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Lexington, KY: The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC) announces the establishment of The Brookfield Conservation Award for Pony Clubs and their members who help promote land conservation and preservation. The Brookfield Conservation Award was funded by Dr. and Mrs. John R. van Nagell MFH, and is named in honor of historic Brookfield Farm near Lexington, Kentucky.

“I would like to congratulate the U.S. Pony Clubs for its commitment to land conservation,” said Dr. van Nagell. “I hope that the Brookfield Conservation Award will result in more protected land on which future generations can enjoy equine sports.”

The Brookfield Conservation Award is an annual Cash Award, which will be presented at the USPC Annual Meeting to a Club, Region or Individual who demonstrates hard work and dedication towards land conservation, preservation and stewardship. Activities for the award can include educational efforts, or participation in group activities both with equine or land conservation organizations. For specific award criteria and more information, visit the Pony Club web site at www.ponyclub.org or contact Marian Wahlgren at development@ponyclub.org

Throughout the mid 20th century, Brookfield Farm was home to the largest cattle operation in the state of Kentucky, producing many champion Hereford bulls and cows from the famed Bacas and Domino bloodlines. At the present time, descendents of these cattle are worked daily on horseback, and flourish on Brookfield’s grassland. The Iroquois Hunt, organized in 1880 as one of the premier foxhunts in America, also hunts regularly on Brookfield. In 2000, Brookfield was placed in the Bluegrass Conservancy by its owners, Betsy and Jack van Nagell, thereby preserving its land for agriculture, equine activities, and wildlife.

The United States Pony Clubs, Inc., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit national youth organization to teach riding and horsemanship through a formal educational program. Many of the nation’s top equestrians, including most of our Olympic Equestrian team members, have Pony Club roots. Members range in age from as young as 4 through age 25. Activities are English-riding based, and members ride both horses and ponies, depending on the size of the rider and the discipline in which s/he is competing.

There are approximately 12,000 members of USPC in over 600 clubs and centers throughout the country. Along with an emphasis on helping members learn to ride and care for horses, Pony Club promotes teamwork, a sense of responsibility, safety, good moral judgment and self-confidence.

For more information about the United States Pony Clubs, visit the USPC web site at www.ponyclub.org or contact the office at 859-254-7669.