USPC National Office Director

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Connie Jehlik

USPC Instruction Services Director I am very fortunate that I was introduced to Pony Club when I was 11 years old. I learned to ride multiple horses and participated in many rallies at all levels. I received my A when I was 19 and because of Pony Club I knew I wanted to be a schoolteacher as well as a Chief Horse Management judge. I was a junior high science teacher for over 22 years and also taught high school agriculture. In 2005 my family (two daughters and husband) moved ourselves and our horses to Kentucky. I was hired by USPC in 2010 as Instruction Services Director and my responsibilities include everything education surrounding the Standards of Proficiency, local and national testing, instructional materials, and supporting eight Instruction Committees. I love my job because it encompasses my two passions, which are education and horse management.

Erin Woodall

USPC Activities & Events Director

I am an alumna of 4-H and FFA, earning the American Farmer Degree as an FFA member, the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization. When I joined the USPC family on Halloween in 2005, I found the rest of my equestrian brethren. My animal stewardship and the dedicated volunteers around me who led by example left their indelible mark on my life. While my original career goal of becoming a 4-H Extension Agent never came to pass, joining USPC almost 17 years ago wildly exceeded my hopes and dreams of helping others. As the Activities & Events Director for USPC, my primary focus is organizing USPC Championships and the USPC Convention. I support the 10 competitive disciplines and five resource disciplines. Supporting the disciplines includes assisting in maintaining the rulebooks, rally organizing, and promoting the disciplines. If you think this sounds like more than a full-time job, then you are right. The Activities Department is blessed to be supported by fantastic volunteers who keep the wheels turning for the organization. There’s no way this organization survives without the unsung heroes of the story. Watching our members flourish and grow while building solid relationships with our volunteers sustains my passion and fire for the organization. Thank you to all the Pony Club members and leaders who’ve shared your knowledge and dreams with me. I’m looking forward to another 17 years supporting the organization for our current and future members.

Equestrian Studies

• 100% career placement • Beautiful historic Equestrian Center just steps from campus • Prince of Wales Riding Club, the country’s oldest continuously active riding club

“At Stephens, I was surrounded by people who told me, ‘You can do it!’”

—Shelby McCoy ’15 Today, Shelby is a handler for one of the traveling teams of the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales.

(573) 876-7207 | stephens.edu | admissions@stephens.edu Huntseat, Saddle Seat, Western and Driving Four Disciplines, One Family

The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC) gathered nearly 500 equestrians of all ages for the 2022 USPC Convention, held January 26-30, in a new hybrid format with a blend of in-person, livestream, and ondemand opportunities.

Pony Club members, leaders, and equine enthusiasts met in Norfolk, Virginia for networking and education, with additional attendees logging in online. Representatives from 36 United States Pony Club regions participated in the event, which included more than 60 workshops and seminars plus meetings and awards presentations.

Participants on site also enjoyed a variety of additional activities from shopping at the trade fair to exploring the popular USPC Anatomy Lab presented by Banixx Horse & Pet Care. The Old Dominion Region’s scavenger hunt to earn tickets for raffle prizes also engaged attendees and added a fresh and fun element to the event.

“It was truly magic to be back together in person to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year, to enjoy education and growth opportunities, and work toward our shared goals for the future of Pony Club,” shared USPC Executive Director Teresa Woods. together and resolve conflicts when needed.

“Pony Club’s leaders are truly where it all begins for the organization,” noted Karol Wilson, Director of Member Services and Regional Administration. “Their dedication and knowledge are what makes Pony Club happen! This year, we were pleased to invest in our leadership with a skill-building seminar to enhance communication and problem-solving. By working better together, we can improve the Pony Club experience for everyone.”

With a jam-packed schedule, there was a lot to see and do in just a few short days. Fortunately, Convention participants can enjoy extended access to recorded content on the digital event platform for six months following the event.

“We were pleased to once again offer virtual registration for those unable to join us in person, as well as the extended access to so much valuable information,” said USPC Activities & Events Director Erin Woodall. “The hybrid format allows us to bring the Convention experience to more people and adds value for all participants through recorded content.”

Education for All

Education was a highlight of the event with workshop tracks focused on leadership, instruction, veterinary care, and riding disciplines. Pony Club leaders enjoyed training sessions and the chance to work together to expand Pony Club programming, while members got advice to prepare for certifications and rallies, as well as adding to their knowledge of equine nutrition, soundness, and behavior. Fitness and mental strategies for riders were also popular offerings.

