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San Jacinto Pony Club Club Information |
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General Information About Pony Club
Some General Facts About US and San Jacinto Pony Club HistoryThe Pony Club began in England in 1929. The United States Pony Club was created on April 3, 1953, with headquarters in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The San Jacinto Pony Club was chartered and began in 1988 and currently is affiliated with the Rio Grande Region, which encompasses large parts of Texas.
Information About Our Club
Some of the Club ActivitiesOur Club enjoys many activities including meetings, camps and rallies. We enjoy our horses and learning to care for them. There is a lot to learn and safety is a reality with equestrian sport. But creating a fun and friendly atmosphere is very high on the list!
When and Where We Meet
We are an active club and we currently meet monthly. Our schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions and instructor availability. We generally have 1 mounted meeting per month from September through May. We also attempt to have monthly unmounted meetings year round.
Mounted and Unmounted Meetings
Mounted meetings are held at various locations with various trainers. We attempt to expose pony clubbers to different types of training and different styles of riding in mounted meetings. The costs of mounted meetings are the sole responsibility of the participating members. If members commit to attending a mounted meeting, they may be expected to pay, even if they are later unable to attend. We are only able to attract some instructors to helping our club, by being willing to cover expenses and also provide something for their time. If fewer members ride than expected, we may not be able to ask the instructor to be willing to take less pay.
There is generally no cost for unmounted meetings. Unmounted meetings may be held at Equine facilities or at the homes of members depending on the needs for that particular meeting. The unmounted program will be designed to be fun and to help meet the goals of pony clubbers based on their rating goals. Upper Level Pony Clubber are expected to be active in instruction at unmounted meetings.
Other Activities
The programs available each year depend on the goals and abilities of the members of our club. Every effort is made to have additional programs such as clinics or rating preps as needed. When there is insufficient interest within our club to have an event, we will attempt to host one and include other clubs or to attend functions sponsored by other clubs. Hence it is really important for pony clubbers to articulate their goals.
Competitive Rallies
The region hosts some or all of the following rallies each year: dressage, games, quiz, show jumping, and eventing. Rallies are a great way to form stronger bonds with other members in the club by competing in a team environment. When we have insufficient participation to form club team, we will submit members for scramble teams. This is a great way to meet other from across the region and develop other friendships outside the club. Members in good standing are welcome to participate on the club or scramble teams at their own expense. Entry fees for overnight rallies are generally about $150 for riders and $75 for horse managers. Travel expenses are separate. The club will pay the entry fee for horse managers.
Camps
In the first part of June, Rio Grande Region generally hosts a camp at Pine Hill in Bellville for D3 and higher rated pony clubbers. Camp is an informal gathering providing the opportunity to experience different instructors and different aspects of our sport. Stabling for your horse is provided. Of course, you will have to provide your own hay and grain for your four legged camper. The cost of camp in past has been about $400. Generally camp fills quickly. If you are interested in participating in regional camp, please let the DC know so you can be quickly informed when registration is opened.
Additionally, whenever there is sufficient interest, every effort will be made to have a suitable club level camp. That camp will be designed to meet the needs of the pony clubbers at the time. High level of parent involvement are required to make club camp successful.
Ownership of Horse or Pony
It is not necessary to own your own horse or pony to be a member of Pony Club, but it definitely helps your progress if you have the use of one and the transportation for it to the mounted meetings. There is more information about horses on loan in the following paragraphs.
Member Investment
This is a big part of your membership in our club. Owning and/or just riding a horse takes tremendous time and work, and is a big financial responsibility. If you have a horse, you know this. Likewise, being a member of San Jacinto Pony Club means lots of hard work, not just on your part, but also on the part of your parents. Parents plan, transport our horses, help groom, give encouragement, and bear the financial responsibility of our club. Parents are our officers (the head of our club is called the District Commissioner, DC), and they can be our sponsors. Your parents must have an interest in your activities and a willingness to lend a hand when needed - and it is needed a lot.In case of emergency the rider MUST have a parent or responsible adult present at mounted meetings to help you. We need to be able to count on your parents at rallies, during camp, and occasionally to host meetings. We especially need a hand for fund raising activities that come up during the year. There are multiple volunteer opportunities that require parental involvement.
Upper Level Pony Clubbers are expected to give back to the club and the region. They are required to participate in both mounted and unmounted teaching with appropriate supervision. Upper Level Pony Clubbers set a strong example for our younger members and need to act as role models both in level of participation and quality of their participation.
Dues
Our club receives its operating funds mostly from member's dues, generous donations, and sometimes from fees that we charge for special activities and projects. Dues are subject to change each year and may be the result of changes in cost at levels outside those established by the club. Current Fees are listed here:
| Cost | New Member | Renewing Member |
| USPC national dues | $85 | $75 |
| Regional Dues | $15 | $15 |
| Club Dues | $40 | $40 |
| *Total | $140 | $130 |
| *The total amount due is paid as one fee and distributed administratively. | ||
Fund Raising
Fund raising may be necessary and appropriate from time to time and will be designed to meet the need at the time.
Books and Manuals
It is each member's responsibility to purchase the required reading materials for his or her level. There are numerous publications required for each rating level, and purchasing of these materials is essential for a complete understanding of that level. USPC publishes a book catalog which lists required reading for each rating level. We recommend that you first determine if the required reading material is available in your club library. Publications are generally available and may be acquired online anytime at the Pony Club Bookstore.
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Mission Statement | |
Things to Know | |
Club Calendar | |
Important Links |