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LONE STAR RANCH
PONY CLUB
RIDING CENTER
Our Mission
The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. is an educational organization that builds the foundations of teamwork and sportsmanship through riding, mounted sports, and the care of horses and ponies, while developing and enhancing leadership, confidence, responsibility, and a sense of community in its youth and adult members.
Core Values
Horsemanship with respect to healthcare, nutrition, stable management, handling, and riding a mount safely, correctly and with confidence.
Organized teamwork, including cooperation, communication, responsibility, leadership, mentoring, teaching, and fostering a supportive, yet competitive, environment.
Respect for the horse and self through horsemanship, for land through land conservation, and for others through service and teamwork.
Service by providing an opportunity for members, parents, and others to support the Pony Club program locally, regionally, and nationally through volunteerism.
Education at an individual pace to achieve personal goals and expand knowledge through teaching others.
Pony Club
Sportsmanship
Stewardship
Leadership
through
Horsemanship
The Vision
To be the leading source and voice of education in horse care, safety, and equestrian pursuits.
United States Pony Club
Pony Club is one of the leading equestrian organizations in the world, represented throughout 30 countries! Pony Club now provides opportunities for instruction and competition in riding, horse sports and horse management for all ages. The term "pony" reflects the age of the members, rather than the size of the mount. Programs are offered in Dressage, Eventing, Show Jumping, Mounted Games, Tetrathlon, Knowledge, Hunt Seat Equitation, Western and Polocrosse. During "unmounted" meetings, members learn about feeding, shoeing, veterinary care, and other areas of horse management. Under adult supervision, the more experienced Pony Club members instruct and assist less experienced members. Many competitive riders at the national and international level are graduates of Pony Club. The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC) is divided into 41 regions. When a member joins a local pony club or riding center, they also join the region where that club or center belongs and USPC.
Lone Star Ranch
Pony Club Riding Center
Lone Star Ranch Pony Club Riding Center is a certified local chapter of the United States Pony Club (USPC). Based out of Driftwood, Texas, we have been serving youth from all around Austin for over 15 years. We offer monthly meetings covering both riding and horse management skills to our members. Our meetings are structured to complement a regular riding/training program, exposing our members to a wide range of professional instructors, horse sports and horsemanship. developed by USPC.
Our Region | Rio Grande
Lone Star is a member of the Rio Grande Region of The United States Pony Club. The Rio Grande Region covers the southern half of our great state and will sponsor 5-7 annual events including competitions ( known as rallies), ratings, special clinics, and week-long intensive summer camp each June. Lone Star Pony Club is one of 10 clubs plus several Pony Club Riding Centers in the region. Regional events are a great way to meet pony clubbers from all over theTexas and a chance to incorporate valuable teamwork skills. Check out our region's facebook and website for information regarding rallies, ratings and educations opportunities.
We Are Volunteer Based
All Pony Clubs are volunteer-based organizations. We depend on our members (present and past!), parents (both moms & dads), grandparents, and local horsemen to generously donate their time and skills. We offer many ways to get involved, from assisting in the running of the club, fundraising, hospitality at meetings, or helping out at Pony Club shows and events. It truly is a wonderful way to share your child's passion and growing confidence!
So please know that we need your help to make the magic happen at Pony Club Events!
Why Join Pony Club
Learn self-confidence & responsibility
Practice teamwork in competitions
Define your skill thru 9 rating levels
Make close friends for life
Experience leadership
Be with horses and Have fun!
We Love our Pony Club People
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Monthly Club Meetings
Location: Meetings rotate locations monthy
1x Sunday per month | Dripping Springs Area
Lone Star hosts monthly meetings which typically include a 45minute to 1.5 hour ride session, plus 1 hour unmounted horse management lesson. Horse Management topics may range from basic stable management to healthcare, land conservation, travel safety, etc. As members progress through the levels, they are encouraged to take on mentoring and/or teaching roles during meetings. Meeting locations vary depending upon facilities needed for that session. Lessons plans for each meeting will rotate disciplines based on the upcoming rally schedule. Members also enjoy speciality lessons or outings such as trail rides, schooling, and practice shows. Lessons are offered with a variety of great trainers, dedicated to educating our kids and making them better horseman.
USPC Ratings
Location: Local, Regional & National Locations
Offered Quarterly for D Levels | Region hosts C levels and up
The testing level will dictate the location of the rating. The lower levels will test within their local club. Higher levels require travel to ratings facilitated by the region & national office
Regional Rallies
Location: Locally & Regionally
Austin, Houston, San Antonio & College Station
Our Pony Club participates in competitions with the other Pony Clubs in the Rio Grade Region. These competitions are called rallies, each with its own focus:
D- Level Rally, Dressage, Eventing, Quiz, Show Jumping, Tetrathlon, One Horse Rallies
We Love Rallies because, unlike most horse competitions, we compete as a team and not as individuals. It is very unique to the Olympic riding teams and the Pony Club Rallies. The participants are responsible for all aspects of the competition and the lowest score on the team is generally dropped. It is an incredible experience that our Riders LOVE! There is also a major focus on the horsemanship score and each team has a designated Horse Manager (non-manager) to complete the team. We encourage all individuals to compete in Rallies, regardless of their level. Parents are required to volunteer and help run the event. But don't worry... the older and more experienced Pony Clubbers assist the younger and less experienced individuals. It is an amazing leadership opportunity and we embrace every rally and cherish the memories.
