Pony Club News - The Official Magazine of The United States Pony Clubs - Issue #160

P nyClub R A L LY R E C A P 2020 NUMBER 160

The Class of 2020 Exceeds Standards The Road to Becoming Chief Annual Fund Impact: How You Can Make a Difference

LOVE THE HORSE FIRST BECOME A MEMBER SECOND

THREE PHASES, TWO PARTNERS, ONE GOAL #BetterTogether | www.useventing.com

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2 3 4 5

In the Arena

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Stewardship—Where Will You Ride Tomorrow?

Seven Steps to Influencing Zoning Change in Your Community

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Pony Club Proud Good Manners in Pony Club The Road to Becoming Chief Managing Horses, School, Work, and Pony Club

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Recognizing Volunteers and Donors Annual Fund Impact: How You Make a Difference

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Honing Horse Management Good Grooming Goals Nutritional Notes

On the Right Trail Across the Fence Club, Center and Member News Meet the 2020 USPC Scholarship Recipients 2020 Live Oak Hounds USPC Foxhunting Challenge Award The Class of 2020 Exceeds Standards My USEF Pony Finals Experience with USPC

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ON THE COVER: Congratulations to new C-3 member Elizabeth Larson and her mount, Flash. Elizabeth is also a member of the USPC National Youth Board.

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Rally Recap 2020

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PUBLICATION EDITORS, NOTE: Unless cited as having been reprinted from another publication, permission to reproduce any article or poem or other editorial matter in Pony Club News is granted on the condition that credit is given as follows: Reprinted from (issue date) Pony Club News with permission of The United States Pony Clubs.

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Number 160

Published by The United States Pony Clubs, Inc., 4041 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511-8483; Telephone: (859) 254-7669; Fax: (859) 233-4652. President, Ben Duke; Executive Director, Teresa Woods; Director of Marketing and Communications, Samantha Smith; Editor, Shelley Mann. Mailed to Pony Club families and Corporate Members. Readers are encouraged to submit ideas or articles for publication. Address all correspondence to Editor, Pony Club News at the above address.

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Table of Contents

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Member Publication

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In the Arena

Pony Club Strong

by Ben Duke, USPC President

This past January, in my report to the Board of Governors, I had this to say: It is very clear to me that 2020 will be a busy, fun, and, at times, challenging year for Pony Club. But that’s what we’re all about: creating the best possible experience for the largest audience possible. I

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want to thank all Board and Advisory members and our tremendous staff members for the dedication, support, and expertise you all demonstrate on behalf of this great organization.

Never in my wildest imagination did I think that 2020 would be quite

so challenging, but, as stated above, Pony Club has what it takes to meet any sort of challenge.

Wow! What a year it has been!

COVID-19, suspending of all Pony Club in-person activities, an unprecedented rescheduled Festival, re-imagined certifications, lessons, and competitions, civil unrest, fires, hurricanes, erratic economy…what have I forgotten?

Through it all, our leaders, staff, and members have remained “Pony Club Strong,” developing online alternatives to many activities, developing guidelines for safe gatherings, testings, and competitions, and providing incredible encouragement to our eager and loyal members at all levels.

The National Office staff has worked diligently and nimbly to develop programs, a virtual Festival, and support for the many volunteers across the country working to provide Pony Club experiences for members and families. The Development Committee found innovative ways to engage and encourage our donors. Rulebooks continued to be revised, reworked, and approved. Planning for an unprecedented virtual Equine Symposium and Convention has been in the works. Staff and volunteers alike all have become proficient with Zoom or Microsoft Teams…who had even heard of these terms 10 months ago?

Through all of the interesting and, at times, challenging months, the three Pony Club Task Forces, charged with analyzing the results from last year’s survey and making recommendations to the Board of Governors, forged ahead. They met at least once a month. I did not

On the Right Trail think there was even the remotest of chances that we would be where we are today. Each of the three Task Forces now has produced a succinct and thorough report with some amazing recommendations. At its October meeting, the Board of Governors reviewed and discussed these remarkable reports, each of which provided thoughtful and ambitious recommendations. The Board is now carefully considering the recommendations and observations. The membership will learn more during the coming months as we continue this very exciting process. All I can say is that I am now more optimistic than ever about the future of Pony Club.

Through the Task Force recommendations and the Board’s resolve to implement them, Pony Club is on the cusp of exciting new directions that will take our organization boldly forward for another 75 or 100 years. Thanks to each and every one of the many volunteers who so unselfishly worked to produce such a forward thinking set of recommendations… all during the most unusual of years.

One area receiving special attention is our organization’s commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion. We are developing programs, committees, and vehicles that will ensure that this commitment is permanent and proactive.

My hat is tipped to each and every member of the Pony Club family. We don’t yet know what 2021 has in store for us, but I am once again confident that Pony Club will rise to whatever occasion presents itself. What an organization! What a blessed family. Thank you all.

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Reimagine

by Teresa Woods, USPC Executive Director

There is no doubt, there were uncertainties and many challenges in 2020. In uncertain times, family is strength. This past year certainly underscored Pony Club’s strength as a family and community. In a year unlike any we have known, experienced or could have imagined, a positive aspect did emerge, in that circumstances led us to find new ways of supporting each other and thriving together. Throughout the year, members, families, and volunteers remained resilient and Pony Club strong!

We can all be proud of our great organization and its ability to meet the challenges of this past year, without sacrificing or diverting from the Pony Club mission.

Through much ingenuity, creativity, and resourcefulness, volunteers and

staff were able to create numerous opportunities for virtual education as well membership engagement and connection.

As we look forward and “reimagine” 2021, the new year offers a great opportunity to set new goals and maybe even try something different. If you have not set riding and/or personal goals for the year, I would encourage you to do so. No one can predict with certainty what the year ahead will bring, but I am more optimistic than ever that brighter days are ahead. I will be so bold as to make this prediction for 2021: your four-legged partner and friend will need love, attention and caring, and will give you the same in return.

Take care and stay healthy and well.

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Rally Recap 2020 ! ! !

Down 1. Over spur 2. Employ 3. Stylish Italian city 4. Beef in a burger 5. Not old origin, for short ! 6. Oldenburg !

9. Gentle as a ___ 10. Some resorts ! 14. Play a role 16. Trail through mountains 17. Aware of ! ! ! 18. Smallest 19. Get together ! Fire remnant !

23. !24. Better ! ___ than me!

26. Damage 27. ! 12th graders, for short

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Dear Pony Club

My mom used to construct crossword puzzles and even had one published in the New York Times Sunday Edition! Anyway, a while back I asked her to construct one for Pony Club and she did. Mom recently passed away, and with your prompt on sending materials to the Pony Club News, I thought I would find out if you’d like to publish her puzzle.

