It's official: We are a Pony Club Riding Center!

As many folks know, we have been working toward (after careful consideration) being a certified Pony Club Riding Center.  What does that mean?  Any rider (at Cobble Hill or any area barn) can join the Pony Club through us and we will be offering special programs aligned with the organization.  (check out ww.ponyclub.org)  There is additional information in the barn, but here are some basics:

*No CHF rider will be required to join Pony Club.  There is an annual dues fee paid to Pony Club if you would like to join and you will be required to join if you want to participate in any of our Pony Club lessons, meetings or other activities (like camps).

*The US Pony Club has "Standards of Proficiency" and provide a core curriculum for individualized instruction.  The standards describe a clear progression of skills in both RIDING and HORSE MANAGEMENT.  The standards also provide opportunities for goal setting, as members are encouraged to proceed through specific skills.  There are 'rating tests' that evaluate members progress through rating levels.  Ratings are given in an effort to recognize achievement and encourage members to gain confidence, independence, good safety habits while working with mounts.

*The USPC has 3 basic goals for members:  riding instruction, development of horse care responsibilities and participation in various mounted sports.

We will be handing out brochures and holding several information sessions.  Then, we will do some introductory programs -- probably starting during April School Vacation and some Saturdays for Pine Cobble riders.  We are doing two weeks of summer programming that will be specifically around Pony Club and we are hoping to take advantage of a Pony Club visiting instructor to do a special week of programming.  Some of the interesting things that Pony Clubs do are:  Dressage, Eventing, Competitive Rallies, Mounted Games, Quiz, Show Jumping, Tetrathlon (swimming, Show Jumping, Running and shooting)
and (my favorite but Krissy and Karrie keep saying no) Polocrosse (mounted lacrosse basically).

Finally, the mission statement of the USPC:  The mission of the United States Pony Clubs, Inc., 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.

Please speak to Karrie, Jacki or Janette Dudley for more information.