Championships
Location: East & West Coast Locations
Every Year Following National Championships
More Information to Come...
National Championships
& Festival
Location: Kentucky Horse Park- Lexington, Kentucky
Every 2 Years
USPC offers a tremendous number of programs to its members, including National Pony Club Championships and other specialized riding events.
The week-long USPC Festival is held every other year at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky. More than 3,000 Pony Club members, volunteers, and families participate, and the public comes to enjoy the festivities as spectators. Anyone is welcome. USPC Festival is divided up into two parts: Championships and Education. The National Championships are held the first part of the week, followed by mounted and unmounted clinics and workshops taught by Olympians, Pony Club experts, and equine industry professionals. Throughout the week, participants, family, and visitors can shop at the USPC Festival trade fair, participate in and watch the mock foxhunt, and enjoy all aspects of Pony Club activities.
2024 IS A FESTIVAL YEAR! SEE YOU IN KENTUCKY!
Youth Council & Youth Boards
Lots of Leadership Opportunities
More Information to come!
Check Back for the the Announcement of the New 2024 Youth Council, Youth Board and Leadership Committee Members!
International Opportunities
Ride all around the globe with your fellow Pony Club Friends!
More Information to come!
Scholarships
For College, Clinics & Equine Education
Check out the National Website
More Information to come!
Lone Star Riding Club | Calendar
PONY CLUB WORKSHOPS
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Do I have to own a horse?
No, but you need access to a horse or pony and trailer for lessons and competitions. Or you can join one of the Riding Centers and use their horses!
How do I join Pony Club?
Individuals join USPC by becoming a member of the local Pony Club or Riding Center. A club is a group of parents and other adult volunteers who have gotten together to administer the Pony Club program in their area. A center is an equestrian facility that has been recognized by USPC to administer the Pony Club program. Inquire with your local club or center to join!
What makes Pony Club Different?
There are three things that make Pony Club unique:
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Horse Management: we teach you how to care for your horse & equipment, both at home and while traveling
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Progressive curriculum: our Standards of Proficiency (SOP) build skills and confidence
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Team-based competition (rallies)
What is a certification?
Pony Club Members demonstrate their skills and express an appropriate level of knowledge at each certification. Members are evaluated based on the Standards of Proficiency for each section of understanding. Encouraging comments will be noted and shared for the members to review and absorb after completion of their certification.
Do parents needs to "know" horses?
No, they don't need to "know" horses, but they will be involved. There are plenty of "non-horsey" tasks to be completed!
What does it cost?
You must pay National, Regional, and local dues each year to be a Pony Club member. All Clubs are non-profit organizations and some hold fundraisers to help offset their program costs.
2024 Dues
National Dues:
Regional Dues:
Lone Star Dues:
Does Pony Club have competitions?
Clubs and Centers send teams to regional “rallies,” or Pony Club competitions. Most rallies have teams of 4 riders and an unmounted stable manager. Teams are judged on both riding skills and Horse Management (the care of their horses & equipment.) Every summer there is a Championships event where members from all over the country come together to compete.
What are standards of proficiency?
The Standards of Proficiency (SOP) outline a clear progression of skills in riding and horse management. Members progress at their own pace. The levels of certification start at what is called D Level (beginner), progressing to C Level (intermediate) then to B Level and A Level (advanced)
What do you do at meetings?
Most meeting include a mounted riding lesson paired with an un-mounted horsemanship lesson. Members are divided by riding skill level. Club unmounted meetings (without horses) are also usually divided by certification (skill) level.
How much parent participation is needed?
Pony Club is a volunteer organization and many hands make light work! Ideally, parents (or supporters) should be present during meetings. All families are encouraged to work to make our clubs and region successful. And the rallies require many volunteers. There are even tasks for those who aren’t familiar with horses!
What styles of riding does pony club teach?
Standards of Proficiency are available in Dressage, Eventing, Show Jumping, Hunter Seat Equitation, and Western. No matter what level of certification a riding member tests into they will be required to meet the SOP for both horse care and riding.
Do members need to take riding lessons in addition to joining Pony Club?
Most members take riding lessons in addition to Pony Club. The Pony Club program is designed to be a supplement to any other formal individual training a member is receiving.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Pony Club?
Pony club is the leading junior equestrian organization in the world and can be found in 27 countries. Pony club provides a structured curriculum of both mounted and unmounted skills and knowledge. "The purpose of Pony Club is to encourage young people to ride and to learn to enjoy all kinds of sports connected with horses and riding; to provide instruction in riding and horsemanship, and to instill into members the proper attention & care for their animals; to promote the highest ideals of sportsmanship, citizenship and loyalty, thereby cultivating strength of character and self discipline”. Lone Star offers both English and Western disciplines.