Nina Springer DC, Bayou City Pony Club Turn to page 32 for the answers

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Club, Center and Member News

Meet the 2020 USPC Scholarship Recipients

by Liz Moyer, USPC Marketing and Fundraising Coordinator

Six talented Pony Club members were selected to receive scholarships this year for outstanding achievements in academics, sportsmanship, and leadership through horsemanship. A total of $6,500 was awarded, with recipients selected based on essay applications reviewed by a scholarship committee and administered by Pony Club according to the requirements for each opportunity.

“These students are excellent examples of all that the Pony Club experience offers in developing

valuable lifelong skills that will serve them well wherever they go,” said USPC Executive Director Teresa Woods. “We are so proud of all that these members have achieved, and know that they have bright futures ahead.”

Through their essays, applicants wrote about how Pony Club had influenced their lives, and reflected on the Pony Club mission.

Kara Echternacht

A Pony Club member since the age of 9, Kara Echternacht has taken the mission of stewardship to heart,

and put it into action to preserve land for equestrian use. An H-B/C-3 Eventing member of the Miami Valley Pony Club in the Midsouth Region, she has worked on clean-up projects, repairing jumps, and other local conservation efforts throughout her years in Pony Club.

“We know that loss of land and access to land is a huge threat to equestrians, which is why I focused on developing a trail for my H-B project,” she said. “I worked with The Village of Indian Hill and the Indian Hill Equestrian Club to clear a new trail, with the help of Miami Valley Pony Club. This new trail provides a safe connection between a local park and a bike/horse path enabling riders to avoid traffic on the main road.”

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For her efforts and dedication, Kara (pictured above) was honored with the Anson W. H. Taylor Memorial Scholarship. Sponsored by Pony Club and the Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) in memory of former Pony Club President and ELCR founder Anson Taylor, the scholarship is awarded to a current Pony Club member who has been actively committed to land conservation efforts.

“Whenever I achieve in some area, whether equestrian related or not, I immediately reflect to a Pony Club experience that contributed to this success,” shared Kara, who is attending the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University where she is majoring in finance, with a minor in data analytics.

“I am honored to receive this scholarship. Pony Club has been a wonderful experience for me. I have learned so many things about horses, but also about life in general,” says Kara. “It has taught me responsibility, grit, organization and time management, among many other things. My Pony Club

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Club, Center and Member News

experience has prepared me well for college and my future. I am very grateful for my Pony Club community and all that it has provided me.”

Virginia Klecker

Virginia Klecker, (pictured below) a C-2/C+ Eventing member of Run O’ the Mill Pony Club in the Lake Shore Region, is pursuing studies in nursing and pre-med at South

Dakota State University. She credits Pony Club with teaching her attention to detail and leadership skills that she has been able to apply to a variety of employment situations and involvement with other organizations, such as 4-H. “Pony Club has not only offered opportunity, but has influenced how I proceed in many other aspects of my life from lessons learned,” she shared in her essay.

When her main mount sustained a suspensory injury, Virginia says it helped her learn to develop a positive outlook in adverse situations, and she is grateful for all the experience taught her.

Through catch-riding other horses, she learned to enhance problem solving and adaptable thinking, as well as finding and overcoming weaknesses in her riding. Working to rehabilitate her mount and care for her horses also inspired her course of study and career goals.

“I decided to pursue a career in medicine due to all of the medical

Club, Center and Member News ailments I have gone through with my horses,” she says. While she initially considered becoming a vet, she decided she would prefer to enjoy horses as a fun and relaxing hobby, rather than her job. Her ultimate goal is a career in anesthesiology.

Virginia is the recipient of the Dorothy Renfro Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually for higher education to an active Pony Club member who exhibits the qualities of leadership, horse management, and volunteering time and energy to beneficial activities.

“I am very grateful and appreciative of receiving the scholarship,” says Virginia. “It will help me to focus on my studies to utilize my educational endeavors to the best of my abilities.”

Tanner Kooistra

Tanner (pictured above right) is an H-B/C-3 Eventing member of French Creek Pony Club in the Northwest Region. Throughout the past few years, she actively competed in Tetrathlon and enjoyed participating as stable manager for her club at regional rallies. Within USPC, Tanner currently sits as the advisor on the National Youth Board. Tanner attends the University of Washington, where she is studying data science and entrepreneurship.

In reflecting on her experience with Pony Club, Tanner discovered a unique balance between her drive to exceed standards, and an appreciation for failure. Or in other words, “when things don’t go as expected.” She wrote about the impact of her first exceeds standards awarded for polishing her

boots as a 12-year-old D-2 at her first Pony Club rally, as well as the more recent satisfaction of regrouping from a setback to earn her C-3 with a new mount she trained herself who, she says, couldn’t even canter a 20-meter circle six months out from the certification.

“I find it funny how a little ‘x’ in the exceeds standard box on my turnout inspection sheet, which I still have today, catalyzed a full-time ambition I retain to deliver the best results in everything I do,” she shared. “However, I know a little bit of extra effort shows others you care, and by going the extra mile, the best awaits you.”

Tanner is a recipient of the Pony Club Jubilee Scholarship, awarded to two Pony Club members for excellence in academic pursuits

and outstanding achievements in Pony Club.

“Pony Club is special,” says Tanner. “The immersive opportunities USPC has allowed me to engage in, and the skills I developed throughout each experience, continue to serve as invaluable proficiencies to leverage throughout university.”

Elizabeth Larson

Elizabeth Larson, an H-HM/C-2 Eventing member of Patton Valley Pony Club in the Oregon Region, is in her senior year studying chemistry and studio art at Willamette University. Although double majoring in chemistry and studio art may seem an unlikely combination, Elizabeth sees great potential at their creative intersection and envisions her art serving as an Pony Club News R a l l y R e c a p 2 0 2 0

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educational tool for students and the public.

Elizabeth (pictured above) credits her decade of involvement in Pony Club as a foundation for her success and strongly believes in the education that Pony Club offers. “It was first through Pony Club that I realized the joy in teaching others,” wrote Elizabeth, who volunteers as a science teacher and tutors others in chemistry. “Tutoring and teaching have provided meaningful personal interactions and have been a chance to inspire and support others.”

Elizabeth is the recipient of the Pony Club Triple Crown Nutrition Scholarship, sponsored by Triple Crown Nutrition, Inc. to reward Pony Club members for excellence in academic pursuits and outstanding achievements in Pony Club.

