Pony Club is great

Pony Club is one of the leading junior equestrian organizations in the world, represented throughout 30 countries. The United States has more than 600 individual clubs spread throughout 48 states and the Virgin Islands, with more than 12,000 members.

Pony Club provides opportunities for instruction and competition in English riding, horse sports and horse management for children and young adults up to 21 years of age. The term "pony" reflects the age of the members, rather than the size of the mount. Horses and ponies of many different breeds, shapes, and sizes are seen in Pony Club activities.

It is not necessary for a child to own a horse or pony, but they must have access to one when required. Programs are offered in dressage, eventing, show jumping, mounted games, tetrathlon, quiz, vaulting, foxhunting, and polocrosse.

During "unmounted" meetings members learn about feeding, shoeing, veterinary care, and other areas of horse management. Under adult supervision, the more experienced Pony Clubbers instruct and assist younger members.

Pony Clubbers are encouraged to work their way through the nine stages of the progressive Standards of Proficiency, which test knowledge and riding ability. Pony Clubbers who attain the B, H-A, and A rating levels meet standards of competence that are recognized throughout the horse world.

A new program started in 2006 is the certification of Pony Club Riding Centers. These are literally Pony Club approved riding "schools." As of this writing the only center in Virginia is Headquarters Place Farm Pony Club Riding Center in Front Royal. Contact Debbie Seekford at 540-636-1002.

Parents play an important role in Pony Club. There are many areas in which parents are needed. They may share one of many roles within the club circle, such as Club leader, chaperone, jump judge, or assist in activity events and fund-raisers.

Areas are divided into regions. In Virginia, there are two regions: Virginia Region members comprise all of Northern Virginia. The Old Dominion Region lies further south. Here in Culpeper there are three clubs within an hour drive. Each club is led by a district commissioner or "DC." Old Dominion Hunt Pony Club is based in Flint Hill. The Casanova Warrenton Pony Club meets at different venues throughout Fauquier County. The DC of the Casanova Warrenton Hunt is Jackie Horne. She can be reached at 540-364-3087. Old Dominion Hunt Pony Club is based in Flint Hill. The DC of ODHPC is Debbie Welch. She can be reached at 540-631-0507 or e-mail her at Prospect@lynxconnect . Both of these clubs are in the Virginia Region.

Rapidan River Pony Club is in the Old Dominion Region. It was chartered in 1986 to cover Orange County and a 40 mile radius of Rapidan. The DC of Rapidan River is Cheryl Baugher. You can reach her at 434-985-4078 or e-mail her at .

For more information about the United States Pony Club visit www.ponyclub.org. Visit a member club by contacting a district commissioner closest to you.

Paula Lorentzen is a former professional horsewoman turned Realtor. If you have a story of interest please contact her at paula.lorentzen @longandfoster.com.