March 2006

IN THIS ISSUE:
 --USPC National Policies
--Pony Club Featured by National On-Line Magazine:
--NCAA Varsity Equestrian
--Trail Trotters' Day 2006
--Activities Updates
--Something New from the Bookstore


 USPC National Policies:
The Policy Book has been updated on the USPC website to reflect all policies that were revised in 2005 and January of 2006.  Please go to Publications/National Policies and click on the Cover Letter for more information.

Pony Club Featured by National On-Line Magazine:
USPC is featured in the February 28th issue of Equestrian Network Magazine .
Here is the article for you to view.
http://www.equestmagazine.com/v1s2/article08-2.htm
Equestrian Network Magazine editor Garry Stauber said they were very excited to support Pony Club and let their readers know more about our great organization!

NCAA Varsity Equestrian
Many members who attended the College Workshop at the Annual Meeting asked about NCAA Varsity Equestrian Programs.  Currently, varsity equestrian is classified as an NCAA emerging sport.  The link below will give you background information, recruiting and scholarship guidelines, as well as a list of all of the universities that currently have NCAA Equestrian programs.
http://www.varsityequestrian.com/index.html

Don’t forget to check out the USPC Scholarships that are listed on our web site under "Opportunities and Events".  The deadline for applying is March 31st.

 Trail Trotters' Day 2006 – a message from the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource
As Equestrian Partners, we hope members of the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. will help spread the word, and participate in Trail Trotters’ Day June 3, 2006.  According to the American Horse Council equestrians from all venues – Eventing, Dressage, Endurance and many more – enjoy trail riding for relaxation.  However, as available open space is either sold off or is no longer accessible to horses, horseback riders are finding fewer and fewer places to ride.

ELCR launched Trail Trotters’ Day to promote access to land for horseback riding.  Trail Trotters’ Day will show our communities how strong the bond is between a horse and rider by becoming stewards of the very land we enjoy.

Trail Trotters’ Day is a free program with no fees or membership requirement.

For more details and registration is simple on ELCR’s website, www.elcr.org just look for the Trail Trotter link.  Of course, please do not hesitate to contact the national office if you have any questions at all about Trail Trotters’ Day.

Why should United States Pony Clubs, Inc. join Trail Trotters’ Day, 2006?

1.  Trail Trotters’ Day is about a group of individuals working together for something they enjoy.  It is also likely they will involve their friends and neighbors – who may not be members of the United States Pony Clubs, Inc.  Trail Trotters’ Day will provide you with an opportunity to increase your membership.

2.  Part of the Trail Trotters’ Day program involves publicity in the local press.  This may also provide increased visibility for this positive community action project for the United States Pony Clubs, Inc.

3.  Trail Trotters’ Day is about the involvement of horseback riders in their own community, but it also demonstrates the scope and potential involvement of horse owners across the country.  The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. understands this because they are already working with ELCR and the Equestrian Partner community.

Trail Trotters’ Day is being funded with the help of ELCR’s major sponsors including the National Forest Foundation and Tread Lightly!® Land and stewardship materials are being provided by Tread Lightly!®, one of ELCR’s Alliance partners.

All Trail Trotters’ Day projects will be completed on June 3, 2006, National Trails Day.  Since this is a one-day annual event, your time commitment will be brief.  Although participants may volunteer for projects on any type of land, due to a backlog of maintenance, ELCR hoping you will consider projects on or near national forest land.  A map of the locations of our national forest land is available through ELCR’s office.

It is quick and easy to become a Trail Trotter by registering for an existing project or to register a new project on ELCR’s website, www.elcr.org , or by calling the national office at (815)858-3501.  Please help us make Trail Trotters’ Day a success not only for the United States Pony Clubs, Inc., but also for our riding land across the country.

As an Equestrian Partner, please add this information to your website, your newsletter, and any other means of contact with your membership to help ELCR get the word out on this important one day event.

Rhonda Hooker
Administration Assistant
Equestrian Land Conservation Resource
126B N. Main St., Elizabeth, IL 61028
tel: 815-858-3501
fax: 815-858-3508
www.elcr.org

ACTIVITIES UPDATES:

 The 2006 Horse Management and Show Jumping Newsletters are now online.

ROLEX-KENTUCKY 3-DAY EVENT 2006
 --Polly Stockton will conduct a XC Course Walk for Pony Club members at Rolex on Friday, April 28th.
--Richard Jeffrey will conduct a Pony Club Stadium Course Walk at Rolex on Sunday morning.

Exact times and meeting point to be posted at USPC Booth, once Polly's ride times are known.

SOMETHING NEW FROM THE BOOKSTORE

The USPC Bookstore is proud to invite you to join our new online mailing list.

Subscribers will get monthly emails featuring books and other items available at special prices. Listings will include new books, classic titles, clothing, gifts, and more. Sign up now for your special E-membership at http://mail.uspc.ponyclub.org/bookstore!