“I am honored to have been awarded the United States Pony Clubs’ Triple Crown Scholarship,” says Elizabeth. “The nutrition background I gained through Pony Club helped save our family’s beloved pony during her high-risk

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Club, Center and Member News

pregnancy. Pony Club has not only built my horsemanship and sportsmanship skills; it has given me the discipline to be a capable college student and excel as an undergraduate researcher. I’ll proudly be wearing my Pony Club pin at all of the research conferences I attend this coming spring!”

Madeline McDougal

Madeline McDougal, (pictured at right) an H-B/ C-2 Eventing member of Butte Valley Pony Club in the Sierra Pacific Region, is a Pony Club Jubilee Scholarship recipient majoring in kinesiology at William Jessup University. In her essay, Maddie shared her appreciation for the connections and community she has found in Pony Club, along with the confidence gained from the challenges of working toward national certifications. She also credits Pony Club for helping her to realize her leadership skills through her involvement with the Regional Youth Board, and, she says, find her

voice—literally, one that projects all the way across the arena.

“Pony Club is such an unique and amazing organization and has played a huge role in helping me become who I am today. I appreciate all it has done for me as well as the investment in my education through this scholarship, and I will take the lessons and skills I have learned with me throughout my life,” she says.

Maddie plans to remain involved with Pony Club, and to pursue leadership opportunities, along with the goal of earning an A certification in Eventing. She also aspires to become a National Examiner one day. “Pony Club will always be part of my life,” she says.

“I look forward to seeing how my involvement will grow over the years.”

Club, Center and Member News McKenna Miller

McKenna Miller, C-2 Eventing member of Keeneland Pony Club in the Midsouth Region, is a secondtime USPC scholarship recipient.

Majoring in digital media and design at the University of Kentucky, McKenna was honored with the Stanley R. and Martha C. Helbert Scholarship, awarded annually to a Pony Club member pursuing a Liberal Arts degree in areas such as literature, music, theater, and visual arts.

In addition to her studies and art classes, McKenna (pictured below) rides for the University of Kentucky’s eventing team, volunteers with 4 Paws for Disability to train service animals for children, and is a full time working student for a local trainer, which she says has been a tremendous opportunity to carry on the Pony Club way and continue learning. Thanks to assistance from

the scholarship, McKenna says she is able to continue balancing these activities while studying and maintaining her grades.

“Pony Club has been the biggest factor in where I am today and I am forever grateful for everything it’s taught me and the memories I’ve made in being a part of Pony Club,” says McKenna.

Visit the Pony Club website to learn more about all the college scholarship opportunities available.

The application process opens in January 2021. Pony Club’s scholarships are made possible through the USPC Annual Fund, plus the generous support of individual donors, friends and sponsors. You can help support all members in their educational pursuits when you give to the USPC Annual Fund. To make a difference as a donor, visit www.ponyclub.org/ giving.

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Club, Center and Member News

2020 Live Oak Hounds USPC Foxhunting Challenge Award

The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. is pleased to announce the results of the annual Live Oak Hounds USPC Foxhunting Challenge. The Live Oak Challenge is designed to encourage Pony Club members to try the sport, and to reward members who hunt on a regular basis for mentoring the newcomers. For their achievements, cash prizes were awarded to the top participating Pony Clubs. This award is made possible through the generous support of Mr. and Mrs. C. Martin Wood III, Joint Masters of the Live Oak Hounds in Monticello, Florida, and Past Presidents of the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America (MFHA).

“Marty and I have so enjoyed being able to sponsor the Live Oak Hounds Hunting Challenge Awards for the last 14 years,” said Daphne Flowers Wood, Joint Master, Live Oak Hounds. “We are delighted that as a result, hundreds of children have gotten out hunting for the first time, to discover the bliss, freedom and camaraderie of following a pack of foxhounds. Foxhunting is a marvelous sport enjoyed by people from 8 to 80 years old.”

A total of seven Pony Clubs competed this year, accounting for more than 420 days in the hunt fields. Thanks to the following hunts for their hospitality in welcoming Pony Club members throughout the

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hunt season: Cedar Knob Hounds (TN), De La Brooke Foxhounds (MD), Live Oak Hounds (FL), Marlborough Hunt (MD), Old Dominion Hounds (VA), Red Rock Hounds (NV), and Rose Tree-Blue Mountain Hunt (PA).

Congratulations to the 2020 Challenge winners:

1st Place: De La Brooke Pony Club (hunting with De La Brooke Foxhounds)

2nd Place: St. Margaret’s Pony Club (hunting with the Marlborough Hunt)

3rd Place: Ochlockonee River Pony Club (hunting with Live Oak Hounds)

4th Place: Blue Mountain Pony Club (hunting with Rose Tree-Blue Mountain Hunt)

5th Place: Old Dominion Hounds Pony Club (hunting with Old Dominion Hounds)

6th Place: Cedar Knob Pony Club (hunting with Cedar Knob Hounds)

7th Place: Portneuf Valley Pony Club (hunting with Red Rock Hounds)

USPC was founded in 1954 by a group of avid foxhunters. A knowledgeable rider on a happy pony (or horse) is the goal of Pony Club, and the hunt field is a great place to find many of these pairs.

Pony Club offers several opportunities for members to explore Foxhunting as a group or individually through club or center activities. Visit www.ponyclub.org for more information and to get involved.

Club, Center and Member News

The Class of 2020 Exceeds Standards

by Judy McHerron, USPC National Examiner

Pony Club provides so many opportunities, practices and skills that can transfer to every area of life, especially those outside of horses. Horses are the medium to learn how to succeed or fall short.

As a National Examiner I have the opportunity to work with people all around the country and this spring I was struck with a similarity I could not step over and wanted to share.

Let me introduce you to Maddie McDougal, (below, left) H-B/C-2 Eventing from Butte Valley Pony Club, Sierra Pacific Region and Maggie Shideler, (below, right) H-B/ C-3 Dressage from Skagit Valley Pony Club, Northwest Region. I have had the pleasure of working with both girls over the years in

their Pony Club careers with both their successes, failures, and lame horses.

This spring while being in communication with both their moms, about upcoming Pony Club prep clinics and Zoom calls, I asked how the girls where doing. Maddie’s mom, Karen, has been the Vice RS for Sierra Pacific Region and Maggie’s mom, Ann, is the RIC for the Northwest Region; you may remember her as the “Lady in the Cake Costume” at the convention in Seattle in January. Both of these moms are riding instructors with their own barns and lesson programs, giving a lot to Pony Club.

I learned that both girls graduated from high school this spring during these unprecedented times as

valedictorian for their senior class.

How amazing is that! Maddie is going to be attending William Jessup University in Rockland, California, planning to study kinesiology.

