2024 ISSUE
| NO. 171
President: Jennifer Sweet
Executive Director: Teresa Woods
Editor: Sarah Evers Conrad
Graphic Designer: Cindy Kassebaum
DISCOVER USPC, The Official Magazine of The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. is published two to three times a year by The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. and mailed to Pony Club members/families and Corporate Members. Readers are encouraged to submit ideas or articles for publication. Address all correspondence to the Editor at the above address. USPC is not responsible for the opinions and statements in signed articles and paid advertisements. These opinions are not necessarily the opinions of USPC and its staff. Pony Club recognizes that equestrian headgear that does not meet USPC Policy #0810 is not safe, although certain equestrian activities pictured in this magazine may not adhere to these requirements. Change of address must be made six weeks before date of publication for next issue to be delivered to a new address. Address changes can be made to your USPC member profile online or by mail. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to United States Pony Clubs, 4041 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511-8483.
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ISSN 2767-1860 (Print) ISSN 2767-1887 (Online)
On the Cover: Katherine Cushing, C-1 HM, C-1 EV, of Cardinal II Pony Club in the Carolina Region riding Maggie at the 2022 USPC Championships East in Tetrathlon.
Horse & Large Animal Medicine
Enjoy expert-led training in equine health and gain hands-on experience at Veterinary Academy, where you’ll:
Shadow teaching veterinarians in labs and stables
Learn about hoof care, wound suturing, and reading x-rays
Visit an equine breeding facility
Secure your spot for summer 2025
A LETTER FROM...
JENNIFER
AS THIS YEAR WINDS DOWN Teresa and I want to share our truly heartfelt thanks to our:
Members, it is because of you that we exist.
Parents, your belief in the skills that USPC teaches, brings us strength.
Leaders, opportunities that you provide for all to experience Pony Club.
Sponsors, the means to continue to provide our educational programs and activities. Staff, the unmatched support that you provide to everyone.
Volunteers, you are the village that holds all of us together.
Equine friends that give us endless reasons to be thankful all year.
May you and your loved ones experience the peace and tranquility of these holidays knowing that Pony Club is stronger and better because of you. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season, and we look forward to serving you in 2025.
& TERESA &
Jennifer Sweet, USPC President, and Teresa Woods, USPC Executive Director
Jennifer Sweet Teresa Woods
BITS & PIECES
Important Updates for Members
Your one-stop Pony Club shop!
The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. announced changes to its safety policies and tack allowances that involve helmets, body protection vests, and stirrups. These changes affect all USPC participating members and those participating in a Pony Club event from another organization, such as during an international exchange. The following changes go into effect January 1, 2025:
Stirrup Changes: The most significant change for riders was the banning of peacock stirrups, also known as hook-andloop stirrups, after firsthand reports were brought to the attention of the USPC Safety Committee of people (mainly children) who received injuries while using peacock stirrups. Peacock stirrups feature a rubber band and a hook-and-loop design. They were originally designed to release if a rider fell so that they wouldn’t get their foot caught in the stirrup.
There is a history of riders who have gotten caught on the upward-pointing hook on peacock stirrups while sliding down the saddle during a dismount. In some instances, clothing has been torn, as well as skin, causing horrific injuries to the rider, some that required surgery or resulted in permanent injury.
Riders looking for safer stirrup options should look for the bow-shaped stirrups; the bent-arm, forward-facing stirrups; or those with a safe side or breakaway release mechanism. The United States Pony Clubs does not endorse or promote any specific
products or type of alternative stirrup.
Body Protection Vest Changes: Prior to the policy changes, USPC members were required to wear a properly fitted equestrian body protection vest when jumping cross-country or solid obstacles during any activity sponsored by USPC, its regions, registered clubs, or riding center programs. The recent change to USPC Policy 0830, titled Safety Requirements for Body Protection Vests, added the certifications listed in the graphic below. The addition of these certifications means riders will need to look for products with those certifications when participating in a USPC event during cross-country or while jumping solid obstacles.
Helmet Changes: Prior to the changes to USPC Policy 0810, titled Safety Requirements for Helmets, properly fitted and securely fastened helmets were required by USPC members at any mounted activity (except vaulting) and during some unmounted activities, as specified by the USPC rulebooks and handbooks, and helmets had to meet certain certifications and standards established by specific safety bodies. The changes added dates related to certain certifications and added a few new certifications within the policy. USPC members should ensure their helmet has a certification from those listed in the graphic below. See bit.ly/2025-safety-changes-pr for the full release. —USPC Marketing and Communications Department
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Genevieve Rohner
AGE: 16 | CLUB/REGION: PIONEER PONY CLUB
INTERMOUNTAIN REGION | YEARS IN PONY CLUB: 4
Current certification (and/or certification currently working on): D-3 Dressage, C-1 Horse Management
What disciplines and/or activities are you involved in? Dressage, Tetrathlon, Quiz, Para Dressage
Tell us about your current mount(s) and what you do with him.
My horse, Kaspar, is a really good boy. He likes to lick everything like a toddler. He always gives me 100% when I’m riding, and he LOVES my coach as much as she loves him. You can’t ask for more than that. In the future, I will need a higherend horse to be competitive for the FEI Para Dressage World Championships and Paralympics.
Tell us about your goals (for Pony Club, riding, and life).
I’m an international Grade IV Para Dressage competitor. I started riding at age 4, competing at age 5, and became nationally classified at age 9. I was next classified internationally at 14, and became the youngest classified Para Dressage rider in the world. I’m still the youngest in my grade globally. I made my first United States Equestrian Team show team at age 14.
Pony Club has given me a lot of detailed processes that I didn’t always get at barns. It kind of fills in the gaps for me. I have Cerebral Palsy and Sensory Processing Disorder, and my right leg bones are misaligned. This is from being born as a premature triplet. I started riding for therapy, so I wasn’t always focused on how to do things in the barn. It was more for helping my body and my brain function better.
