About Middle California
The United States Pony Clubs, Inc., develops character, leadership, confidence and a sense of community in youth through a program that teaches the care of horses and ponies, riding and mounted sports.
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We are Pony Club!
Middle California Region Pony Club brings together around twenty clubs and centers located in the central band of California, running from the Bay Area coast to the Sierra Mountains and down to San Luis Obispo. (Sierra Pacific Region lies to our north, Camino Real Region to our south.) Through the clubs and centers, we provide an unmounted and mounted instruction program for over 200 youth and adult members.
Our membership is made up of both youth and adults who share a love of horses and enjoy socializing with like-minded individuals. Our parents and volunteers are what make the logistics of our Pony Club work. Through their dedication of time and effort, the members go to lessons, horse management events, and rallies. Membership in Pony Club requires a strong commitment from our members and their parents/guardians. If you are a parent, youth, or adult rider looking for a great way to further your equestrian experience, please contact us for more information. We welcome new members at any time during the year, all year long.
Our goal is create an active community of horse owners, riders, and horse lovers who are committed to putting the welfare of the horse first while they learn how to care for these wonderful animals, improve their riding skills, and have fun with their peers!
What We Do
The Region sponsors several competitions (aka "rallies") every year during which members compete as part of a team, and their Horse Management knowledge and skills are judged alongside their riding abilities. We also host an all-day education event - the Pony Club Palooza - at least every other year, plus other social events and field trips as conditions and member interest allow. Parents and adult members are strongly encouraged to volunteer to support our events and lessons, including as horsemanship instructors; and also to support the many horse shows that happen in our region under the sponsorship of other organizations.
Every other year, the Region hosts a National certification for Pony Club members from across the western US, with examiners visiting from anywhere in the country, testing in Eventing, Dressage, Show Jumping, and Horse Management! Each year the Region also provides two test days for members to take Horse Management and riding certifications at the C1 and C2 levels, demonstrating the skills and knowledge they have acquired. Lower level certifications are run by individual clubs.
Pony Club is dedicated to producing tomorrow’s leaders while focusing on our core values. Through good horsemanship, members learn teamwork, respect, responsibility, and good stewardship. Our education is provided at each individual’s own pace to help achieve personal goals and expand knowledge through teaching others. Opportunities abound for members to join youth boards and councils, participate in international exchanges and be a part of competitions throughout the United States and the world. Many of our graduates go on to leadership positions in all aspects of life.
Why Join Us
Participating members have access to the Pony Club online community, sponsor discounts, educational standards and achievements, a Pony Club Pin, and the chance to participate in activities such as lessons and certifications, rallies and competitions, Championships and Pony Club Festival. A host of additional programs such as international exchanges, USEF Pony Finals, Dressage for Kids, National Youth Board, National Youth Congress, scholarships, and the Visiting Instructors Program are available to members who develop and progress through Pony Club. Many of our graduates feel that Pony Club helped shape their character and the choices they have made as adults.
US Pony Clubs Equal Opportunities Statement (Policy #110, adopted 27 January 2019): In order to ensure that the mission of USPC, Inc. is carried out in a non-discriminatory manner, it is the policy of the Board of Governors that membership in the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC)shall be open to eligible persons without regard to age, nationality, race, color, religion, culture, gender, sexual orientation or disability.
Visit the Pony Club website to learn more about the Pony Club educational program, national events, activities and opportunities for members.