Laurel Oaks Pony Club

The mission of the United States Pony Clubs, Inc., is to provide a program for youth that teaches

riding, mounted sports, and care of the horses and ponies, thereby developing

Laurel Oaks Pony Club is a local chapter of the United States Pony Club Inc. and is a youth equestrian club located in Jupiter, Florida. Laurel Oaks is part of the Sunshine Region and covers Palm Beach, Martin and Okeechobee Counties. The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (often referred to as USPC or "Pony Club") was formed by a group who wanted a structured program to not only teach their children sound riding skills, but also how to care for their mount.

Based on The Pony Club in England, The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. was established in 1954. Pony Club provides opportunities for instruction and competition in English riding, horse sports and horse management for children and young adults up to 25 years of age. The term "pony" refers to a mount, regardless of breed or size. Horses and ponies of many different breeds, shapes, and sizes are seen in Pony Club activities.

This club and all Pony Clubs are run by volunteers. Not only does volunteering keep our club running but it is a great way for parents to learn. The involvement of the parent(s) is vital to the success of the club.

Pony Club offers programs in dressage, eventing, show jumping, mounted games, tetrathlon, quiz, vaulting, foxhunting and polocrosse. While not all of these are currently the focus of our club, throughout the year there are ample opportunities for each of these activities.

USPC is unique because its educational programs place equal emphasis on the teaching of riding skills, horse-care fundamentals, and team participation with sportsmanship. From the moment youth join USPC until they graduate, they are part of a broad network of activities and educational programs that promote the health and safety of both horse and rider. USPC is dedicated to developing knowledgeable, competent, responsible, and caring horsemen.

During "unmounted" meetings members learn about feeding, shoeing, veterinary care, and other areas of horse management. "Mounted" meetings are provided by instructors, recognized equestrian professionals, and knowledgeable parents. Under adult supervision, the more experienced Pony Club members instruct and assist younger members.

A concern for safety is an important part of the foundation of USPC. Pony Club was the first equine organization to require its members to wear safety helmets. Our guiding beliefs regarding safety reach into every aspect of the organization. Volunteers and staff make safety a priority.

The USPC Standards of Proficiency provide a core curriculum for individualized instruction. Clubs and centers use the Standards as a plan for instruction programs. The Standards describe a clear progression of skills in riding and Horse Management and provide opportunities for goal setting, as members are encouraged to proceed though those skills at a pace that is comfortable for them.

Everyone joins Pony Club as an unrated member and progresses through the lower-level ratings (D-1 through C-2) within the local club or center. The C-3, H-B, B, H/H-A, and A are national ratings, administered by the National Testing Committee. The following is a brief overview of each rating.

Riding is something we do for fun! Ratings are given in an effort to recognize achievements and encourage members to gain confidence, independence and good safety habits while working with mounts. Goal setting, teaching and testing are good ways to accomplish this purpose.