Beverwyck is part of the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC), which is a national organization with the goal of developing a well-rounded horseperson capable of riding safely on the flat, over fences and in the open. USPC is committed to the well being of the child and the horse, and we emphasize safety and sound horse-management practices. Membership in the USPC also helps young riders develop responsibility, moral judgment, leadership and self confidence.
Although it is called Pony Club, members can ride either a horse or a pony, depending on the size and skill level of the rider and the discipline that s/he is practicing. Members of PC progress through a rating system that is based on published standards for riding ability and horse management. A new member will be unrated when s/he joins Beverwyck and will then take a test to achieve her/his first rating; the rating consists of a riding test and an oral exam on horse management. Beverwyck generally has ratings twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. As your child progresses through the ratings, it will take longer between tests, so s/he will not be tested each time. The member must attend 50% of mounted and horse-management (un-mounted) meetings and meet the standard readiness requirements before a rating takes place.
Horse ownership is not a prerequisite, but regular access to instruction is essential to your child’s progression through the USPC ratings. Beverwyck does not own its own mounts; therefore it is each member’s responsibility to obtain access to a suitable mount for mounted meetings and clinics. Horses /ponies must be at least 5 years of age and considered safe, suitable mounts by the District Commissioner or the Instructors of Beverwyck.
Teamwork and sportsmanship are emphasized in the USPC and are practiced in competitions between clubs (called Rallies), regionally and nationally. Beverwyck is a member of the Western New England Region of USPC.
Parental support and involvement are an integral part of the success of Beverwyck and your child’s experience within the group. Parents do not need to come from horse backgrounds – there are many ways in which you can help without being a rider yourself. Parents are encouraged to become sponsors of Beverwyck, which allows you to vote and help set policy for the club. By becoming a sponsor, you can have a direct effect on the direction of Beverwyck and our activities.
To find out more information about USPC you may want to visit the USPC website. If you are interested in becoming a member, please fill out the membership information form and submit it with your check made payable to Beverwyck Pony Club. You will need to fill out the USPC 2006 membership form also, which is available on the USPC website. Beverwyck policy is that prospective members must attend at least one mounted meeting in its entirety before joining.
Clinic with Marcia Kulak in October.