I am trying to imagine an adult Pony Club in my HOA hobby farm community. Most of the 200-plus owners consider themselves experts in all things horse. “But the Pony Club manuals are wrong, because this is what I do.”
I still remember my D3 daughter arguing Pony Club rules at competitions. When she went to college she roomed with a A and HA rated pony clubber all 4 years and I hoped that DD would mellow out through exposure. Roommate went on to be a plastic surgeon, and DD? She’s a lawyer.
I would be all over adult pony club. Now I have to see if it’s a thing near me.
No, there are other adults. It’s probably a 30/70 split, some of the adults are parents of other members.
We do not have separate meetings or activities for adult members. Lessons are split into groups based on rating (so, essentially, riding skill). My group usually has at least two of the other adult members in it - it’s kind of a sliding scale, the older you are generally the more likely you are to have a higher rating. It’s a great mix of riding skills and disciplines. Our season runs March-September, and we have mounted meetings once a week. We are tremendously lucky to be able to use a local riding fairground. It wouldn’t be possible without it. We have about five different instructors and are assigned our group lessons weekly. The fairgrounds has a large XC field, a stadium ring, and a large innfield - so groups are split up based on flatting or jumping for that week. The club does a great job of mixing it up - one week I might get the dressage trainer, the next week I might get the event trainer. It’s really a fabulous, well oiled machine that could not be made possible without the effort of a few amazing PC moms.
When I first rejoined USPC I was apprehensive about not having a separate club or lessons for the adults. But I worried for nothing, it is really a non-issue (imo). Our club is absolutely wonderful, everyone is generous with their time and help, it’s really a special thing.
Last summer I attended an event rally; I was the only adult on the team and possibly even the only adult competing at the rally…? But… I had a blast, and my horse did great at his first sanctioned event and rally.
Our club runs by hosting two schooling shows - one in the spring and one in the fall. It is mandatory for all members to volunteer at these shows, and we usually rope in the parents and some family members too. The profit goes back into the Club, and pays for our weekly instruction, upkeep/maintenance of the fairgrounds, and some other things. Our spring show is tomorrow and it’s all hands on deck. Hope it stays dry! 
My how things have changed. I am a graduate B ('71) and
Oh yeah, the ratings are much more complex now. Everyone has two tracks to follow because now you can do HM only (but you still need to get the corresponding HM before you can do a riding certification). Local ratings go up to C2, and after that you have to go to National Testing for H-B, H-A (the HM ratings) and C-3, B, and A (riding). Plus you can rate in different riding tracks (Eventing, Hunt Seat/Show Jumping, Dressage, Western, and Western Dressage).
I had to do a record book back when I took my Cs, so it’s been around for 20+ years.
I remember taking special pride in mine - it was something of a competition among the girls to have the prettiest binder / neatest layout. 
BTW - the show yesterday was a smashing success! Stayed dry, beautiful sunny weather, and great competitors.
I was a ratings examiner for the local ratings (C-2 and below) back in the 80s and 90s, and I remember looking at everyone’s record books and it being startlingly clear what kid had completed theirs the night before and tried to make it less obvious by switching pen colors.
I also remember a kid who went over and beyond on EVERYTHING. They were supposed to identify plants that were poisonous to horses, this kid not only named them, she had springs of the plant in baggies stapled to the paper.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