I have had some good achievements in competition, but things don’t always go as planned. My overall goal is to become a Paralympian. My mom had cancer last year, so I couldn’t go anywhere. Now that I’m 16, I have put a lot of work into school and riding, so when the next opportunity comes up, I will be ready. I would like to do something in the medical field when I’m older.
In the meantime, I won the reserve 2023 United States Para Equestrian Association’s (USPEA) National Youth Sportsman’s Award for volunteering and school, and I was appointed to the United States Equestrian Federation’s National Youth Advisory Board to represent Para. There is always something you can do to keep involved and have an impact on your sport. I am always proud to help others and represent Para.
Genevieve Rohner, shown here with Kaspar, competes in the world of Para Dressage, including internationally.
What is your favorite thing about Pony Club?
It’s a network of people you can always find anywhere you go. They understand what you are learning and have learned and the standards of how to be in a barn and with horses.
What is one thing you would tell younger members first about joining Pony Club?
Be open to friends and information. There is so much you can get from your club and coaches. Never stop learning.
Genevieve Rohner (right), now age 16, who became the youngest classified Para Dressage rider in the world at age 14, has also tried other disciplines, such as Tetrathlon and Quiz. >
What is your favorite way to prepare for a Horse Management certification?
I like to make flash cards. I am taking college classes right now as a junior in high school. Flash cards are helpful in chemistry and AP biology. I think they are good for anything you are studying.
If you could try out any other discipline or activity, what would it be and why? Dog training or soccer.
Favorite Pony Club memory?
I had a great time at my first Tetrathlon event! I had never shot a gun before, and I was better than I thought I would be. I’m not a good runner, because my right leg isn’t straight and a little because of my Cerebral Palsy. But my club friends were right there with me. We won Horse Management and had so much fun!
What makes you #PonyClubProud?
I have a great club. We are small, but everyone is really welcoming and friendly. When I travel to compete or train, I often find other high-level riders or coaches who are Pony Club members, and they encourage me to keep going. They understand what Pony Club offers and can do for riders, and it’s pretty cool to learn from them.
My mom and I are also involved with Pony Club to help grow Para Equestrian. Earlier this year, I got to help present adaptive information at the annual USPC Convention so Pony Club can better support riders with disabilities. I can’t wait to see where this goes, and I feel lucky we were asked to be part of it.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
Always be flexible. I have learned to stay open to possibilities instead of having too many expectations. My motivation doesn’t come from what anyone else thinks. It comes from how much I love to ride and how much I want to achieve my goals. I am lucky to have some great sponsors, coaches, and family.
I also like the quote by Jim Rohn: “You must either modify your dreams or magnify your skills.”
You can follow Genevieve’s experiences on Instagram: @grparaequestrian
< Genevieve Rohner (bottom right) with her quiz team from Pioneer Pony Club, including Paelia Dunn, Alice Macleod, and Olivia Brown.
LEXI ROHNER
OVERCOMING 8 EVERYDAY Arena Problems
Most riders will experience problems in the arena at some time or another. There are many options for solving problem behaviors.
Knowing how to problem-solve in the arena is key for any rider to improve. Let’s take a look at what to do in eight common scenarios.
As a rider, it’s only natural that problems will arise while you are working with your horse, and the types of scenarios are too numerous to count. However, almost every rider will deal with at least one of the eight issues below. Let’s take a look at these common problems and ways to deal with them.
Problems in the arena can be a result of any number of factors, such as a behavioral issue, improper or ill-fitting tack, discomfort, or a health condition. Determining the root cause of the problem will help you determine the best way to resolve it. It’s important to work with your veterinarian to rule out any physical problems first. Once you’ve ruled out illness or injury, it’s always a good idea to work with a trainer who can help you with these scenarios (and others), especially if you are struggling on your own.
#1. HEADSHAKING
If you’ve ruled out a physical cause (fly spray and ear bonnets can be very beneficial during the summer months), you’ll want to consider what you’re asking your horse to do. If you’re asking him to go into a corner of the arena that he dislikes and he’s shaking his head in response, redirect your horse’s focus. A great way to do this can be incorporating poles or cavaletti into your work. Giving both you and your horse something else to focus on, rather than focusing on the problem, can help direct his energy in a positive manner. Ride a dressage test or a flat pattern or add in transitions or more complex movements—a leg yield, shoulder-in, or haunches-in— to get your horse forward-thinking.
#2. REFUSING A JUMP
A horse can stop at jumps for a wide variety of reasons. Is he new to jumping? Is this a jump he is scared of or intimidated by? Does he understand what you are asking? If your horse is stopping because he is new to jumping, don’t fault him. Go back to basics. Lower the jump or take it down to a single pole on the ground, if needed. One exercise to practice includes using a ground pole as a transition point. The goal is to have the pole become the very first stride of a canter. Practice trotting up to a pole, then ask for the canter as the horse goes over the pole. This helps teach the horse to move forward, then up and in an arc over an obstacle, while also teaching the rider when to put leg on.
Now, if your horse is stopping because he is scared, allow him time to investigate. Ask your mount to walk up to the jump. Let him sniff it and touch it with his nose. Walk around the jump and let him see it out of both eyes. Horses process things very differently from the left and right eye, and their vision is very different from ours, because their eyes are on the side of their head. Next, practice walking quietly towards the jump and stop at it, staying straight. If the horse can stop near it, with his head and neck looking out and over the fence, you’re ready to reapproach.
Is your horse running out to the side? This is a common problem. A horse running out to the side means the rider has not done their job of steering. If you feel your horse start to drift, stop him immediately. Steering should always be the number one priority before adding in speed (or height). Widen your hands and use your seat and leg to channel your horse’s energy straight and forward.