Regional Administration was able to provide leaders with a special professional development opportunity, presented by Pryor Learning Solutions on Friday thanks to the Mattingley Leadership Training Fund, with additional support from Specialty Program Insurors. The seminar focused on the development of interpersonal and communication skills to work

Research Project Fair in Review

The USPC Research Project Fair presented by GraysonJockey Club Research Foundation and supported by Kentucky Equine Research offered both in-person and virtual entries this year, with a total of 14 participants representing eight regions. Participants showcased their projects with a visual display and a short presentation to the panel of judges.

“The Research Project Fair provides members of all ages and certification levels with an opportunity to explore their passion for horses and horsemanship through hypothesis-driven projects or in-depth reviews of the literature,” explained research project fair organizer Yvette Seger, PhD. “Projects help members prepare for certifications or just understand one of their horse’s weird quirks. This year, we learned about topics including the benefits of composting, absorbency of different bedding types, coat color genetics, and the age-old question—can horses really talk?—as well as many others!”

For the in-person competition, the highest scoring projects were presented by Abigail G. (Epona Pony Club, Northeast Region) and Michaela F. (Mill Creek Pony Club, Midwest Region).

2022 National Youth Congress and Academy of Achievement

Presented by the Western & English Sales Association and The Rising Equestrian Pro Every year at the USPC Convention, the National Youth Congress (NYC) convenes for two and a half days of leadership training and development. The NYC recognizes outstanding Pony Club members, with delegates selected by their regions to attend. In Norfolk, the following members were elected to the National Youth Congress for 2022: Kealy Alexander (Intermountain Region), Annalee Atkinson (Northern Lakes Region), Rachel Bond (Camino Real Region), Christine Brown (Southern California Region), Lydia Eilinger (South Region), Amanda Fisher (Carolina Region), Jessica Flores (Middle California Region), Emma Foreman (New Jersey Region), Breanna Fuchs (Midsouth Region), Josey Gudger (Delmarva Region), Madeline McDougal (Sierra Pacific Region), Grace Mull (Intermountain Region), Casey Poe (Virginia Region), Melissa Salerno (Central New England Region), Janna Scholtz (Virginia Region), Austin Skeens (Old Dominion Region), Julia Thain (Lake Shore Region), Olivia Timmerman (Northwest Region), Olivia Whitehead (Sierra Pacific Region), and Samantha Wiles (Maryland Region).

On the virtual side, the top scoring entries were presented by Charlotte H. (Hinkson Valley Pony Club, Midwest Region), Kathleen C. (Diamondback Pony Club, Southwest Region) and the group entry of Mae L. and Sophia L. (Hinkson Valley Pony Club, Midwest Region). A special part of the NYC included working with 2022 USPC Academy of Achievement honorees Sally Ike and Carol Kozlowski. The USPC Academy of Achievement honors Pony Club alumni for being outstanding in their chosen fields of expertise, and this year’s inductees were exceptionally qualified.

Sally Ike (“A” Eventing, Monmouth County Hunt Pony Club) has served as a national examiner, district commissioner, regional supervisor and on the board of governors. Ike spent many years with the United States Equestrian Team beginning in 1989 managing the jumping and eventing programs and was head of the United States Equestrian Federation’s licensed officials and education department from 2013-2020. She currently holds her “S” license as an eventing judge and technical delegate and remains involved in many other aspects of the equestrian community.

Carol Kozlowski (“A” Eventing, Genessee Valley Pony Club) was president of the United States Eventing Association from 2017-2020 and currently sits on the United States Equestrian Federation Board of Governors as an eventing representative, and holds a “r” eventing judge license. Kozlowski notably spearheaded the campaign to have the FEI rule regarding minimum weight in three-day eventing abolished, which was accomplished in 1997. She is also well known for her partnership with the Connemara stallion Hideaway’s Erin Go Bragh, documented in the 1996 film “The Little Horse That Could.” were honored with 50-Year Club Milestone Awards (pictured below).

Four Pony Club members received special recognition for achieving Pony Club’s highest certification. The following members earned their A-level certification during 2021: Arielle Aharoni (Amwell Valley Hounds Pony Club, New Jersey Region), Alexa Ehlers (National Member), Jessica Fan (Tejas Pony Club, Rio Grande Region), and Catherine Meehan (Blue Ridge Hunt Pony Club, Virginia Region).

