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for members and clubs
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There are numerous awards available through Pony Club. Below is a list of the awards available by discipline. Some awards you can apply for recognition, while others are awarded by your competitive achievements. By clicking on the link below each award description you can find out more specific information about the awards.
Open to all disciplines
American Saddlebred Horse Association(ASHA)/USPC Awards Program - The American Saddlebred Horse Association is pleased to sponsor the ASHA/USPC Awards Program for Pony Club members who participate in Pony Club activities on their registered American Saddlebred or Half-Saddlebred Horse. The ASHA/USPC Awards focus on activities and competitions in which Pony Club members participate with their horse as well as emphasizing Horse Management and leadership skills. Pony Club members can earn points by competing in regional and/or national rallies or achieving a regional or national rating level. To be eligible for the ASHA/USPC Awards Program the rider must be a current Pony Club member and the horse must be registered with the American Saddlebred Horse Association. Click here and look under A for more information and the application.
Dressage
USPC/USDF Dressage Recognition Awards - These awards must be applied to by the Pony Club member and are based on their participation in both USPC Rallies and USDF Competitions. USPC members will receive a certificate at the end of each year based on the criteria below. It will be the responsibility of the Pony Club member to get all the information together and send it to the National Office by the November 15th deadline each year. Click here for more information about these awards.
Eventing Recognition Awards - USPC Pony Club members will be recognized for their competition efforts both in USPC and USEA. It will be the responsibility of the Pony Club member to get all the information together and send it to the National Office by November 15th each year. Click here for more information about these awards.
Rachel Pemstein Memorial Award for Horse Management in Eventing - This Memorial Award is presented at USPC Eventing Championships to the members of the high-scoring Horse Management teams in each division. This award, donated by the family of Rachel Pemstein DVM, who was an avid Pony Club supporter who volunteered much of her time and veterinary expertise at rallies and championships. Click here for more information about these awards.
The Frank Bierman Challenge Cup for Excellence in Eventing - This Challenge Cup is awarded at USPC Eventing Championships to the Training Level Competitor who demonstrates excellence in the Cross Country phase of Eventing with a mount that is properly fit and conditioned. The Bierman Challenge cup was donated to USPC by Frank Bierman, Director of Show Operations for the Virginia Horse Center, long time Pony Club supporter and avid Fox Hunter. Click here for more information about this award.
Draft Cross Breeders and Owners Association - The Draft Cross Breeders and Owners Association sponsor an award for the top scoring DCBOA rider (riding a DCBOA registered horse) in the each level (Beginner Novice, Novice, Training and Preliminary) of Eventing at the Pony Club National Championships. Click here for more information about these awards.
The Trish Gilbert Award - This award is presented annually to the highest placing current USPC member competing in the North American Young Riders 2-Star, 3-Day Event competition. Trish Gilbert, a USEF and FEI licensed Course Designer and TD as well as a lifetime supporter of Pony Club, has donated this award for Pony Club members. Click here for more information about this award.
Games
Frances E. Pitts Memorial Games Trophy - This trophy is given in memory of Frances Pitts, a member of the 1995 USPC International Games Team. It is awarded to the Games player who demonstrates excellence in horsemanship, sportsmanship, and leadership at USPC Games Championships. A permanent trophy is on display at the USPC headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky. The winner recieves an engraved Julep Cup.
Polocrosse
The American Polocrosse Award for Exemplary Sportsmanship - This award will be given annually to the USPC Polocrosse competitor (including horse managers), whose actions and behavior best exemplifies excellent sportsmanship during the annual USPC Championship competition. Click here for more information about this award.
Show Jumping
USHJA Affiliate Awards Program - The USPC Show Jumping Committee and the USHJA are please to announce USPC member recognition through the USHJA Affiliate Awards Program. The goal of this program is to recognize outstanding junior riders who exemplify good horsemanship, sportsmanship and integrity for the sport and exhibitors. Click here for more information about this award.
Vieva Perrin Memorial Award for Horsemanship - This trophy is given in memory of one of the founders of Somerset Hills Pony Club and is awarded annually to the rider in the Regular Division who best exemplifies the classical principles of horsemanship and "the American jumping style" during USPC Show Jumping Championships. Click here for more information about this award.
All Competitors in the H3 division at USPC Show Jumping Championships - A pair of spurs is presented to each competitor in the H3 division at USPC Show Jumping Championships.
All Competitors in the H4 division at USPC Show Jumping Championships - A belt buckle is presented to each competitor in the H4 division at USPC Show Jumping Championships.
Tetrathlon
The Strassburger Award - This is awarded annually to the high scoring Senior boy at USPC Tetrathlon Championships and is donated by the Strassburger family.
Kim Dunlap Artana Award - This is awarded annually to the high scoring Senior girl at USPC Tetrathlon Championships and is donated by the Tetrathlon committee.
Competitive Opportunities
International Exchanges: USPC offers opportunities for members to participate annually in one or more international exchange competitions. Different riding disciplines are represented depending on the year. Currently competitive/cultural exchanges are held in Quiz, Games, Foxhunting, Tetrathlon and Polocrosse, as well as the North Atlantic Regional Exchange and the InterPacific Exchange. Click here for details the upcoming exchanges, including how the team selection process and information on how to become a coach or chaperone.