A horse may put on the brakes at a jump because he is new to jumping or new to that level.
If your horse is stopping because he doesn’t understand what you are asking, just slow down! This can happen when both horse and rider are overwhelmed. Add in circles or break to the walk or trot to allow both of you time to think. As you and your horse gain confidence, gradually add height back in. Set your horse up for success. It can take a long time to develop confidence, for both horses and riders, but no time at all to destroy it.
#3. CONSTANTLY PULLING RAILS
Some horses are naturally more careful jumpers than others. Bold and brave doesn’t always equate to being a careful jumper. Jumping requires a different type of strength and fitness. Focus on your horse’s footwork. Trot and canter poles, cavaletti, and gymnastic exercises are a wonderful way to address this.
For more experienced jumpers, add in fences that will get your horse’s attention. You can use filler (flower boxes, panels, barrels, or gates), add a pole on the landing side of a fence (10' to 12' after the fence, depending on the size of the horse’s stride), or add in trot fences. Or ride a gymnastic line (appropriate for you and your horse) using cross-rail bounces and oxers with ground poles between fences. Get your horse to sit and push so he learns to jump in an arc rather than flat over a fence. When you get your horse to slow down and think about his feet, this will help him jump in a better shape.
#4. JUMPINESS/SPOOKING
Horses can spook at just about anything. Instinctually, they are flight animals. It’s in their DNA to physically react when they feel threatened, which is often caused by a lack of confidence. The more relaxed we are, the more relaxed our mount will be. Focus on your own breathing, talk to your horse, count strides, or sing a song.
Next, get your horse in front of your leg—he should be listening, quick to react, and ready to move forward when you apply your aids. Practice transitions between gaits, as well as within the gaits. If you or your horse are feeling nervous, do these transitions on a circle. Progress to simple exercises that
you know you can both easily do, such as serpentines and figure-eights.
While it’s important to get your horse’s attention, you always want to set him up for success. Perform exercises you know you can accomplish easily and remember to praise him. Like us, horses learn from being told what they did right, not what they did wrong.
#5. A HALF-ASLEEP HORSE
A horse that’s dull to the aids can be a wonderful horse to learn on. He will forgive our mistakes and won’t overreact when a rider gives a cue incorrectly or too strongly. It’s easy to become “loud” with our aids, but to get our horses to listen, we often need less leg, rather than more. Turn it into a game!
As you trot around the arena, take your leg off. See how long it takes for your horse to slow down. Wait until your horse breaks to the walk. As he does, give him three firm kicks to send him forward again. It’s okay if he breaks into a canter. I don’t punish forward movement as I’d rather just allow him to naturally come back to the trot at this point. Repeat the exercise.
The key to this game is to keep from using constant leg pressure, which is much harder than it sounds. After a couple of times, you’ll find your horse moving forward as soon as you increase leg pressure. Don’t forget to add variety to your rides to keep things interesting for both you and your horse. Ride with a friend, play mounted games, go for a hack. All these things can help keep your horse mentally fit, and physically fit as well.
#6. SPEEDING UP
You should identify why your horse might be turning into a speed demon. Does he have too much energy? You may want to consider longeing him. If that isn’t an option, I like to work on a circle and do a lot of trot and canter transitions. Get your horse’s energy out on your terms rather than his.
Is your horse nervous? If so, you’ll want to work on relaxation. The more relaxed a horse is, the easier it is to get him to slow down. Start (and end) your ride with a long walk. Incorporate free walk and stretching circles into your ride. Changing directions frequently and circling can help slow down a speedy mount. Allow your horse to go straight when he goes the speed you want, and circle when he speeds up. When you transition to a halt, does your horse take a deep breath, a sign of relaxation? When he does, praise him. Take breaks and give him time to process your riding lesson.
Does your horse lack balance? A loss of balance often creates a change in speed. Horses, like us, will often speed up when they trip in an effort to regain their balance.
If your horse has turned into a speed demon, one reason might be that he is nervous or tense. If so, it’s time to work on his ability to relax.
If losing balance is the issue, check your own balance. Stand in a 2-point position. Are you balancing on the reins or do you need to grab mane? Then ride without one or both stirrups. Take a longe line lesson when possible to improve your own balance. To help build your horse’s balance, perform lots of transitions. Teach him to carry his weight on his haunches. Collect and lengthen the stride at the walk, trot, and canter. And finally, work outside the arena, especially up and down hills when possible.
#7. CUTTING CORNERS
Horses that cut corners have either learned to do this or lack suppleness through their bodies that enables them to bend properly. If your horse cuts corners because you’ve allowed him to, work on your steering. It can help to place a cone in the corner and ride your horse around the cone.
If he lacks suppleness, add in circles, changes of direction, and lateral work (if appropriate). Try adding a circle in every, or alternating, corners. While it’s tempting to pull the outside rein, this often causes the head to go to the outside while the shoulder and barrel fall in. Instead, practice bending your horse to the inside while adding inside leg to move his body out. Encourage your mount to bend through the rib cage with your lower leg. At either end of the arena, spiral in and out on a circle. If you get your horse supple and responsive to your leg aid, this allows you to ride into corners better.
#8. STRAIGHT LINES
Riding a straight line is harder than it sounds. Once you’ve mastered staying on the rail, it’s time to introduce quarter lines and centerlines. I recommend a marker at either end of the arena, which gives you a focal point. Place cones or poles parallel to the rail and practice riding a straight line on either side of them. Riding a straight line at the walk can sometimes be harder than at the trot…it’s a bit like trying to ride a bicycle slowly. Adding forward movement can help. Horses need suppleness and balance to be able to maintain straightness. The more you focus on these basics, the easier it’ll be to get your horse to move in a straight line. With issues that arise while riding, take a moment to ask yourself what is happening and why is it happening. Being a good rider means being able to problem-solve. Try these techniques the next time you encounter these common problems.