Special Awards & Honors

Many Pony Club awards were announced at the Saturday morning Meeting of the Corporation, sponsored by the University of Louisville College of Business Equine Industry Program.

Alley-Cat Pony Club (Western New York Region), Conestoga Pony Club (Delmarva Region), Dune Riders Pony Club (Lake Shore Region), Gambel Oak Pony Club (Intermountain Region), Redwood Hills Pony Club (Middle California Region), and Sawtooth Pony Club (Intermountain Region) were recognized with 25-Year Club Milestone Awards.

Connecticut Valley Pony Club (New York/Upper Connecticut Region), Covered Bridge Pony Club (Midsouth Region), Hinkson Valley Pony Club (Midwest Region), River Bend Pony Club (Virginia Region), Tuscawilla Pony Club (Sunshine Region), and Woodbrook Hunt Pony Club (Northwest Region) “We are proud of our newest A recipients and the dedication and excellence this award represents,” stated Connie Jehlik, USPC Director of Instruction Services, noting that this was not the first recognition for some. “Arielle Aharoni has now earned her second A certification, and Alexa Ehlers has become Pony Club’s third ‘triple A,’ earning her A certifications in Eventing, Dressage and Show Jumping, which shows an impressive level of determination and skill. I know all of these members will continue to achieve great success in future pursuits.”

Additionally, the Brookfield Land Conservation Award was presented to Miami Valley Pony Club and Zoe Hagedorn in the Midsouth Region, while the Flash Teamwork Award went to Deer Creek Pony Club in the Sierra Pacific Region.

Celebrating Success

At the Saturday night banquet, Pony Club welcomed newly elected USPC President Jennifer Sweet, who comes into the role with a strong leadership background at the local, regional, and national level.

“I look forward to serving every member, every parent, every volunteer, every alum, and every sponsor,” she said.

Sweet also boldly declared her intention to make sure that Pony Club would no longer be “the best kept secret.”

“We need to show to the outside world, outside of Pony Club, that we are THE educational organization which builds the foundations of teamwork, sportsmanship through riding, mounted sports, care of horses and ponies, while developing and enhancing leadership, confidence, responsibility and a sense of community in our youth and adult members,” she stated in her address.

It is no secret that Pony Club’s volunteers play a vital role in the organization’s success, and some very special volunteers were honored during the evening’s events. Attendees celebrated the recipients of the prestigious USPC Founders Awards for 2021, recognizing longtime volunteers Darlene Connors and Kim Lowman Vollmer for their dedication to Pony Club.

Outgoing USPC President Ben Duke presented the inaugural President’s Recognition Award to Gegi Winslett, with gratitude for the knowledge and wisdom she has contributed to the organization over the years, along with immeasurable hours of service.

“Suffice it to say, there is nobody who better embodies the spirit of Pony Club than Gegi Winslett,” Duke stated. “Pony Club would not be the organization it is today were it not for Gegi.” holding numerous leadership roles.

A highlight of the banquet, graciously sponsored by Ballyhack Farms, Harmonia, Inc., and Harmony Hills Equestrian Center, was keynote speaker and Pony Club’s own “top gun” Sali Gear. Gear, who became the first fully qualified female Navy combat pilot, traced her story back to where it all began with Pony Club.

Energized and inspired by the time spent together in Norfolk, USPC is already looking ahead to gathering for Convention in 2023.

“We thank our organizers and volunteers with the Old Dominion Region, who did a fantastic job with this event,” said USPC Activities & Events Director Erin Woodall. “Our success in Norfolk is a direct reflection of their engagement and hard work. We look forward to enjoying the Midwest Region’s hospitality as we travel to the Gateway City of St. Louis for 2023.”

Throughout her 40-plus years with USPC, Winslett established Pony Club’s Show Jumping discipline, judged at countless rallies and Championships, and has served on too many committees to list, as well as

The 2023 USPC Convention will be held January 18-22, 2023, as USPC will explore the “Gateway to the Future” with the Midwest Region in St. Louis, Missouri.

PC: Olivia Yossa THREE EXERCISES TO IMPROVE SEAT AWARENESS

An excerpt from The Athletic Equestrian by Sally Batton with Christina Keim

Just as with the walk and trot, the canter can be ridden in the working, lengthened, or shortened variations. In general, equitation riders are not asked to demonstrate a shortened canter during a flat class or a test, but it is an important skill when it comes to jumping.