USEF Pony Finals: USPC has been designated by USEF as its own zone and has the opportunity every year to send a team to compete at the USEF Pony Finals! Click here for details on how to qualify for the team and full information.
Lendon Gray Dressage Festival: Lendon Gray has been instrumental in advancing dressage for junior and young riders. The Youth Dressage Festival is a competition that highlights the dedication of riders 21 and younger. The United States Pony Clubs is sponsoring individuals from all USEF or FEI JR/YR dressage levels to be part of a team to representing USPC. During this weekend, individuals compete in dressage seat equitation, individual dressage tests and a written exam. There is opportunity to have "roving trainers" work with you and the sponsors of the event have provided great prizes. Click here for details and to access how to qualify for the event.
Prince Phillip Cup Invitational Challenge: This is an invitational competition that takes place at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event each spring. The top placing teams from the Junior Division at USPC Championships are invited to come and compete.
The President's Cup Invitational: This is an invitational competition that takes place at the annual Festival in the Country, at Fair Hill, MD, each fall. The top placing teams from the Senior Division at USPC Championships are invited to come and compete
North American Quiz Challenge: Select individuals/teams from the USPC Championships are invited to attend the Canadian National Quiz Competition. Team members are selected based on their final placings at USPC Quiz Championship.
Visiting Instructors Program: A unique opportunity for A, H-A, H or B Pony Club members 16 years old or older to travel around the country teaching at other Pony Clubs. A great opportunity for members share their knowledge, gain more experience, meet new people and get paid to have fun! All Visiting Instructors must be highly recommended by their DCs and RSs and Bs must have endorsement from at least one instructor and a person they have taught. Click here for an application to be come a Visiting Instructor. Applciations are due April 30.
Clubs and Regions should take advantage of this wonderful program to host a Visiting Instructor and bring in a fresh voice to their members. If your club or region feels it may be out of its budget to host a Visiting Instructor, don't forget about the Ann Lenhert Memorial Fund. Established in 2006 by the family of Anne Lenhert, a longtime Pony Club volunteer and parent, to assist clubs in bringing a Visiting Instructor to their club. The Anne Lenhert Memorial Fund provides funding of $500 each for a minimum of two clubs or regions to obtain one Visiting Instructor each per year. Simply fill out the section on the Visiting Instructors application to be eligible for funding. Click here to access all the details and the application. Don't forget to encourage your older Upper Level members to check into becoming a Visiting Instructor themselves!
National Youth Congress: NYC recognizes H/B and up Pony Club members who have been nominated by their regions to participate in the National Youth Congress along with outstanding Pony Club Alumni, who are recognized by the Academy of Achievement. Prior to the Annual Meeting, two full days are devoted to meetings, workshops, lectures and networking for youth members and alumni. The NYC provides the selected members opportunities to develop leadership skills through their participation in a national forum. Click here to access more information and then talk with your RS if you are interested in being considered as a canidate for NYC.
Junior Board: Junior Boards give USPC youth members an opportunity to develop leadership skills outside the arena and to develop team skills outside of competition. They are associated with a club or a region and can help shape a club or region’s programming, help fundraise, organize rallies for younger Pony Club members, etc. Junior Boards should meet regularly or as needed to discuss ideas and formulate plans for the club or region. Check out the DCGuide, Appendix P, for more information and examples of successful Junior Boards.
Fox Hunting Writing Contest: The Hildegard Neill Ritchie Writing contest is open to all D and C Pony Club members in good standing, whether they have hunted or not. The entry may be a short story, poem, song or essay on any aspect of Foxhunting. The winning entries will be published in USPC News and in The Chronicle of the Horse. The winning submissions will receive a cash prize to be spent on Foxhunting dues, hunt capping fees, Pony Club camp or anything related to these activities. Click here for full details. Deadline for submissions is May 1.
Live Oak Hounds Challenge: A way to encourage clubs and their members to become involved in the sport of Foxhunting. Clubs who get the most members who have not hunted before, or have hunted on a limited basis, to participate in three or more hunts during the season are awarded cash prizes. Click here to access full details on the Challenge. The Challenge runs September 1 thru March 30.
Championships T-Shirt Design Contest: Each year USPC holds a contest for the design of the upcoming Championships T-shirt. This is a great way for our more artistic members to shine! Click here for contest rules. Contest deadline is April 1. Click here to view last year's winners!
Ann Lenhert Memorial Fund: Established in 2006 by the family of Anne Lenhert, a longtime Pony Club volunteer and parent, to assist clubs in bringing a Visiting Instructor to their club. The Anne Lenhert Memorial Fund provides funding of $500 each for a minimum of two clubs or regions to obtain one Visiting Instructor each per year. Simply fill out the section on the Visiting Instructors application to be eligible for funding. Click here for the application.
The Betsy Raine Fund: Designed to support Dressage training for clubs or regions which would not otherwise have access to top notch Dressage training. Any active club or region in good standing may apply to the Betsy Raine Fund as long as all youth members of the club will be eligible to benefit from the activity requesting funding. Grants will be awarded upon selection by the review committee. Final expense accounting and a summary of project must be submitted to the national office upon completion of the specific program. Grants money must be used for the specifically stated purpose only, and in the year designated. Application deadline is December 1. Click here for full details and application.
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Horse Management Sponsor
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