The United States Pony Club is an educational organization for horse crazy kids and adults to learn about horses. The national component of the organization standardizes curriculum, organizes national and international events, and provides some continuity between regions and clubs. The educational curriculum is one of the most valuable elements, with standards for mounted instruction and unmounted instruction. If you are looking for a way to expand your or your children’s horsemanship knowledge, a Pony Club is an excellent option.
Nationwide, the local clubs are the heart and soul of the organization. Hilltoppers Pony Club is one of several local clubs. It was started in 1984 by Barbara Hawley. They have monthly meetings at Ashland Farm in Walnut Grove. Each monthly meeting has a riding theme – dressage, show jumping, games, cross country, and more. The riding instruction varies from local to national level trainers. Each meeting also has an unmounted lesson. This helps club members learn about all the non-riding things that they need to know in order to be good horse people. Bandaging, lunging, conformational ideals and defects, trailering safety, to explain a few.
Hilltoppers Pony Club meets once a month on the first Sunday of the month, every month, though meeting dates may vary to accommodate trainers’ schedules. Newcomers of all ages are welcome (Pony Club is not just for kids anymore! Hilltoppers has many adult members!) to come check out the meetings, social distancing and masks are encouraged. If you are interested in attending a meeting, please contact the DC: Denee Heeter (602-702-2379; denee.heeter@gmail.com).
To find other local clubs, or to find a local Pony Club in your area, visit PonyClub.org.