Safety in Pony Club

Pony Club Leader performing safety check as youth member holds horse

Since our founding, the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. has been a leader in incorporating safety in all aspects of horsemanship. USPC continues this dedication to safety and responsibility by:

  • Combining best practices of safe, responsible horsemanship from all authorities within equestrian sports.
  • Correcting unsafe acts or conditions where appropriate. Enhance the members’ understanding behind the intervention by explaining the rationale for the change.
  • Instilling safety as a responsible behavior while striving to minimize the number of accidents incurred.

Member Safety

Safety FAQ's

Have questions about when you need to fill out report forms? What about simple safety questions? CLICK HERE for the Safety FAQ's. 

USPC Safety Handbook

This booklet is written for DC/CAs, RSs, rally organizers, mounted meeting coordinators, and parents, but should be helpful to all Pony Club members and volunteers.

Read the Handbook

Appendix G: Incident Report Form

Concussion Assessment Tool

USPC Equine and Human Biosecurity Guidelines

Biosecurity should be a consideration for USPC leaders organizing lessons, camps and rallies as well as for members and parents.   This document provides best practices guidance for USPC functions. 

Read the Guidelines

Medical Armbands & Bracelets

In accordance with Policy 0820 & 0820 P.1, a Pony Club member must wear a medical armband and/or a medical bracelet at all Pony Club activities.

  • Medical armbands may be purchased through ShopPonyClub.  Update and/or replace the Medical Card insert as needed.
  • Medical bracelets must meet certain requirements – learn more.

Helmet Fit

Protective Riding Vests

In accordance with Policy 0830, USPC requires a body protector whenever a member is jumping cross country / solid obstacles in USPC activities.

Additional Safety Resources

  • BrainLine.org: resources about Traumatic Head Injuries
  • Safety Poster
  • Safety Tack Check
  • Safe Tying
  • Safe Turnout
  • Safe Halter Fit
  • How to Put on a Blanket

Volunteer Safety Training & Requirements

Creating a safe environment for our members, with knowledgeable volunteers is of utmost importance to Pony Club.  All members, parents, and volunteers are encouraged to go through the training modules regardless of whether it is required for them or not.

Background Checks

In order to hold certain key leadership positions the individual must first successfully pass a background check. The background check must be completed every three years in order to continue in any of those positions.

Access the Background Check page.

Member Protection

Key leadership positions must go through the Member Protection Training. Individuals must successfully review three training modules and pass the corresponding three quizzes indicating their understanding of appropriate and inappropriate behavior around youth, and the appropriate manner in which to report any suspect behavior.

Access the training page.

Head Injury

The Heads Up Concussion training module was done in conjunction with the NFL and the CDC Foundation. Once an individual has gone through the module, they will take a quick Pony Club quiz on concussions so that their record will show that they have completed the training.

Access the training page.

Heat Illness

The It’s Hot Outside training module was done by the CDC Foundation.  Once an individual views the module, they take a quick Pony Club quiz on heat illness so that their Profile will show that they have completed the training.

Access the training page.

Report Forms

Incident Report Form

In order to improve the safety of our members and volunteers when riding and working around horses; club, center and regional leaders are required to complete an incident report form when ANY incident occurs at a Pony Club activity. This form must be filled out whether it appears to be a minor bump or a significant injury.  Incident reports are reviewed by the Safety Committee to look for trends and patterns in injuries and to find ways in which to reduce the risk of injury.

Access the Incident Report Form.

Concussion Assessment Tool

Timely recognition and appropriate response is important in treating a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) or concussion. Pony Club leaders and Instructors play a key role in helping to prevent a concussion and to improve outcomes through early detection and appropriate referral.  Use the Concussion Assessment Tool to assess the possibility that a member may have a concussion.

Download the Assessment Tool

Head Injury/Concussion Report Form

Traumatic Head Injuries are specific injuries Pony Club is working towards learning more about as they relate to occurrence in equestrian sports. Pony Club is committed to educating our members, parents, and leaders on the signs and treatments.  The form below is to be completed to report the particulars of a member returning to play following a head injury or the suspicion of a concussion having been sustained.

Access the Head Injury Report Form.

Head Injury/Concussion Return to Play Form

This form should be given to any member or their parent whenever a member has suffered a suspected head injury or concussion.  This form should be completed and signed by a physician and the parent and submitted to their club/center leader before they are allowed to participate again in a Pony Club activity.

Access the Return to Play Form.

© 2020 The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. A 501(c)(3) Organization. All Rights Reserved.