USPC Milestoners Share Secrets to Making a Club Last for Nearly Half a Century

Image courtesy of the Cream Ridge Pony Club

What’s the secret to running a long-lived—and loved—United States Pony Club?

Part of the answer emerged at the largest USPC Convention in recent memory, held earlier this year at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort in Illinois where more than 500 attendees from 36 regions gathered, and nearly two dozen clubs were recognized for milestone 50th and 25th anniversaries.

“While the USPC Convention always provides a mix of education for any horse lover, one of the main points this year was the future of USPC,” said executive director Teresa Woods, noting the strong presence of members who have become leaders in their professions and communities. “We’re excited about where USPC is headed.”

“The secret to a long-lived and loved club is 100% the volunteers,” said Karol Wilson, USPC Member Services and Regional Administration Director. “Membership and resources may ebb and flow, but enthusiastic, welcoming leaders who support members and families are what sustain a club.”

Former USPC president James K. Ligon once summed up the program’s foundation: “Responsibility…is a natural result of having complete care of a living creature.”

That responsibility extends beyond the horse to the club itself. So we asked milestone clubs what keeps them riding forward.

Image courtesy of the Blue Mountain Pony Club

“The secret to a long running Pony Club is to always focus on members learning great horse management skills, having fun, and making friends. It’s also important to be flexible, as members’ needs and interests change over the years.”
— Janae Klinger, District Commissioner, Blue Mountain Pony Club

“I’ve been in Pony Club for eight years and some of my favorite memories are early mornings fox hunting, and long, busy days at rally that somehow fly by. Going to Championships was a special experience I’ll always be proud of; Pony Club has given me many opportunities and friendships. It’s shaped so much of who I am.”
— Laurel, BMPC member

“I have been district commissioner for over 15 years. My daughters started in the club over 20 years ago. My favorite part of being involved with Cream Ridge Pony Club for such a long time is long-term friendships and relationships between adults, and kids moving into adulthood. Many continue as adults in Pony Club doing their part to help it thrive. We have past members now in careers who help with certifications, educating young members, working rallies, and taking care of horses during periods of need.

Families slowly but surely enlarge into extended families revolving around Pony Club.

There is nothing more rewarding than to see what used to be a shy member become a peer for younger members (and sometimes adults). Many continue in the equestrian world as vets, vet techs, barn owners, barn managers, feed reps and elite athletes; others have ventured into human health.

Image courtesy of the South Shore Riders Pony Club

Cream Ridge Pony Club is blessed to have a long run of wonderful officers, parents, and members and, hopefully, continuing on with strong membership and leadership into the future.”
— Anne Stevens, District Commissioner

“Pony Club has helped me learn and grow a lot. Being in the club has taught me that you have to be responsible and work hard, but it’s worth it, because horses are the best!”
— Julia

“Pony Club not only gave me fundamental knowledge about horses and riding that I have used across the last 10+ years, but helped give me confidence and strength in so many aspects of life. It set me up with goals to strive towards in riding, strengthened study habits, developed leadership, and left lasting friendships. Twelve-hour rally days remain some of my favorite memories, teaching me how to show up, work hard, and give my all to something I am truly passionate about!”
— Jillian

“I really like Pony Club. You get horse management knowledge, as well as a lot of riding, and meeting people. It’s nice to have chill rides with friends.”
— Lena

“Cream Ridge Pony Club has been a large part of my life. Through lessons, rallies, and ratings I have not only learned integral horse-related skills but life lessons about teamwork, patience, and hard work. Cream Ridge fosters a supportive community where I, like many others have and will, create lifelong bonds with horses and humans. As young members grow and learn from more experienced members, they become the next generation of older Pony Clubbers who guide new members to success, creating a strong, continuing community.”
— Katharina

“I like that we’re more independent with the horses; that we have chores that discipline us.”
— Diego