TRAINING FOR Tetrathlon
Two experienced USPC Tetrathlon athletes share their tips for training for this unique four-phase discipline.
By Sarah Evers Conrad, USPC Marketing and Communications Director
If you’re thinking about expanding your Pony Club experience and trying something new, there’s one discipline that can give you a lot of variety and excitement. Tetrathlon—which combines riding, swimming, running, and shooting—offers the ultimate sporting experience for riders of all ages and experience levels. Pony Club is the only organization in the United States that offers Tetrathlon competition.
In Tetrathlon, often referred to as “Tet,” Pony Club members follow the USPC Tetrathlon Rulebook. Since it is a USPC competitive discipline, opportunities include Tetrathlon rallies, inter-regional rallies, and USPC Festival Championships every other year. Competitors earn scores in all four phases, which are then combined with their Horse Management score to determine overall placings in a competition.
The running phase challenges each competitor’s physical stamina and endurance over cross-country terrain and may include obstacles such as hay bales, logs, and low fences.
The shooting phase tests a competitor’s skill and accuracy in a standing position using an air pistol at a distance of 10 meters from a target.
The swimming phase features a set course length, with points awarded depending on the time for completion.
The riding phase of competition provides an opportunity for the rider and mount to demonstrate equestrian skills over a jumping course designed with stadium or cross-country obstacles, or a combination of both that often includes natural terrain. Competitions may also involve an equitation round.
Tetrathlon’s equestrian phase is different than other events you may see that involve jumping in that there is a slip rail and a gate. “It tests the rider’s ability to keep their horse adjustable through the course to pull up for the gate and slip rail, which is a crucial part of becoming a mature [skilled] rider,” said Annie Rogers, an H-A Horse Management and B Eventing member of Radnor Hunt Pony Club in the Eastern Pennsylvania Region. Rogers, a second-generation USPC member, began competing in Tetrathlon at a regional Tetrathlon rally in the fall of 2015 and competed throughout high school and at the 2018 USPC Championships East in Tryon. She has also volunteered as a scorer and as Tetrathlon Secretary at the 2023 USPC Championships East. She shared her love of the discipline on the Pony Club Podcast at www.bit.ly/pony-club-podcast18
Ariana Dickey, a H-B Horse Management, C-2 Eventing, C-2 Dressage member of Seneca Valley Pony Club in the Capital Region, has been hooked on Tetrathlon since 2012 and has competed in the Capital Region Tetrathlon rally every year since then and also at the Maryland Region Tetrathlon rally since 2018.
BENEFITS FOR THE RIDER
There are many great reasons to give Tetrathlon a try, and the horse can also learn new skills. Benefits of competing in Tetrathlon for the rider include:
PHYSICAL FITNESS: By competing in four disciplines, you develop a great foundation for staying physically fit for riding and in life, which is just as important for horseback riders as it is for other kinds of athletes. Rogers said this is a major issue with many riders. “We don’t always treat ourselves like the athletes that we are,” she said.
For the running phase, participants run distances based on their age, starting at 500 meters (1/3 of a mile) for the youngest participants, and they work their way up to 3,000 meters (or 1.86 miles) for those age 16 and above in the junior and senior divisions. In swimming, the youngest competitors start at 25 yards (or meters) and the longest distance is 200 yards (or meters) for juniors and seniors, which is equal to four laps of an Olympic-sized pool.
Running is known to create better sleep, control weight, improve brain function and cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, reduce pain and stress, improve mental health, and provides many more overall benefits. Swimming works the entire body and builds muscle strength and flexibility, increases endurance, and provides many of the same physical benefits as running. And don’t get us started on all the benefits of riding…we’d be here all day.
FRIENDS: While making friends is a key benefit of Pony Club, riders may find a special kind of camaraderie within Tetrathlon. Rogers said her favorite part is the generosity of the riders, parents, and the stewards. “I really love the people who compete in Tetrathlon, and I appreciate the recognition it gives to our Pony Club members who are involved in sports outside of riding,” she said.
Dickey also enjoys the people and the uplifting, supportive atmosphere of Tetrathlon. “Out of all the different events I’ve competed in, Tetrathlon has been the most fun,” said Dickey. “Since Tetrathlon combines multiple disciplines, it creates a
RIDING
SHOOTING
RUNNING SWIMMING
RIDING: Ariana Dickey, shown here during the riding phase at the 2023 USPC Championships East, began competing in Tetrathlon in 2012 with Pony Club, and now she has taken her skills she used in the shooting phase of Tetrathlon to college with her for The Ohio State University’s pistol team. SHOOTING: Muscle training and developing a steady aim will help in the shooting phase of Tetrathlon. RUNNING: Annie Rogers, shown here, said it’s important to learn time management so that you can train for more than one sport. SWIMMING: Breath control and muscle conditioning is important for the swimming phase.
sense of camaraderie that makes competing even more special.”
PRACTICAL SKILLS: The shooting phase of Tetrathlon teaches concentration, hand-eye coordination, patience, selfdiscipline, responsibility, safety, and can boost self-esteem and confidence. The swimming phase builds strong skills in water, which can help prevent an accidental drowning.
For the equestrian phase, Rogers cites being able to open a gate while being mounted and being able to mount a horse safely from the ground as two practical skills that can be used for any type of riding.
TIME MANAGEMENT: In order to train for four sports, athletes must make wise use of their training time. “Training for the other sports may decrease your ride time, so it makes the time you do get to ride that much more impactful,” said Rogers.