Maggie will be attending Cornell in New York State planning to study global health and pre med.

You may be starting to notice some similarities with both Maddie and Maggie. Not only are they both beautiful, tall blondes with a love of horses and riding, with similar names and delightful, fun personalities—they are both “organizational queens.” Highlighting with colors, color coding, everything has tabs, files, notebooks, organized and in order, easily referenced is their speciality.

Pony Club, as we all know, is not just about riding. It’s the transferable life skills: goal setting, organization, teamwork, time management, and community skills, that are practiced and applied that make the difference. The skills and time applied to studying and highlighting the SOPs for the next certification, or keeping a record book of your horse, is more than tracking deworming or shoeing schedules. It’s a practice. Webster’s Dictionary defines practice as a habit, custom, or method of doing something; repetition to acquire or perfect a skill; to put into effect: apply.

The practices of Pony Club have paid off for these two talented young women going out into the world. Congratulations on a job well done. As a National Examiner, I am checking the box, on life skills for Maggie and Maddie with an Exceeds Standards.

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Club, Center and Member News

My USEF Pony Finals Experience with USPC Each year the United States Pony Club (USPC) sends a team of Pony Club members from across the

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by Keely Bechtol, NYB member

country to the USEF Pony Jumper Finals held at USEF Pony Finals.

From the first time I went to watch

the event, I knew I wanted to be part of it. I spent the next two years working toward that goal. When I was finally ready to compete, I made the decision to declare my intent to compete with the Pony Club team in 2019. It was an easy choice, I knew the Pony Club team would be made up of members that embodied the Pony Club ideal. They would be good teammates, have good horsemanship, and good sportsmanship.

Part of the allure of competing at the pony jumper championships was the challenge that it presented. It would allow me to compete at a very high level with my pony, and I knew competing with Pony Club would make the experience both fun and educational.

I am a very goal oriented person. I like fixating on something and working toward it. Pony Club helped teach me the patience that I needed as well as making sure that I was 110% prepared for what I was going into.

Club, Center and Member News The USEF Pony Jumper Championships presents the most difficult courses for ponies in the United States, but that isn’t the only challenge. You compete over the course of three days and four courses; this means you and your pony need to be extremely fit to maintain stamina and finish on the last night which is the biggest course with plenty of energy. Conditioning for this level is difficult, so I didn’t want to drill my pony and make every day a hard experience for him.

While I wanted him to be fit, I also wanted him to have fun and love what he was doing. Working with Pony Club instructors, I was able to make a conditioning plan for him that allowed me to have him at peak fitness at competition time while also allowing him to enjoy his job.

When you compete over the course of multiple days, you have to be able to brush off anything that happened in the days prior, and be able to put your best foot forward for the day that you were present in.

No matter what, good or bad, if it happened in the past it stays in the past. Pony Club helped me realize this in the years leading up to my first Pony Finals experience. You have to be able to learn from your mistakes, but also not let them affect you emotionally, in order to maintain focus.

I have competed for the USPC team at Pony Jumper Championships for four years in a row. This past year I competed on a pony for five months before the championships. I had to put everything I learned over the years into practice,

from conditioning and flat work to building a relationship with her in just a short amount of time. I also had to make each day count, which meant focusing on the good and bad aspects of every ride and improving each day. Each ride was evaluated the same way a candidate would be in a testing. After many years in Pony Club the process of thinking through each ride has become second nature, which made the preparation and training for this event so much easier.

Competing on the USPC team at USEF Pony Jumper Championships was a goal that shaped my life for four years. What made the experience even better was being part of the Pony Club team, and the lasting bonds with my teammates from all over the country.

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Stewardship—Where Will You Ride Tomorrow?

Seven Steps to Influencing Zoning Change in Your Community Facing the increasing threat of development, many horsemen and horse lovers fear the loss of access to land for recreational equine activities. If you have received a notice of a proposed zoning change, commonly known as rezoning, or you have seen a rezoning sign posted on a property, you may be wondering what you can do to influence the outcome of the rezoning action. Here are seven simple steps you can take to influence a zoning change in your community.

1. Get a copy of the rezoning application. This will provide you with a lot of helpful information, including who the applicant is, how to contact them, and what they are proposing for the property. Be sure to get a copy of a site plan if one is

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by Christing Hughes for ELCR

included with the request. If a site plan is included, find out if the applicant is bound to that site plan after zoning changes are approved or if the plan is only conceptual. If the rezoning petition is for a specific land use or a specific site plan, and there are conditions or special exceptions applied to an approval that run with the land, there is an additional level of certainty that can be expected. If the request is for a general or speculative rezoning, you have to assume that anything permitted within that zoning district is a potential use of the property. Find out what you are dealing with so you can best influence the outcome.

2. Understand the codes, plans, policies, and technical issues.

Start with the zoning ordinance, the local laws governing land use.

Call your planning office and ask the planner handling the rezoning request to explain the ordinance to you if needed. Be sure to understand what land uses are permitted under the proposed zoning and what uses are permitted under the current zoning. If your community has a comprehensive plan or a small-area plan that makes recommendations for the area, be sure to understand what those recommendations are and whether the proposal is consistent with any adopted

recommendations and policies.

Identify any issues that may be of concern to the horse community, including stormwater runoff, traffic, noise and light pollution, loss (or gain) of recreation land, loss (or gain) of buffers between horse lands and potentially noncompatible land uses.

3. Talk to the applicant directly.

Sometimes, an applicant is required to hold a community meeting to discuss proposed changes with neighbors, or an applicant will hold a community meeting voluntarily in advance of a public hearing. If there is a community meeting, be sure to attend. If there is not a community meeting, talk to the applicant to learn about their intentions and to share your concerns and suggested changes.

The applicant can often become your ally. Be aware, however, that a general rezoning request may not have binding conditions and that some of what an applicant offers may be nonbinding.

4. Organize your people. Start networking within your equine community. Decide who will represent your collective voice throughout the process. Create an information information-sharing network to be sure everyone stays informed, to present a strong and unified voice for your concerns, and to help with follow-through

Stewardship—Where Will You Ride Tomorrow?

before, during, and after a rezoning process. Identifying and engaging allies outside of the horse community will strengthen your cause.

5. Understand the public hearing process, who to talk to, and when and where to show up. Contact your planning staff and ask them to explain what the applicant is asking for (the zoning classification, any specific land use, any special conditions, any special variances or exceptions), if the request is general (no binding conditions) or conditional (additional requirements that the governing board may put on an approval), when any relevant public hearings or community meetings will be held, at which meetings you will have an opportunity to speak, to whom you should send letters of support, objection, or concern (zoning board, technical review board, planning commission, city council, etc.), and what happens following approval or denial of a request. Some communities have several layers of administrative review before and after a rezoning request, in addition to public hearings. If your planning department issues a recommendation or written staff report, request a copy.