“I joined Cream Ridge Pony Club in 2003 when I was 11 years old. Pony Club shaped who I am by giving me realistic goals and shaping me into not only a rider but into a horseman. I attained H-A certification and run a lesson barn where my students benefit from the knowledge and trainers I experienced because of Pony Club. I have been regional supervisor of New Jersey Region Pony Club since 2022. I love giving back and allowing others to experience the program that built me as a professional.”
— Katie Bunca

“The secret to running a long-lived and truly loved Pony Club is remembering that we are building people first and riders second. When we stay rooted in the values of the United States Pony Clubs—education, sportsmanship, stewardship, and leadership—we create an environment where members feel safe to grow, try, fail, and try again.

A strong club blends high standards with encouragement, traditions with fresh ideas, and structure with fun. It thrives when leaders invest in relationships with members, parents, and volunteers. It’s that sense of belonging and shared purpose that keeps families coming back year after year. We hope to continue the legacy of Perkiomen Creek Pony Club for another 50 years!”
— Carlene Ball

“I think the secret to a fun and long-lasting Pony Club is making everyone feel welcome and important. At Perkiomen Creek Pony Club, we learn how to ride and take care of our horses, but we also learn how to be good teammates and leaders. It’s fun to work hard toward certifications, but it’s even better when your friends cheer you on and your leaders help you when you’re nervous.

When Pony Club feels like a place where you belong and can grow, that’s what makes you want to stay for a long time. I am excited to be part of Perkiomen Creek and am hoping for an exciting year with my pony, Molly.”
— Nora Ball

“A lasting, well-loved Pony Club benefits from dedicated member and parent involvement. Support from regional and national leaders, along with the commitment of volunteers, is very helpful. Happy, well-engaged members keep a club viable and active. Maintaining good communication and promoting a sense of belonging among members will help a club thrive for years to come.”
— Deb Merrill

“A long-lived and well-loved club thrives when members stay genuinely involved and engaged, continually growing through ongoing education and shared experiences. When everyone remains open to constructive feedback and embraces positive change, the community stays strong, connected, and built for the future.”
— Rebecca Jack

“A club lasts when members believe that what the club provides is genuinely beneficial. I knew as a kid, and know now as an adult, that skills I learned in Pony Club make me successful wherever I go. Public speaking, teamwork, getting along with strangers, independence, communication, good quality horsemanship, how to make a packing list, and how to show up on time—all these and more I learned because some people 25 years ago thought it a good idea to teach a bunch of kids.”
— Anne Kozlowski

“A Pony Club’s running title requires dedication and discipline. But the friends and equine partners that we love are the glue that holds it together. Knowledge never ends. Pony Club is the biggest opportunity to keep learning through the years.”
— Jamie Merrill

What’s the secret to a long-lived and well-loved Pony Club?

It’s in the glue.

18 Clubs Making Milestones

USPC Clubs recognized in 2026 for reaching their 50th anniversary:
Black Oaks Pony Club, Middle California Region
Blue Mountain Pony Club, Maryland Region
Cream Ridge Pony Club, New Jersey Region
Maplewood Pony Club, Northwest Region
Perkiomen Creek Pony Club, Eastern Pennsylvania Region
Running Fox Pony Club, New York/Upper Connecticut Region
Santa Ynez Valley Pony Club, Middle California Region
West Tennessee Pony Club, Midsouth Region
Yadkin Valley Hounds Pony Club, Carolina Region

USPC Clubs recognized in 2026 for reaching their 25th anniversary:
Big Bay Pony Club, Lake Shore Region
Burntwoods Pony Club, Maryland Region
Central Penn Pony Club, Maryland Region
Horse On Course Pony Club, Inland Empire Region
Kachemak Pony Club, Alaska Region
River Riders Pony Club, Deep South Region
Shore Riders Pony Club, Delmarva Region
Sunny Side Pony Club, Midsouth Region
Top Hat and Tails Pony Club, Northern Lakes Region