Do I have to own a pony?
No, you don't have to own a pony to join Pony Club. However, to take full advantage of Pony Club activities, it is recommended that you have access to one that you are able to bring to meetings and/or regional events.
What if I have a horse, not a pony?
It doesn’t matter, so long as the mount is suitable according to Pony Club policy. The word “pony” in United States Pony Clubs comes from the British Pony Club and was originally used to refer to the size of the rider, not to the size of the horse.
How old do I have to be?
There is no national minimum age for joining Pony Club. However, we recommend at least . Youth may remain in Pony Club through December 31st of the year in which they turn 25.
Is Pony Club for boys or girls?
It is for both! On a club level, there tends to me many more girls. However, on a national level there is much more male representation. There are many male Olympians that are Pony club Graduates. Adding the western disciplines will also help increase the CO-ED numbers.
How old do I have to be?
There is no national minimum age for joining Pony Club. However, we recommend at least . Youth may remain in Pony Club through December 31st of the year in which they turn 25.
Do I have to know how to ride?
We recommend at least 1 year of riding before considering Pony Club. Each Pony Club designs its curriculum to best suit the needs of local riders. In our case, our members are all involved in a regular riding program (typically 2-6 days per week), and choose to join Pony Club for additional instruction, horse management skills, competitions and comraderie. Hence why our club meets only once a month.
How much does it cost to join Pony Club?
When a child joins Pony Club, they are a member of the National Organization--USPC, a member of the Rio Grande Region (a geographic collection of clubs), and a member of Lone Star Pony Club. For 2015, members will pay: National Dues: $140 for a new membership/$120 for a renewing membership; Regional Dues: $15; Local Dues: $20. National Dues go toward curriculum and materials development, insurance and national events. Regional Dues defray costs of summer camp and other regional events, and Local Dues cover the cost of administering Lone Star.
You must pay National, Regional, and local dues each year to be a Pony Club member. All Clubs are non-profit organizations and some hold fundraisers to help offset their program costs.
2024 Dues
National Dues:
Regional Dues:
Lone Star Dues:
Are there any additional costs?
Yes, typically there is an instructor fee for mounted lessons. We try to keep this in the $40-55 range. There are optional activities including rallies, certifications, teaching days and schooling opportunities all of which incur costs.
What riding disciplines does Pony Club offer?
Dressage, eventing, show jumping, hunt seat equitation, western riding, mounted games, tetrathlon, foxhunting, polo and polocrosse. Pony Club also offers "Quiz" -- a horse management knowledge competition format where no horse is required. Within Lone Star we focus on the core English riding events (dressage, eventing and show jumping) and western riding. However, at least one meeting per year is dedicated to exploring other Pony Club disciplines.
Whose in charge?
Lone Star Pony Club is governed by a group of volunteer officers, including a District Commissioner (DC) and Joint District Commissioner (JtDC), Secretary and Treasurer. In addition, parent "sponsors" of the club meet, along with officers, once a year to officially review activities and finances and prepare an annual report for National.
Can I keep riding with my trainer?
Most members take riding lessons in addition to Pony Club. The Pony Club program was designed to be a supplement to any other formal individual training a member is receiving.
What kind of items do I have to buy?
USPC is committed to safety. It is a membership requirement that Pony Club members wear a riding helmet meeting the ASTM/SEI standard when attending mounted meetings. A medical armband is also required. Parents should be prepared to purchase the minimum basic riding equipment, such as jodhpurs, paddock boots, etc.
D Manual of Horsemanship. These can be ordered online or purchased at local tack shops.
Pony Club Pin: This pin is worn at Pony Club functions including lessons, rallies, clinics, championships, and outside horse shows to show Pony Club pride! Members receive one pin in their new member packet. Additional pins can be purchased at Shop Pony Club.
Helmet: Following Pony Club Policy 0800.A - Pony Club members must wear a safety helmet in all mounted activities and in some unmounted activities that conform to ASTM/SEI standards. We suggest getting fitting help locally rather than buying online for best fit.
Medical Armband/Bracelet: Following Pony Club Policy 0800.D -All members must wear a medical armband or bracelet in any USPC affiliated mounted or unmounted activity. Medical bracelets are allowed from any company who follows the UPSC requirements of five lines of information. Medical armbands can be purchased through Shop Pony Club. Be sure to update and/or replace the Medical Card insert as needed.
Proper Footwear: Footwear includes any boot with a heel, such as, rubber riding boots, jodhpur boots, paddock boots, or tall boots. For unmounted activities a shoe or boot that is securely fastened, entirely closed, covers the ankle, and has a thick sole is permitted. For more information refer to section 7c in the Horse Management Handbook.
Horse Management Handbook: In this handbook are the basic rules and guidelines that every Pony Club member needs to know about horse management. The handbook gets updated yearly with new horse management rules and guidelines and can be either downloaded from the Pony Club website or purchased at Shop Pony Club.