6. Speak up! Using your organized group of supporters, speak up at every opportunity in opposition

but also in support when appropriate. If you have used all of your resources and have worked to influence a positive outcome, speak in favor of the rezoning request. Be sure that the decisionmaking board hears your support, if it is warranted, so that they are aware of the issues as they are taking action and the strides taken toward compromise are not lost.

7. Follow through the entire process. Usually, if a rezoning petition is on a published and advertised agenda for action by a board or commission, it requires action by that board or commission. That action could be approval, denial, continuance, or withdrawal of the request. Do not assume a request is approved, denied, or withdrawn until there is official action on the part of the board or commission. Once official action is taken, find out what the next steps in the process are, what conditions, variances, or special permits might be considered or required in the future, and who to contact if you believe that an approved plan or request is not being properly executed.

Influencing a rezoning request can be as easy as asking for what you want. It can take some time, but it can go a long way in helping to ensure that our communities remain horse-friendly. While there are often complexities related to local ordinances, plans, maps, and legal requirements, remember that your local planning staff and an organized community are your best resources to keeping public land open and accessible to horses!

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Pony Club Proud In an Enclosed Arena With Other Riders Present (USPC D Manual p.

127-128)*

• Make your presence known (“Hello”).

• Ask permission to enter (“May I come in?”).

• Wait until riders are away from the entrance to lead your horse in or out of the arena.

• If the gate is closed when you enter or exit, close it behind you.

Good Manners in Pony Club

by Melissa Dabadie CHMJ, D-1 through C-2 Committee and Graduate C-3, Peak to Peak Pony Club, Rocky Mountain Region

Pony Club aims to produce not just capable horse people, but equestrians who are able to serve as role models for other members. One way that USPC sets the tone for the organization is through the use of The Pony Club Pledge. This oftenrecited gathering of values strikes a chord with many members. One passage that resonates is, “… without good manners and good temper, sport loses its cause for being.” While this value is not specifically stated in the USPC Standards of Proficiency, grace and courtesy is a theme that runs deep in the heart of most clubs: “to maintain the best tradition of the ancient and noble skill of horsemanship” (also in the Pledge).

Good manners and good temper may seem simple, but also upholding the noble efforts of our ancestors attaches a responsibility to Pony Club members.

Good manners are important in different situations you are likely to

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encounter in Pony Club. Please refer to the USPC Manual of Horsemanship 2nd Edition: D Level (Chapter 4: pages 127-140) for further explanations, safety considerations, and descriptions that are more complete.

General Expectations:

Pony Club members have impressed the horse world for decades because of the thoughtful care of their horses and themselves.

Horses are groomed, tack is wellfitted and clean, attire is neat and workmanlike. Everything is appropriate for the age and ability of the rider. All riders must have a safety check before mounting. Do not use your phone while riding or when working around horses.

In an effort to alert members to the more subtle elements of being a role model, I have compiled this list of manners that are universally accepted in USPC.

• Acknowledge riders as you near them (smile, “hello,” nod).

• Keep safe distancing— at least one horse length. Do not allow your pony to stand too close or touch another pony.

• Pass on the inside.

• If traveling in opposite directions, pass left to left.

• If you are unsure how to pass, state your intentions clearly to the other rider.

• Look out for others in the arena.

Do not follow too closely or cut them off.

• Warn others before you approach a jump (call out “Blue jump”).

• If another rider is having trouble, slow down or stop to give them room.

• Mount and dismount in the center of the arena unless directed otherwise.

• Pick up manure left by your horse as soon as possible.

*D-1 members must know the rules for riding safely in a group in an enclosed area.

Pony Club Proud

At a USPC Mounted Meeting, Rally, or Other Competition

• Communicate ahead of time with the scheduling coordinator if you have any special circumstances.

©2019 Photo by Ron Schwane Photography

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Give your child a leg up without having to own a horse.

• Arrive on time.

• Thank the person who performs a safety check and any other volunteers you meet.

• Thank your instructor before leaving the arena.

• Be respectful to landowners and volunteers.

• Be knowledgeable of and follow all facility rules.

• Clean up all trash and manure, including any around your trailer, even if it is not yours.

• Report any damage to property immediately.

• All competition arenas are closed to riders and foot traffic unless specifically designated by the organizer (i.e., a course walk) upon penalty of elimination.

• Put a red ribbon in your pony’s tail if it kicks.

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Pony Club Proud

• Put a green ribbon in your pony’s tail if it is young or green.

• Allow extra space for ponies with red or green ribbons in their tails.

When Riding in the Open in a Group (USPC D Manual p.

130-139)

• Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.

• Allow all ponies adequate space.

• Stay with the group— not too far ahead or behind.

• Let others know if you plan to speed up or slow down.

• Stay in line. If there is room on the trail, you may ride side by side.

• Do not pass without permission.

• Warn others of anything dangerous you see (“Ware hole”).

• If you ride under a low branch, duck instead of holding back the branch so it doesn’t hit the rider behind you.

• If a rider has trouble, all riders must stop and wait.

Special Land Conservation Considerations (USPC D

Manual p. 141-142)*

• Ask permission when riding on someone else’s land.

• Stay off lawns, sidewalks, gardens, picnic areas.

• If your pony drops manure near someone’s house, pick it up.

• Ride around the edges of planted fields.

• If you open a gate, close it behind you.

• Leave livestock undisturbed.

• Don’t jump on someone else’s property without special permission.

• Pick up all trash and strive to leave no trace.

• Stay on the trail.

• Politely greet anyone you meet along the way.

• Be a good representative of Pony Club.

*D-3 members must know rules for riding on privately-owned land and are encouraged to express gratitude toward landowners where they are allowed to ride.

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Pony Club Proud

The Road to Becoming Chief The road isn’t always smoothly paved. One Provisional Chief ’s thoughts, on the bump in the road (COVID-19) to becoming a Chief.

Like so many Pony club members, my dream was to attend Champs in 2020, because it was a Festival year. I also had a dream of becoming a Chief Horse Management Judge (CHMJ) this year, a Festival year, and the year started out full of promise!

January 2020, I attended the wonderfully hosted USPC Equine Symposium and Convention in Seattle, Washington. The Northwest Region did an amazing job and it was well attended. It was so nice to see old friends and make new. I also had the good fortune to meet many of the Chiefs that would be mentoring me during the 2020 Rally season as a Provisional CHMJ. There were so many incredible learning opportunities, not only for

by Provisional CHMJ/HMO Cindy Medina

me as a Provisional Chief, but as Jt. DC and newly appointed HMO. I left the convention energized and excited to share them with my club (Silver Springs Pony Club) and region (Midwest). I felt invigorated and charged with the prospects of these new ideas, opportunities and possibilities. 2020 was looking to be a promising year!

