Pony Club
Are you looking for an opportunity to learn all about horses, have a learning curriculum, training levels to achieve in both horse knowledge and riding, and an opportunity to compete as an all around horse person? Then Pony Club is for you!
MCRC is a Licensed United States Pony Club (USPC) riding center. MCRC first got involved with Pony Club in 2014, becoming a licensed Riding Center in 2015. We find Pony Club a valuable program in that it gives a well-rounded approach to teaching people every aspect of being a top-notch equestrian. Our meetings include training both in the saddle, on the ground and in the tack room. Participants learn everything from horse health and the basics of riding, to what to do in emergencies and the top levels of riding. USPC has a badge program where participants can earn a badge after each module learned, much like boy scouts and girl scouts. These badges can be displayed on saddle pad, jacket or be mounted and framed. It gives a sense of achievement for the work that goes into learning each aspect of horse management and riding.
Pony Club also offers rallies, which are opportunities to compete against other local Pony Clubs. At rallies, the parents and instructors are not allowed to assist the participants. The particpants compete in teams, elect a team manager and must set up a tack room, care for the horses, keep to schedules, compete in various events and be judged on their organization and turnout all on their own. The experienced participants have the opportunity to be leaders and help the less experienced and/or younger participants, and it gives them all a sense of autonomy and accomplishment.