Pony Club

[2][3]: ix Pony clubs began in England in 1929 by Harry Faudel-Phillips to encourage children to start riding.

[3]: viii  Local clubs vary in size, but are generally confined to members within a relatively small geographic area.

Multiple local clubs may conduct joint mounted and unmounted meetings, and usually compete together in regional competitions.

To promote the highest ideals of sportsmanship, citizenship, and loyalty, thereby cultivating strength of character and self-discipline.The Pony Club program offers certification of a member's proficiency in skills and theory.

[7][8] The Pony Club publishes manuals and books which provide all the information needed to earn certificates and achievement badges.

[9] The Pony Club promotes the education of young people through instruction and examination in riding, horse care and animal welfare.

In 1929, Harry Faudel-Phillips founded the Pony Club in Britain as a youth group of the Institute of the Horse which was run by military men.

[12] It was formed to encourage children to start riding, while providing them with opportunities in the field that they would not be able to reach on their own.

[22] PCA members participate in all the usual internationally-recognized competitive equestrian disciplines, as well as mounted games, and uniquely Australian sports such as campdrafting and Stockman's Challenge.

Australian Pony Club members have gone on to win medals on the Australian Olympic equestrian team and in world championships,[23] such as Phillip Dutton (5 medals),[24] Shane Rose (3 medals),[25] Wayne Roycroft (3),[26] Clayton Fredericks (3), Stuart Tinney (2), Sonja Johnson (2), Gillian Rolton (2), Megan Jones (1),[27] Wendy Schaeffer (1), Barry Roycroft (1),[26] and Edwina Tops-Alexander.

USPC holds a national championship competition each year for those who have qualified at regional rallies or recognized horse shows.

Every second year, a week long festival of competition and education is held at the Kentucky Horse Park.