BENEFITS FOR THE HORSE: If a horse already knows how to jump and handle natural terrain, then he does not need any further special training for this discipline; however, a horse will get lots of practice with patience as the rider practices opening and closing a gate. Rogers said that learning to navigate the slip rail and gate obstacles can help enhance a horse’s responsiveness to cues, as well.
TRAINING FOR TET
To get started, Rogers recommends reaching out to the District Commissioner of your club or to your Regional Supervisor to find out who in the club and/or region does Tetrathlon. If you find yourself a trailblazer in your area, she recommends beginners read the rulebook to understand the phases and how the competition is run.
“Do your best to practice your running, swimming, and shooting as often as you can,” she adds. “Depending on where you live, it can be difficult to train for Tet, but the first time doing it should be about having fun and learning about how to improve your training.”
Our athletes offer training tips for each phase of Tetrathlon.
EQUESTRIAN: If your goal is to ride in an international exchange to represent the U.S. and USPC, Rogers advises to practice switch rides. “Being timely, neat, presentable, and good mature riders is the best representation we can give,” she added.
Dickey suggests creating a practice setup at home for the slip rail with two standards and two poles and to also practice the gate at home.
RUNNING: Being a good runner means building up your cardio capabilities and your endurance. “If it’s your first time running at an event, I recommend training for a distance slightly longer than what you’ll be running in competition,” said Dickey. “This will make the actual race feel easier and allow you to put in more effort.”
SWIMMING: Dickey emphasized the importance of breath control and muscle conditioning for swimming. “Practice every three strokes for a breath, and work on your kicking to strengthen your legs,” she advised.
SHOOTING: Dickey recommends shooting from a closer distance at first than the required distance for a competition and then gradually increasing the range. “One of the best tips I’ve learned is to put masking tape over your non-dominant eye to help keep both eyes open, which makes focusing much easier, and puts less strain on your non-dominant eye.”
Muscle training is also important for a steady aim when shooting. “For muscle training, practice holding for 6x20 second lifts and 30 seconds rest,” advised Dickey. “Aim to shoot at least twice as many shots as you will in competition, and practice the holding technique to build steady aim.”
TETRATHLON
OPPORTUNITIES NEAR AND FAR
Members who excel in Tetrathlon can go on to represent USPC and compete in the Pony Club International Alliance (PCIA) Tetrathlon Exchange, which includes teams from the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia. The 2026 exchange will be hosted in the spring by Australia. Two teams of four riders, one for girls and one for boys, get to enjoy seeing the historical sights and culture of another country while trying their skills in a challenging event. To apply for the USPC team, members must be between the ages of 16 to 25 and certified C-3 or above in Eventing.
Rogers got to experience the 2024 PCIA Tetrathlon Exchange in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
“I had always heard wonderful things about the Tet exchange, and I thought it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride a beautiful Irish horse across an Irish cross-country course,” said Rogers. “For me, this trip was a way for me to finally check something off my list after COVID and to learn how the other Pony Clubs conduct competitions so that I could bring that knowledge back to the U.S. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
Dickey wasn’t able to do an international exchange due to the pandemic and her college schedule, but added that she has made great connections that led her to become part of The Ohio State University (OSU) pistol team, which captured the 2024 national championship title with Dickey competing on the team.
“I believe Tetrathlon offers countless opportunities, not just for competition, but for personal growth and making lasting friendships,” said Dickey. “It’s a discipline I truly love, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, multifaceted, and challenging sport.”
COURTESY ANNIE ROGERS
Opportunities exist for competing in Tetrathlon in international exchanges, like one Annie Rogers did in 2024 in Ireland and the U.K.
Make the Most OF YOUR YEAR IN PONY CLUB
As we begin a new year, here’s how you can make the most of your time in Pony Club or help members of a club, center, or region plan their activities.
By Connie Jehlik, USPC Instruction Services Director
Whether your club or center is brand new or has been in existence for decades, there are always things to be learned and shared with members and plenty of opportunities in Pony Club to try something new or to help others develop a plan for the coming year. For club, center, or regional leaders, helping members plan their year can be rewarding as you see members achieve their goals and try something new. Regardless of what role you have within Pony Club—as a member, leader, or volunteer—here are a few things that will make the year ahead a spectacular one for learning and growth.
Now that USPC Festival is every other year (in even-numbered years) instead of every three years, that means every odd-numbered year is now a non-Festival year, which means that USPC will not be hosting USPC Championships. This allows members and regions to explore different types of activities to attend and host, respectively. These include regional camps, mini rallies or rallies in different disciplines other than your usual favorites, or the chance for an inter-regional rally. In addition, members can set goals to achieve a new certification level, try a different discipline, or learn a new skill.
USPC also has some exciting new programs being launched in 2025—the Member Achievement Program and virtual competitions in the four riding disciplines of Dressage, Show Jumping, Trail, and Western Dressage.
Here’s a look at opportunities to explore in Pony Club education, certifications, and competitions.
EDUCATION FOCUS
Special clinics and camps are at the top of the list for education, in addition to regular meetings throughout the year. Nationally, USPC Convention is always a great opportunity for horse-related education. Regional clinics are a popular way to present curriculum on specific topics or skills that take lots of practice, such as bandaging, teaching, and longeing. Providing these types of opportunities will help members to achieve both local- and national-level certifications.
A club or center can put together their own unmounted or mounted educational clinic, or they can pool resources and work together with other clubs and/or centers. Regions can also provide special clinics, which can be based on certification level, using local or national instructors, National Examiners, and other professionals. The topics offered may depend on the type of education that is most needed in that area.
Camps at the local level tend to focus on the D-level member, while C-level members and above can benefit from local camps by learning to teach both unmounted and mounted lessons. Local camps can be extremely fun and helpful to new and longtime members alike. Camps create strong bonds and the enduring friendships that are a memorable part of the Pony Club experience.
