FAQ’s

When do members need to wear their Medical Card/Armband?

Armbands must be worn at all PC activities when riding and/or working around horses. The armbands include a current copy of the individual's USPC Medical Card.

The primary purpose of the Medical Card is to allow a USPC member to receive medical treatment in the absence of Parent/legal guardian, to provide handy emergency contact information, and to provide medical history for emergency medical personnel.

The parent/guardian is responsible to provide a complete Medical Card, keep it updated, and ensure that the USPC member is wearing the card in an armband at all Pony Club mounted activities and/or activities where the member is working around horses.

The card folds providing only the necessary information needed. Only the member name, allergy info, and contact information is viewable on the front panel. This is the ONLY portion of the card that USPC leaders, instructors, and judges will need to view in order to verify compliance. Sensitive member information is kept private but available for medical proceedings.

Armbands must be worn on the upper arm. If the competitor has small arms a velcro adjustable band is recommended.

Tetrathlon will not be required to wear them while actually shooting or swimming, but must have them visible and next to them for these activities and must be wearing them at all other times.

Armbands and replacement cards are available for purchase from the USPC Bookstore.

What Makes Pony Club Unique?

The mission of Pony Club is "to provide a program for youth that teaches riding, mounted sports, and the care of horses and ponies, thereby developing responsibility, moral judgment, leadership and self-confidence.” The members of USPC have joined an organization dedicated to producing well-rounded horsemen and women. Many past and current Olympic and International riders were once USPC members.

USPC is unique because its educational programs place equal emphasis on the teaching of riding skills, horse-care fundamentals, and team participation with sportsmanship. From the moment youth join USPC until they graduate, they are part of a broad network of activities and educational programs that promote the health and safety of both horse and rider. USPC is dedicated to developing knowledgeable, competent, responsible, and caring horsemen.

Standards of Proficiency

The USPC Standards of Proficiency provide a core curriculum for individualized instruction. Clubs and centers use the Standards as a plan for instruction programs. The Standards describe a clear progression of skills in riding and Horse Management and provide opportunities for goal setting, as members are encouraged to proceed though those skills at a pace that is comfortable for them. Riding is something we do for fun! Ratings are given in an effort to recognize achievements and encourage members to gain confidence, independence and good safety habits while working with mounts. Goal setting, teaching and testing are good ways to accomplish this purpose.

Horse Management

One of the things that separates Pony Club from other youth equestrian organizations is the emphasis that is placed on Horse Management. While members learn how to ride, they also learn how to care for their pony or horse. All clubs have a Horse Management program designed to teach skills and provide knowledge as members progress through the ratings.

Safety

A concern for safety is an important part of the foundation of USPC. Ours was the first equine organization to require its members to wear safety helmets. Our guiding beliefs regarding safety reach into every aspect of the organization. Volunteers and staff make safety a priority.

What Do Members Do In Pony Club?

Learn…

Peer-to-peer teaching is a very important part of Pony Club. Most clubs and centers have a mentoring program in place where an older Pony Club member is assigned to a younger member. The older member can answer questions (or refer the question to someone who can), encourage participation, explain the intricacies of Pony Club, and to just "be there” for the new member. As new members become integrated into the club or center and progress in their learning, they in turn are expected to help newer and younger members.

Do…

Through participation in club and center activities, members begin to work their way up through the ratings established by the Standards of Proficiency. At the ratings members demonstrate their riding and Horse Management skills.

Another wonderful part of being a Pony Club member is participating in competitive rallies. Pony Club rallies provide an opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in an atmosphere of cooperation, fun and teamwork. A rally allows Pony Club members to test their skills against others. In addition, rallies are educational experiences that expose participants to new ideas and ways of doing things.

Teach!

Cooperation, confidence, and leadership are all traits that Pony Club develops in its members and these are best built up through teaching. Teaching is the best way for members to work together, gain self-confidence in their skills, and learn how to lead others. It is also a great way to really cement what they have learned.

As members reach the C ratings, they will begin to learn how to formally teach. They will begin with teaching Horse Management skills and advance to teaching riding skills. With the help of instructors and other adults in the club or center, members will learn how to make and implement a lesson plan, how to handle the unexpected (i.e., uncooperative mount, distressed child, etc.), how to evaluate the progress of students, and so much more.