FROM MEMBER SERVICES:

Reminder to all DCs and RSs: Club and Regional Policies

USPC Bylaws require that all clubs and regions have policies to aid in their effective administration.  Club Policies must include a policy that defines a “Member in Good Standing.” This policy should be flexible enough to enable members in special circumstances (such as being away for college or employment) the opportunity to enjoy Pony Club activities and to continue to give back to Pony Club. Regional Policies will contain a section that defines “Active Participation.”

The process for approval for Club Policies in clearly outlined in the USPC Bylaws for Registered Club, Article 5, Section 5.4. It is stated that “Policies and amendments shall become effective when adopted by the Sponsors and approved by the Regional Supervisor…” Policies should be reviewed on a regular basis, although amendments may not be necessary more than once every couple years. Be sure that when policies are updated, the new information is made readily available to all parents and Sponsors and is updated on your club’s website. It is the responsibility of the Club Secretary to maintain current policies. If there are any questions, please contact your RS for assistance.

USPC announces the recognition of the first five USPC Riding Centers: Headquarters Place Farm, Front Royal, VA; Hybid Farm, Acton, MA; Jordan Stables, Wayland, MA; Peace Point Equestrian Center at Bethany College, Bethany, WV; and Signal Knob Equestrian Center, Evansville, IN. 

The Pony Club Riding Center Program is designed to work with facilities that currently have a riding lesson program in place.  The facility must be able to offer the core disciplines of Pony Club and be able to handle the administrative work involved in running a Pony Club Riding Center.  The full Pony Club program and all Pony Club opportunities will be offered to those members participating through a Riding Center. 

The purpose of the Riding Center Program is to make available Pony Club membership to youth who would not traditionally have been able to participate in Pony Club due to not owing or having consistent access to a mount.  Many clubs have addressed this issue on a local basis.  The Riding Center Program will address it on a national basis. 

In 2005, the United States Pony Clubs Board of Governors approved the formation of a test phase for the creation of USPC Riding Centers.  This program is currently entering a five-year pilot period to allow analysis of the potential value of the Riding Center Program while enabling changes or adjustments as necessary.  There will be controlled growth of the program during the test phase, and only a limited number of facilities will be recognized in 2006. 

For more information on the USPC Riding Center Program, please contact Aileen Gordon, USPC Riding Center Liaison, at aileen@ponyclub.org or 859/254-7669, ext. 231.