Regional camps typically focus on the C-level member and above and allow both riding and unmounted skills to be perfected.
Besides these member opportunities, there are also educational opportunities for leaders, instructors, and/or parents through a Standards and Certification Clinic. These clinics allow new members
to see what the riding levels through the C-2 and above look like. This is also a great time to invite new instructors who are not familiar with Pony Club to come watch and learn. Regions often hold this type of clinic with a Horse Management clinic.
CERTIFICATION FOCUS
Many members have the goal to certify at another level or in another discipline, or certification track. At the local level, a club/center should offer at least two opportunities a year for members to test and earn a certification. Continuing to progress through the certification levels will open doors for members to pursue additional opportunities in Pony Club. Certain certification levels are required for some programs, such as international exchanges, college scholarships, the USEF Pony Jumper Championships, and the National Youth Congress, to name a few.
Many clubs and centers use the checklist for each USPC level that is provided on the website to help members know what is expected as they work with their instructor to learn the skills needed for a certification at that level. (To find these lists, first log in, and then mouse over Education, click on Standards and Test Sheets, and choose the desired level.)
A club/center/region may also organize a test prep, which is commonly done at the C-2 level and above. In many regions, the Regional Instruction Coordinator (RIC) helps to organize a prep for the more advanced levels and invites interested members from the region and/or neighboring regions. Some regions have also organized online preps for the H-B and H-A test to help members learn within a group setting. The support from other members is helpful when learning the detailed information found in the Standards of Proficiency.
Riding preps and clinics are extremely useful for members who aspire to test for the C-3 level and above. If you have a member interested in taking a national-level test, try to support them by creating opportunities for them to teach and test at the local level along with special clinics to hone their riding and horse management skills.
COMPETITION FOCUS
Most members are interested in some type of competition. To broaden horizons, consider adding a different kind of event, such as a Vaulting or Trail rally. A few regions hosted these types of rallies in 2024 with much success! It’s always encouraging when we see regions expand their offerings to include the wide range of disciplines offered by USPC.
For members who do not own a horse or are new to Pony Club, there are options for competitions, such as an Everything But the Horse (EBTH) rally. This is one of the best types of first rally experiences. Members do not bring a horse, but they bring everything else needed for a rally. They compete as a team and learn about being a team member. We have seen this done on a mini scale with Breyer model horses, or using stick horses to ride a Dressage test or a Show Jumping course. This type of rally is both educational and fun!
In addition to the EBTH rally without horses, Quiz rallies are another way to have a competitive rally experience without having to bring a horse. Members could attend a Quiz rally
Going into any new year in Pony Club, it’s important to set goals for yourself regarding what new things you would like to learn or achieve.
and qualify to compete at the next USPC Festival Championships. Quiz rallies have the bonus of expanding knowledge and working as a team.
For those interested in competitive goals and achievement on a national level, USPC now offers the Member Achievement Program. Sign up online for this program at www.ponyclub.org. Simply mouse over the Activities tab and click on the Member Achievement Program link to register. (Registration is required annually for each calendar year.) The earlier you register each year, the sooner you can collect points for all of the various activities you do in Pony Club—everything from achieving a certification, to participating in events, to attending a rally, clinic, camp, club/ center lesson, volunteering, and more. And then you have the chance to earn achievements individually and against others in your age group for that calendar year. Points are not retroactive. Just about everything we’ve talked about in this article is point-worthy!
In addition to this new way to achieve, you can also test your mettle against Pony Club members from all over during non-Festival years through USPC virtual competitions. (Check out www.ponyclub.org/activities/virtual-competitions.) The best part of virtual competition is that you don’t even have to pack the trailer and leave home.With so many options to explore in education, certification, and beyond, it’s sure to be a great year in Pony Club.
UNITED STATES PONY CLUBS ARCHIVE
Proper fit for blankets is crucial for safety and for comfort, and to prevent slippage or sores.
GROOMING GOALS
Beautifully Blanketed
By
Liv Gude, Brought to You by Shapley’s Grooming Products, the Official Grooming Product Sponsor of USPC
Tis the season of body clipping and blanketing your horse. Not all horses need body clipping, and not all horses need blankets, but it’s good to prepare either way as you never know what Mother Nature will send your way.
WHEN ARE BLANKETS NEEDED?
The primary reason horses need to be blanketed is because their hair coat doesn’t match the level of protection needed for the weather, which could be due to a few reasons. Blankets are recommended if:
You have body clipped your horse for any reason.
Your horse is a hard keeper or is already on the lower end of the body condition score chart, even if he has a thick winter coat (see bit.ly/horse-body-condition-scoring for more on determining your horse’s body condition).
Your horse is a senior or has lost weight or been ill recently. There is unseasonably cold weather, such as strong winds, heavy snow or rain, or colder-than-normal temperatures for the area.
BLANKET OPTIONS
Your horse may need several blankets in his wardrobe for different uses and weather conditions. There are a few important terms to understand when choosing a blanket for your horse.
A sheet is a blanket without any insulation. A sheet may have a liner or be just a single layer of fabric.
Blankets come in different levels of warmth, depending on the amount of fill, which is the fluffy insulation between the outer layers. The fill weight is listed in grams. The greater the fill weight, the warmer the blanket. Lightweight blankets have just 50 or 100 grams of fill. Medium-weight blankets have 200 or 300 grams, while heavyweight blankets contain 400 grams or more of fill.
Denier, another number you may see in blanket descriptions when shopping, indicates the thickness of fibers in fabrics. Generally, the higher the denier, the more durable the blanket is.
STABLE AND TURNOUT STYLES
There are two types of blankets for horses. Stable sheets and blankets are designed for indoor use only, while turnout styles are made to withstand tougher conditions in the pasture or in outdoor living situations.
