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		Oregon Region A member of the United States Pony Clubs, Inc.

About USPC

The United States Pony Clubs, Inc., a national educational organization, teaches riding, mounted sports and the care of horses and ponies, and develops in youth the characteristics of responsibility, moral judgment, leadership and self-confidence. Since its beginning in Great Britain in 1928,  Pony Club can be found in 29 countries with a combined membership exceeding 125,000 -- making it the leading junior equestrian organization in the world.

The USPC was founded in 1954 by a group of foxhunters who recognized the need for an organization that could provide sound instruction for all interested youngsters, especially those who otherwise could not afford expensive lessons. The United States Pony Clubs (USPC) currently has over 12,000 members in 600 local clubs across the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Members ride mounts of all breeds and sizes, not just ponies; the term "pony" originally referred to any mount ridden by a young person.

The U.S. Pony Clubs teach a curriculum which covers balanced seat horsemanship on the flat, over fences, and in the open, along with safety, knowledge and practical skills in horse care and management.  The goal is to produce safe, happy, and confident horsepersons who can ride, and care for their horse and equipment competently at their level, with an understanding of the reasons for what they do.

Pony Clubbers progress at their own pace through a series of levels or ratings, from D (basic) through C (intermediate) to B, HA, and A (advanced).  The requirements for each rating are called the USPC Standards of Proficiency.  Besides instruction and ratings, Pony Club offers activities such as combined Training, Foxhunting, Dressage, Mounted Games, Show Jumping, Tetrathlon, and Vaulting, with emphasis on safety, teamwork, and good horsemanship and sportsmanship. Membership is open to individuals up to the age of 25.

Guiding Beliefs

• USPC is an educational organization.
• The local club is the core of USPC.
• USPC provides an opportunity for shared fun and cooperative work with others.
• Fair and friendly competitions develop teamwork and sportsmanship.
• USPC is beneficial for both horse and rider. Horse management is basic to USPC.
• USPC is committed to safety.
• USPC requires parental involvement and support.

The USPC Pledge