited so much from Ben’s stellar leadership and endless devotion, and I from his guidance and mentorship. Ben and I have worked closely on the transition plan, and I am as excited about the next few years of leadership, as I am proud of the past. Until the next issue of Discover USPC, I wish everyone continued health and happiness and a safe and joyful holiday season. Cheers,
Teresa
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