Stable sheets and blankets are not waterproof, have a sleek and simple design, are perfect for horses that spend time in the barn, and often come in a variety of colors.
Turnout sheets and blankets are designed specifically for outdoor wear and have a waterproof outer shell made of much stronger material than stable blankets. These durable coverings protect from wet weather while allowing horses to run and play. Functional design features include shoulder gussets to allow freedom of movement and a tail flap for added protection from the elements.
A standard neck opening rests in front of the withers, while high-neck designs go midway up the neck, covering more of the mane. These are great for horses who are sensitive to blanket rubs near the withers. Some blankets include full neck coverage for added warmth and protection. The neck cover may be attached as part of the blanket design or be a removable cover that clips on and off as needed.
BLANKET FIT
Measuring is easy, especially with a friend. Using a weight tape, start the measurement in the center of the horse’s chest and run the tape horizontally along the side of his body to the edge of his tail to get your horse’s blanket size. Ensure the tape stays level and close to your horse’s body. Stop measuring where you want the blanket to stop coverage, usually along the edge of the tail. If you measure to the middle of the tail, the blanket will be too long.
Proper fit is crucial. Remember that fit can vary among the different blanket styles and brands, especially since conformation varies so much among horses, as does blanket design. A blanket that’s too big can slip around or cause your horse
Keep
to get tangled. One that’s too small can cause painful sores and may not cover your horse fully. Ensure the fit around the neck opening of the blanket, including the chest, withers, and shoulder area is adequate and gives your horse room to move.
Also, always adjust the blanket’s belly straps and other fastenings to keep your horse’s blanket comfortably and safely in place. Secure belly straps so that he has room to breathe and move but not so much room that a hoof could get caught.
The tail end of the blanket is kept in place by leg straps that cross under your horse or a tail cord that connects each side under the tail. Leg straps should be loose enough to avoid rubbing on legs and taut enough not to dangle.
UNDER THE BLANKET
Remove blankets daily for grooming and to check your horse’s skin health. Many skin infections begin with winter coats and moisture. Keeping your horse’s blankets clean, especially the lining, helps skin stay healthy and keeps your horse cleaner.
Before blanketing, if your horse is dusty, use a no-rinse spray shampoo on your horse to pick up the dust. You can mist your horse, then pick up the dust with a cloth or rag. Or, you can spray your grooming brushes and lift the dust.
If you need to wipe down the lining of your blankets as a quick clean, use a no-rinse shampoo spray to lightly mist the liner and then wipe it down.
any snap closures with the opening facing toward your horse so they don’t catch on fencing or hay nets.
The tail end of the blanket is kept in place by leg straps that cross under your horse or a tail cord that connects each side under the tail.
Measure from the middle of the chest to the edge of the tail for blanket size.
Shoulder rubs are a common problem for horses that are blanketed during the winter. Anytime there is movement against your horse, the friction may start to thin the hair and create a bald patch or rub. To reduce friction, use sheen spray on areas like shoulders, hips, and withers to keep hair from rubbing.
BLANKETING TIME
Decide what blanket to wear based on temperature, your horse’s coat, and variables like extra wind or a fresh body clip.
Temperature guidelines may vary, but this is a good starting point:
Use a lightweight sheet or blanket with approximately 100g of fill for temperatures between 40º F and 50º F (or 30–40º F for unclipped horses).
Switch to a medium-weight blanket with about 200g of fill for temperatures between 30º F and 40º F (or 20-30º F for unclipped horses).
Heavyweight blankets of 300g or more are best for temperatures below 30º F (or under 20º F for unclipped horses).
Adjust as needed for your horse’s hair coat and the weather conditions. You can also layer blankets or add a turnout sheet with a heavier blanket for more insulation. (Remember to expand the top blanket’s chest closure, surcingle, and straps to accommodate the blanket beneath.)
For safety, don’t pull blankets over your horse’s head. He could spook and end up tangled. Keep any snap closures with the opening facing toward your horse so they don’t catch on fencing or hay nets.
Also, don’t blanket a wet horse, as he could become chilled, or it could even cause hypothermia. Help your horse dry completely before blanketing. Covering him with a wool or fleece cooler can pull moisture out of the coat until he is dry. Using sheets and blankets for your horse can help the horse that needs extra support and protection from the elements. And as a bonus, blanketing can help you keep your horse clean.
Brought to you by:
MADISON MORGAN PHOTOGRAPHY
NUTRITION NOTES
Which Feed for Your Steed?
By Jessica Drexler, PAS, for Triple Crown Nutrition, the Official Feed Sponsor of USPC
Th
ere are a variety of horse feed types and textures you can choose for your horse. While some owners may have a favorite go-to feed they like to use, the right product for your horse comes down to taking a close look at their age, workload, caloric needs, health issues, and of course, their preferences. The last thing you want is to try to feed your horse something he won’t eat.
Let’s discuss the different feed textures and categories.
PELLETED FEEDS
A pelleted feed has all the ingredients ground and pressed through a machine that produces a pellet-shaped piece. Pellets should hold their shape but can break up with handling and can be softened into a mash when water is added. Historically, pelleted feeds were lower fat, but now you can find pelleted feeds with a fat content as high as 12–13%. The higher-fat pelleted feeds are ideal for harder keepers and hard-working performance horses. The lower-fat pelleted options tend to be nutrient dense for easy keepers to meet their daily vitamin/mineral requirements.
Benefits of pelleted feeds include:
Horses can’t sift out individual ingredients. They have a higher digestibility rate than textured feeds.
Pelleted feeds tend to have a longer shelf life than textured or sweet feeds.
Disadvantages of pelleted feeds are:
Pelleted feeds tend to create some “fines,” or dust, due to handling, which can be problematic for horses with respiratory issues.