But, by the end of February things began to change, and by the end of March, life as we equestrians knew it, came to a screeching halt, squarely at X. We were all told to stay home—no lessons, no riding, no going to the barn. How were we supposed to get our horses competition ready? And keep them competition ready? Would there be any competitions to attend?

By the end of April, the majority of competitions (Pony Club and non-Pony Club) being held in May or June were postponed

or canceled altogether, and July wasn’t looking promising either.

Rallies, shows, events, and horse trials were dropping like proverbial swatted flies off the competition calendar. Then I began to get the calls and emails; one by one, all three of my Provisional CHMJ rallies had been canceled. Then, Festival was postponed until 2021.

Even the historic Kentucky Derby, which usually runs the first Saturday in May was postponed until September 5th, 2020. Hockey canceled, baseball canceled, football canceled—who had ever heard of such a thing. Like other sports, the equestrian world was at a standstill and my becoming Chief this year along with it.

I had worked hard over the past two years on the road to becoming Chief, so like a good Pony Club member who knocks a rail down in show jumping, I couldn’t let that proverbial rail (corona virus) be the bump in the road that ruined the rest of my ride. So, I chose to look ahead but think back fondly on my wonderful rally memories of the past two years. The enthusiastic, smiling Pony Club members I taught and judged. The training and tutelage of some amazing Chiefs; Andrew Marsh, Abe Rastkar, Eric Poling, Catie Itschner and Nancy MacIsaac. All of whom I surely drove nuts with all my questions, all of which they answered graciously.

I allowed my mind to wander back to that balmy Indian summer day in early October 2019, when I received the call from Mentor CHMJ, Catie Itschner and it made me smile. She had called to tell me my Provisional CHMJ application would be going before the Horse Pony Club News R a l l y R e c a p 2 0 2 0

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Pony Club Proud

Management Committee for review at the end of the month, and she’d get back to me in a few weeks with their decision.

For the next three weeks I held my proverbial breath and waited. Excited and nervous at the same time. It was like being in the cross-country start box waiting for the starter to count me down, 5…4…

3…2…1…have a good ride.

Finally, the day came, my phone rang and I saw Catie’s number and I actually held my breath when I answered the call. Catie said “Congratulations, you’re a Provisional Chief!” I was so excited, and couldn’t thank her enough for all her help mentoring and guiding me on the road to becoming Chief.

As soon as I hung up the phone, I went online and reached out to HMOs in other regions. Within two weeks I had all three of my Provisional Rallies booked. In late March 2020, I was heading to the Rio Grande Region to judge under mentor CHMJ Julie Herman; early June I would be heading to the South Region and judge under mentor CHMJ Brenda Yike; and my last Provisional Rally was in the Midsouth Region, in mid-June under mentor CHMJ Becky Logsdon.

To help you better understand the process on the road to becoming Chief, or if you’re a graduate Pony Club member who may want to travel down this same road, here’s a little insight into the process.

The first thing you need to do is contact the USPC National Office to let them know your intent to become a CHMJ. Then you contact your Regional HMO—mine was Cheryl Williams and she was amazing. Cheryl was a huge help getting me set up in

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Pony Club Proud my six regional rallies as an AHMJ, and was my constant confidante during this whole process. There are online courses to take and pass, all of which are on the USPC website.

Then comes the background check, and getting certified in First Aid and CPR. Then you need reference letters from your RS, HMO and CHMJs you have worked under. I had so many reference letters sent in on my behalf, National staff said I set a record. I had a good chuckle at that one. Yes that’s me the overachiever.

Getting in the allotted number of rallies takes the most amount of time. It can be at least a minimum of two years, depending on how many rallies your region hosts each year. But I have to say all that information and on-the-job training

you receive as an AHMJ from the chiefs you work under, is priceless.

I also learned that each CHMJ has their own way of doing things, from scheduling to scoring, and there are many little lessons and words of wisdom along the way; you just have to pay attention, watch and listen.

From Chief Marsh, I learned, especially when dealing with a young or new rally team be patient. The members are already stressed, and want to make a good first impression, so if they aren’t ready for a first check or extra equipment check, don’t rush them. It just adds to their stress, so tell them you’ll come back later.

Chief Poling, taught me to tell a few jokes or funny stories. He also uses funny voices. I’m not sure I can

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P nyClub do the voices, but it did help the members to loosen up a bit, and it makes it more fun and enjoyable for everyone. From Chief Rastkar, I learned to always smile. He said “No matter what type of day you’re having, or if a Pony Club member forgets something or has something you need to address, always do it with a smile.”

Chief MacIsaac taught me two very valuable lessons. The first, “LISTEN,” listen, listen, listen, and if in doubt, listen some more. The second, “Not everyone is going to like you, and you have to be okay with that. Just be consistent and fair.” This was a tough one to hear, because no one wants people to dislike them, but I understand what she meant. MacIsaac also likes to bring her own little Horse Management awards, and brought each of

Pony Club Proud the rally members a tack cleaning scrubby. The Pony Club members loved them! It was so personal and thoughtful.

The fun lesson I learned from Chief Itschner, and one that Pony Club members really enjoyed as well, was allowing (with supervision of course) the upper level (UL) members to perform their own turnbacks. The looks on the Pony Club members’ faces when she came to do their turnback, and said “Okay you do your turnback while I watch and tell me how you did.”

You’d be surprised at how many found a little something they missed or didn’t do their best on. Then she’d give them some time to fix it and she’d check back with them.

Itschner also liked involving the UL members as much as possible when they were done riding. She’d have

them help with D level safety checks and turnbacks under the supervision of an AHMJ or herself. The UL members loved it! It was a fantastic teaching and learning moment that none of them will forget.

There are so many other valuable lessons, I’ve learned over the past two years, that outshadow the bump (called corona virus) in the road to becoming Chief. It will happen, I’m sure of that. Probably not this year, but hopefully next year, which I’m happy to say will be a Festival year. So like a games rider who drops a ball or knocks over a cone, dismount, pick it up and gallop on. We’re all in this together—stay safe.