Equitation riders are frequently asked to demonstrate a lengthening of the canter, as well as the hand gallop. While both of these exercises encourage the horse to take a longer stride, how the rider achieves this change is fundamentally different.

Exercise: Lengthening the Canter

During the hand gallop, the rider is in the two-point position, and actively squeezes with her legs to encourage the horse forward. Depending on the horse, the rider may also push her hands a few inches forward to allow for further lengthening of his back. The name “hand gallop” comes from the term “in hand,” meaning a controlled gallop, as opposed to that of a racehorse, where the jockey just encourages the horse to go as fast as he can.

By contrast, in a lengthened canter, the rider stays in her full seat while maintaining 5 pounds of pressure in each rein to support the horse’s forehand. The rider will increase the arc of her following seat to an exaggerated “J,” with a shorter movement on the hook of the “J” and a longer movement on the arm of the “J.” What do I mean by your seat following a “J”? The rider’s pelvis moves in a “J” shape on the right lead, and a reversed “J” on the left. On the right lead, as the horse strikes off with the left hind, the rider’s pelvis comes down, in, and forward; as the diagonal pair of legs touch down, the rider’s pelvis starts moving downward to the bottom hook of the “J.” As the inside fore (leading leg) reaches forward, the seat swings forward, making the stem of the “J.” When the front limb strikes and pulls the horse forward, the rider’s seat returns to its starting place.

What I call the “ice cream scoop mechanic” will push harder in each stride, helping the horse to engage his hindquarters and pushing the stride longer from back to front. To replicate the “forward swing” feeling of an engaged seat, think of your tailbone as an ice cream scoop. Use your abdominal muscles, without slouching over, to pull the ice cream scoop forward. If you try to push the tailbone forward with your gluteal muscles, you will become stiff and tuck the tailbone too far under.

This seat movement creates an enormous amount of energy, so it is essential that the rider maintain her contact on the reins. Otherwise, the horse will lose his balance, fall to the forehand, and risk losing the lead or the gait.

Exercise: Shortening the Canter

Shortening the canter stride on the flat is how riders practice a skill they will need for jumping success. From the working canter, begin to reduce the following of the pelvis until the “J” movement becomes smaller. Take back from the elbow slightly (if the horse is quite sensitive, the rider may only need to sponge the reins) and hold the seat very still, without driving the tailbone into the saddle. The rider is still following the canter, but by constricting the abdominal muscles, she will limit how far forward the seat swings in each stride.

The most common challenge is that the rider tenses muscles that should be kept relaxed—in particular, the gluteals. Additionally, there can be a tendency to push the seat above the saddle or bring the shoulders too upright over the seat. Any of these mistakes are likely to cause the horse to break into the trot. If this happens, take a deep breath, reset, reestablish the working canter, and try again.

Once your seat is refined enough to shorten the stride in the canter, you will know that you have really done the homework required to achieve an independent, following, and elastic seat! But note, sometimes a rider thinks she is influencing the length of her horse’s stride, when in reality, all she is changing is the horse’s speed. To understand the difference, find a friend and try this unmounted exercise.

Exercise: Changing Speed vs. Changing Stride Length

Lay a tape measure out in a straight line. Have your friend place her hands on her shoulders and in her “normal” walking stride, count the number of steps she takes. While she counts, watch the rate of movement of her shoulders, rather than her legs, to get a sense of her speed. Now, ask your friend to walk the same distance again, taking smaller steps. You will see that she maintains the same rate of movement (speed) but takes more steps to cover the same distance. Have her return to her “normal” walking stride length. Finally, ask her to take bigger steps; again, the number of strides used to cover the distance will decrease but her speed will stay the same.

You can also practice feeling the difference for yourself. Measure out a set distance and count the number of steps you take to cross it when in your “normal” stride. Then try covering the distance in shorter steps, then “normal,” then longer. Feel how the rate of movement is essentially the same, even though your legs may be moving faster or slower.

This excerpt is adapted from The Athletic Equestrian by Sally Batton with Christina Keim and reprinted with permission from Trafalgar Square Books (horseandriderbooks.com). Read more and help support Pony Club! When you shop from the link on USPC’s partner page (ponyclub.org/giving/affiliatepartners) Pony Club receives a 15% commission on your order.