Pelleted feeds can be consumed faster than textured feeds, so use caution if you want to add this type of feed to the diet of a horse who tends to “bolt” his feed, as eating too fast can increase the risk of choking.
Pelleted feeds do not always work well when you need to give your horse a supplement or medication that happens to be powdered because it can fall to the bottom of the feed pan. Adding a little water, mixing in a textured feed, or even adding applesauce may help.
EXTRUDED FEEDS
Like pelleted feeds, extruded products look similar to a pellet but have a puffier appearance, somewhat resembling a piece of dog food kibble. During the manufacturing process, ingredients are ground and steamed, then cooked under high temperature and pressure. They pass through a die producing their final size and shape. The extrusion process helps to break down the structures of the proteins and starches.
Benefits of extruded feeds include: Breaking down the starch and proteins can offer higher digestibility over other feeds.
Extruded feeds are softer and easier to chew than a regular pellet, and they soften up quickly when water is added.
Like a regular pellet, horses can’t separate out ingredients.
Extruded feeds won’t break down, creating dusty “fines” like standard pelleted feeds can.
Extruded feeds encourage horses to consume their feed more slowly, promoting chewing and saliva production.
Differences to know about extruded feeds:
Extruded feeds take up more space, so when you feed 5 pounds of this feed to your horse, it will seem like a lot more feed because the product is airier. This is a good reminder to always feed by the weight of the feed, not volume or feeding by the scoop. (Also be sure to follow product directions!)
Due to the product size, it is worth noting that extruded feeds may come in smaller-sized bags at the store (40-pound versus 50-pound bags), even though they appear to be the same-sized bag, so be sure to check the packaging at time of purchase
Extruded feeds may not be a good choice for horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome, an endocrine disorder associated with inappropriate blood insulin levels and increased fat deposits. Although the starch in extruded feeds is pre-digested to keep it from reaching the large intestine, it is more easily absorbed into the bloodstream from the small intestine.
TEXTURED FEEDS
Textured feeds are typically known as sweet feed or grain-based feeds. These feeds have all or most of the ingredients visible in the mixture. For example, you may see a sweet feed mix containing crimped oats, corn, and other ingredients. These feeds may contain moderate to higher levels of molasses for palatability (so your horse will like the taste) and to add in digestible energy. Today many textured feeds contain grains, but also have pellets containing additional ingredients, such as a vitamin and mineral mix.
Benefits of textured feeds include:
There are many textured options to choose from with a variety of fats, grains, and nutrient packages.
They are usually very palatable to horses and well-liked, making them excellent for picky eaters.
A textured feed is easier to use when mixing in supplements and medications.
Disadvantages of textured feeds include:
Horses can sift out ingredients they do not like.
Textured feeds can take a bit longer to soften if adding water to make a mash.
Extruded feeds can have many benefits, such as higher digestibility and less dust.
These feeds are more prone to mold development, and they also attract rodents, bugs, or flies to the barn. It’s important to be mindful of the shorter shelf life of textured feeds, increase pest control efforts, and to store these feeds properly.
ADDITIONAL FEED TYPES EXPLAINED
Fiber-Based or Complete Feeds: Fiber-based feeds are often mistaken for a sweet feed based on their similar appearance, but they contain fiber-based ingredients like beet pulp and alfalfa meal.
Textured feeds, also known as sweet feed, are usually wellliked by many horses.
These high-fiber complete feeds may contain little to no grains, making them a lower starch and lower sugar feed option. These feeds may have moderate- to high-fat guarantees and moderate to higher protein levels, making them ideal for performance horses, growing horses, and senior horses. They get the title of a “complete feed” if they have a guaranteed fiber content over 15%; this means the feed could be used to replace some or all forage in a horse’s diet. A senior horse with no teeth who can’t chew hay, hay cubes, or pasture could exclusively eat a senior complete feed and thrive.
Ration Balancer: A ration balancer is a nutrient-dense product that provides a horse with all his daily vitamin and mineral needs in a small amount of feed, typically 1 to 2 pounds daily for a 1,000-pound horse. Ration balancers can be used to supply missing nutrients for horses eating only pasture and/or hay diets, and to improve nutrition in diets when feeding below the recommended feeding rate of a particular feed and/or mixing with whole grains, such as corn, oats, or barley. Some ration balancers are low in starch and sugar, making them ideal for easy keepers and equines with metabolic diseases.
MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE
All horse feed forms can be beneficial to horses, but it is important to read the product purpose statement and feeding directions to determine if the product is right for your horse.
Read feed labels carefully and follow product directions to ensure proper nutrition. Higher-quality feeds can be more cost-effective by reducing the need for additional supplements. Consult with an equine nutritionist or veterinarian, especially if managing specific health concerns.
Need more help with your horse’s nutrition? Contact a Triple Crown Feed expert at www.triplecrownfeed.com or call 800-451-9916 for personalized advice.
Brought to you by:
PONY CLUB PICTURE PADDOCK
Sophie Cameron of the Elkridge-Harford Pony Club in the Maryland Region riding Bugsy.
Trinity Reuter of Woodbrook Hunt Pony Club in the Northwest Region aboard her Welsh Pony My Royal Spirit.
To be included, email a high-resolution image to marketing@ponyclub.org with name, Pony Club/Riding Center, and name of horse.
Pony Club in the Southwest Region after participating in an Everything But the Horse Rally hosted by Desert Hooves Pony Club.
Ella Bates of Milton Pony Club in the South Region is a C-1 in Dressage.
Alta Welborn of Norfolk Hunt Pony Club in the Central New England Region at Pony Club camp on Action Jackson.
CHANDLER
ANDREW RYBACK
PHOTO
ADDIE-MAE WEISS, NHPC