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Pony Club Proud

Managing Horses, School, Work, and Pony Club

by Renata Petraitis, NYB member

I have always been a very busy, extremely invested person in almost everything I do. In high school, I was head manager of the swim team, editor-in chief of the year book, worked part-time at a local farm, took care of my own horses at home, and still managed to create time to attend almost every football and basketball game. That didn’t change when I went to college. I attended the University of Kentucky for a few years, where I was involved with the Intercollegiate Dressage Team. I ended up as cocaptain my second year on the team, which involved hosting and planning our own dressage show, all while

working three part-time farm jobs, keeping my own horse in competition shape, and attending school full-time. Not to mention I was double-majoring, which doubled my work load in school.

Whenever I tell people all of that, they seem blown away that it is possible or that I seemingly have so much free time. Managing my time comes easily to me, but I definitely notice specific tactics I use to help me organize everything that needs to be done without wasting time. For those of you that struggle with balancing all the things you’d like to do, this article is for you!

1. Planners!

I LIVE by my agenda. I have a planner book and use colorcoded pens for different activities and projects or homework due dates written as far in advance as I know. For instance, in January, if I know USPC Championships is in July, I am going to write those dates down so I cannot forget. I also have a big wall calendar in my room, which I update every month with the more important activities highlighted so I can reference it really quickly when making other plans. To go one more extra mile, I have a weekly

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Pony Club Proud

calendar that I write out every Sunday night with what my schedule for the next week is, down to the hourly breakdown.

This helps me SO much! You don’t have to do so much, especially if you are not as busy, or if you are good at remembering everything you need to do, but I highly recommend it if you struggle keeping dates and events in control.

2. Plan Ahead

I usually sit down at the beginning of the year and look at all the horse shows, rallies, and/or certifications I plan on doing that year and mark those dates down in my planner. Even if I don’t end up going, at least I’m able to know in advance what my options are and work

from there. It also helps if you know how long you have to study for that H-B certification you wanted to go to and how to create time to study just a little bit every day beforehand!

3. Use Your Phone

You probably won’t hear this very often, so take advantage of it. Use your phone calendar if you receive an invite while you aren’t around your planner. I write down my work schedule in my phone as soon as I get it.

That way I won’t forget that I got scheduled, in case I delete the email, and I am able to transfer those new events from my phone to my planner so I can continue updating my schedule. Your phone also has the fancy feature to send you

reminders about upcoming events. This helps me a lot when I have a busy day and it just slips my mind that I have to work in the evening. I will get a notification 2 hours before, which gives me enough time to get home, shower, and get to work, as if I never forgot!

Once you figure out how to organize your schedule, you end up having a lot more time than you actually thought. I know it is hard to believe, but a lot of my friends do the same thing with similarly busy schedules, and we all seem to be doing okay with it. It’s worth a shot if you feel overwhelmed with everything you need to get done!

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Coach Tanya Davis: tdavis@transy.edu

transy.edu/eventing

Recognizing Volunteers and Donors

P nyClub and reflect on the experiences that have shaped my life, Pony Club is at the top of my list.”

– current C-3 member and 2020 USPC Scholarship recipient

Annual Fund Impact: How You Make a Difference Every Pony Club experience is different, but none would happen without YOU and your support of the USPC Annual Fund. Hear how your contribution makes a difference in the lives of our members, volunteers and families.

school, or at my job in the workplace. As I prepare for college

“I am writing this just a few days after my daughter and I returned from her “A” certification.

My daughter failed early on and chose to continue to ride. She was very upbeat and received a lot of valuable feedback throughout the certification. I believe that her attitude and ability to go on not only speaks well for her as a person, but also of the organization she has belonged to since the age of 8. All three of my children have been members, and Pony Club has been a large part of our lives. My oldest son, a Graduate B, recently told me that Pony Club was one of the best things in his life growing up. Thank you for all you do to keep the USPC a wonderful organization to not only teach young people to be responsible horse people, but also responsible people.”

– A proud Pony Club parent of three Graduates

“Pony Club gave me a strong foundation in riding, horsemanship, and the social-emotional skills that have shaped me as a person.”

– Graduate H-A and USPC Academy of Achievement member

“I feel the impact of my Pony Club education and experiences whether I am in the barn with my horse, in the classroom at my

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“I have learned the value of our organization and what it takes as a volunteer to make it as successful as it can be. I will always remember these guiding principles: preparation, competition and commitment.”

– Graduate H-B

“Pony Club has not only taught me more about horses, but it has taught me quality life skills. I have learned how to better organize my time and how to face challenges. I have learned how to have a better

Recognizing Volunteers and Donors

relationship with my horse and how to have fun, yet still be professional.

Pony Club has truly changed my life and I will be forever grateful.”

– Graduate C-3

“As a former DC, I saw so many young children develop into remarkable young adults during their time in Pony Club. I often see them now and they still remember the lessons learned in Pony Club, both with their horses and with their friends. I’ve been the lucky one who

has been able to volunteer and see our members grow and learn. I get a real sense of pride watching them go into so many different fields— not just with horses, but they can still apply the skills they learned in Pony Club in all areas of their chosen profession.”

– former DC and current Vice RS

“The horse part is great, but the rest of it is even better, in terms of skills you will carry with you your whole life. The best time and money you can spend on your kid!”

– Graduate H-A, National Examiner and USPC Academy of Achievement member ———

Every dollar contributed to the USPC Annual Fund is vitally important. Please support our members by making your Annual Fund gift today. All gifts made prior to December 31 st will help us reach our goal. It’s now easier than ever to donate and share your Pony Club passion online through our new Annual Fund page at donate.ponyclub.org

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Honing Horse Management

Good Grooming Goals Brought to you by Shapley’s Grooming Products, the Official Grooming Products Sponsor of Pony Club

Pre-Ride & Post-Ride Care

by Emma Ford

It might feel like 80% of riding is horse care and only 20% is actually riding. However, the time you spend with your horses before and after riding is paramount to keep them in top-notch condition.

And in the long run, all this attentive care means you’ll have more healthy time together.

Pre-Ride Checklist

Taking care of your horse before riding isn’t just about looking clean and tidy, although you should always take pride in how you present yourself to the outside world. Here is a checklist for pre-riding care.

® Think about feeding time. You

shouldn’t ride a horse right after he has had grain. Always plan ahead so the horse has had at least an hour to digest. If you aren’t in control of feed time, make sure you know the barn’s routine so you can either ask for your horse not to be fed, or get permission to feed him earlier.

® Organize your equipment and

grooming tools before you put the horse on cross-ties. Leaving the horse cross-tied for too long because you are running back and forth from the tack room is unfair to him and also to other people who may need to use the grooming area as well.

® Your hands are valuable groom-

ing tools. Run your hands all over your horse before you start

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Honing Horse Management

horse’s chest. Place the leg down gently so that it doesn’t slam back to the ground.

brushing. This allows you to pick up on any subtle changes, cuts or irritation that might not be visible to the eye. Double-check areas such as elbows, legs and those out-of-sight places. At certain times of year, you may observe bot eggs on your horse’s legs and coat, which should be removed to prevent the horse from ingesting them; scratches and dry skin are also common due to the cycle of wet/dry conditions if your horse lives out.

Taking note of these problems early can help prevent full blown infections from occurring.

® If using a tail detangler, apply

this first so it has time to dry before combing out the tail at the end of the grooming session.

® As you pick feet, take note of

how your horse’s shoes are fitting. Are clinches risen, or is the shoe slightly sprung? Are quarter or toe clips fitting correctly?

® When grooming, pay attention to areas that are going to be covered by tack and boots. Using witch hazel as a final wipe down in these particular areas helps to toughen the skin as well as clean off small dirt particles, thereby reducing the risk of irritation.

Check the corners of the mouth for dry skin and apply Vaseline if needed to help soften it.

® Do the girth up slowly. How

would you like someone cinching up your belt quickly around your stomach?

® Consider leg protection carefully

when dealing with any type of leg irritation. Polos are more breathable than boots, and useful for cuts needing to be kept clean

The Rest of the Story

Post-Ride Checklist

You’ve had a great ride and now it’s time to take care of your horse again. Post-ride care is just as important as the pre-ride care, if not more so. Your goal should be to put your horse back in his stall or field clean, happy and relaxed, with his temperature, pulse and respiration (TPR) at resting state.

® If it’s been a hard workout, it is

or skin that is slightly irritated.

Applying some form of cream protectant such as Desitin to irritated skin prior to riding can be beneficial to help soften scabs and prevent the area from getting wet.

® When tacking up in hot, humid

weather, apply the boots last to keep your horse’s tendons from heating up. You want to keep legs as cool as possible.

® If fly spray is needed, apply liber-

your job to bring your horse back to the barn sufficiently cooled out. You might want to get off your horse, loosen his noseband and girth and hand-walk him until his breathing is back to normal.

® Once back to the barn, remove

the tack and if possible, allow your horse a few minutes in his stall for a drink and bathroom break. In the winter you will need to throw on a cooler to keep the large muscle groups from getting cold too fast. This helps prevent

ally and brush into the coat to be most effective. Avoid the areas under tack to prevent irritations.

® Once ready to ride, walk the

horse to the mounting area, tighten your girth and then pull each front leg forward to help remove any girth pinching. This is also a nice stretch for the horse.

To do this correctly, always support the horse’s leg and lift in an upward motion. Do not force the leg. There should be no resistance; just lift up and out toward you as you stand in front of the Pony Club News R a l l y R e c a p 2 0 2 0

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Honing Horse Management ® Be sure to check your horse for new irritations, or knocks and cuts after being ridden.

® Knowing your horse is back to

sore and stiff muscles the following day.

® Whether to cold hose, bucket

wash or give a hot towel rubdown all depends on how sweaty your horse has gotten, and your personal horsekeeping situation.

In the summer months, hosing your horse off daily helps to reduce internal temperature as well as remove sweat. Adding liniment to a wash after a hard workout can be beneficial for the horse’s muscles.

® Be aware that daily shampooing

strips a horse’s coat of its natural oils, so save the shampoo baths for shows and special occasions.

® White markings—or horses—require regular touch-ups to stay sparkling. I like to use specialty products, such as whitening shampoo or dry shampoo, on a daily basis to keep grays and white areas free from stains

® Always towel dry legs and heads (including the ears!) after wash-

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ing. The longer the coat stays wet and warm, the quicker fungus grows to cause irritated skin. If at all possible, hand-graze your horse to dry in the sun—it’s a great healer for most skin conditions.

® In colder weather I use witch

hazel on a towel and rub down any sweaty areas.

resting TPR is essential. In hot weather you don’t want him heating back up, and in cold weather you don’t want to overblanket and have him get sweaty, which can then lead to getting chilled.

Ensure his veins are flat and not “popping” when you put him in his stall, or you can take his rectal temperature as a quick and easy way to confirm he is back to normal.

After you have taken care of your horse, remember to clean up after yourself in the barn too. Put your tack and grooming tools away properly, and leave the grooming area neat and tidy. Taking good care of your horse before and after riding demonstrates your horse management skills and knowledge.

It also feels good to know that you’ve left your equine partner healthy and happy, waiting for your next ride.

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Honing Horse Management

Nutritional Notes Brought to you by Triple Crown Nutrition, Official Feed Sponsor of Pony Club

How Much Are You Feeding?

by Eric Haydt, Triple Crown Nutrition

It seems like a pretty easy question, but you would be surprised how many horse owners just don’t know how much they are feeding their horse. They can tell by body condition that they are

feeding enough, too little or too much, but the actual quantities are often a mystery. A typical answer may be something like “I feed two scoops of grain and three flakes of hay.”

Here’s the Scoop

So, my first question is how much does your scoop hold? That answer can range anywhere from an actual weight to “I don’t know, but it’s a 3-quart scoop” to “However

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much the green scoop I bought at the feed store holds.” Then I move on to the next question, how full is the scoop? That can be a pretty subjective question, with some vague answers. Finally, I will ask the owner how much the scoop of feed that they give weighs. Too many times they’ll respond by asking “How can I tell that?”

Weighing In

It all sounds a little silly, but this is not that unusual of a conversation. In order to know how much

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Honing Horse Management

you are feeding your horse, you have to weigh the feed. A simple scale in the barn or feed room is easy to obtain. I often recommend to horse owners to get a fish scale or cheap kitchen scale. Just make sure it can weigh at least 5 pounds. And when you weigh your feed once, you don’t really have to weigh it again unless you change feeds, because different feeds can have different densities.

The important thing to understand is that all feeds and ration balancers require that a certain amount be fed for the horse

to get all the nutrients that product is designed to provide. If the feeding recommendation is 5 pounds and you are only feeding 1 pound, then your horse is only getting 1/5 of the nutrition you think you are feeding. For protein, fat and fiber this probably isn’t that important if your horse is in good body condition, but for vitamins, minerals and any other important nutrients like probiotics and prebiotics, it’s very important. This point is key for easy keepers, where ration balancers and feeds with low feeding rates are best.

Weighing flakes of hay isn’t as critical as weighing feed, but it’s a good idea to know how much fiber is being fed in addition to pasture. If there is no grazing available, then it’s important to know that your horse is getting at least 1% of his body weight in fiber.

Every farm and every horse is unique, so get better informed to make the best feeding decisions.

Simply weighing your horse’s feed on a scale is an easy way to look like a super star when it comes to talking about your horse’s feeding program.

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