As a member of the United States
Pony Club, I stand for the best in
sportsmanship as well as in
horsemanship. I shall compete for the
enjoyment of the game well played
and take winning or losing in stride,
remembering that without good
manners and good temper, sport
loses its cause for being. I shall
endeavor to maintain the best
tradition of the ancient and noble
skill of horsemanship, always
treating my horse with consideration
due a partner.”
This is the Pony Club Pledge.
I have been a member, or a volunteer for the United States Pony Club for most of my life. I joined as a child, and it continues to impress me in many ways 40 years on.
I am thankful that it is an opportunity I had, and I am glad I pursued the opportunity for my kids, albeit too late for my Eldest. It is a commitment. But, as with other great commitments in life, great effort brings great reward.This week, our Youngest was able to experience some of the best in sportsmanship as well as horsemanship as he represented our Tri-State Region at USPC National Championships Festival.
This experience is offered every three years, with Eastern and Western US Championships held on the other years.
More than 1000 of the best young riders from around the US travel to Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY for the Championships Competition. They have been selected to compete by being the best in their Region in their discipline. There are 42 "Regions" in the US, and 41 were represented with teams at Championships, including Alaska. I believe Hawaii Region was the only region that did not send competitors.
Opening Ceremonies were held in the large Rolex Stadium with a Parade of Teams. During the Opening Ceremonies, the Pony Club Pledge was read aloud. I have heard it dozens of times, but this time I heard the echoes of the PC Pledge all week long, in my head. Bits of the pledge would jump out to me as I watched our brightest young riders fulfill this Pledge. Making sure, day after hot tiring day, that sport did not lose its cause for being.
Our Tri-State Region competitors had a tropical thing going for the week, which was appropriate as the heat index climbed over 100 degrees! Youngest is in the dark blue ball cap with the lei around the brim.
Hot as blazes, but sure enough, it didn't take long for Youngest to get a kid on his shoulders. Little kids love him.
I love this shot of the Kentucky Horse Park Color Guard carrying the US Flag, Kentucky Flag and Pony Club Flag.
The next morning the riding competitions began. Seven different disciplines going on at one time means a busy day of riding for competitors, and watching for parents (and volunteering....)
Last year, Youngest made qualifying for National Championships in Dressage his goal, and he pursued it with dedication. He a Zac have worked hard to become a formidable team!
I stand for the best in sportsmanship-
The kids compete on teams of 5 (for the most part). There are four riders and a Stable Manager who helps the competitors in the barns. The team that works as a unit does the best in the competition- and has the most fun! This means helping one another care for their animals, tack and stable area as well as cheer each other on, and push hydration!
Take winning or losing in stride-
While Youngest and team get going in the Dressage Complex, other competitions begin elsewhere on the grounds. In the Rolex Stadium, Kaylee VW was getting the dressage portion of the Eventing discipline started for our team. And what a start! She had an incredible score (Eventers- think LOW 20's- gotta brag a bit) to put the Tri-State Team in strong standing. Her test was seamless and breathtaking- talented. Unfortunately, the next day, in Cross Country, they would have a mishap and our Kaylee would get launched into the air, and land on her head, ending the competition for her and spending the day at the trauma center at UK. She got the all-clear on her CT Scan, but is a tad...sore. And blessed to be okay. The sport of Eventing comes with great highs and low lows. I held her hand while they put her on the back board with a neck brace, and told her she was going to be fine. She smiled with tears, asked me to make sure her teammate got their shared Eventing watch, and off she went in the ambulance. Her horse was taken by a competitor from a different team that had come when she fell. He was cooled out, returned to his stall, poulticed, wrapped and tucked in safe and sound. Kaylee never had to question that. This is Pony Club.
I stand for the best in sportsmanship as well as horsemanship-
Before any ride in a Pony Club Competition, each horse is presented to a Veterinarian and the Ground Jury for a jog inspection to make sure they are sound. And, before your first ride you also present your horse to the Horse Management Judges for a Turnout Inspection. This is putting your best foot forward! Horses are clean. Spotlessly so, feet cleaned out, tails without a piece of dander. The horse should be this clean because they have a regular, daily grooming, not just a clean up for competition. The tack is clean, soft, supple and fit properly to the horse, with polished metal that shows continual care in use. The rider presents in formal or informal attire (at Championships everyone is in formal attire) with polished boots, clean and neat clothes, a belt, properly tied stock or necktie (for men), ASTM/SEI approved helmet, medical armband (worn at all times at all Pony Club functions) and polished Pony Club Pin. It is an effort for all the competitors, but they know how to look professional! The judges make a determination of how well they turn themselves out according to the Standard for their Certification. They can meet the standard, exceed the standard or "does not meet standard" in multiple areas.
Youngest and Zac looked amazing! And, they not only met the standard they left Turnout Inspection with 6 "Exceeds Standards". Remarkable.
On the way to inspection, a swarm of beetles?? found Zac, and followed him through the inspection, down to the Dressage Complex, through his entire ride and back to the barn. Their spot-on Stable manager, McKenna Z. tried to deter the pests, and even raced back to the barns for a different type of fly-spray to see if that would work. Sadly, no. A few other things happened to rattle the pair as they started their first ride. This was their Musical Freestyle, traditionally ridden last, but in a Championship style curveball, the First Level competitors rode them right off the bat!
Their freestyle was to music from the Jungle Book, and suited the pair well. Although it was not their best test, they managed. I could see the pony steadying the boy every so often during the test.Youngest's horse, Zac, has the ability to moderate his level to the expectation of the rider, but also, he's a performer. You could see him trying to improve the performance. He loves his applause!
Had the competition been switched around and the freestyle ridden last, it would've been a wowser. As it was, they still finished in the top five for First Level.
But with the first ride out of the way, the pair came out the next day for their first ride with their polish back in place.
Preparing to enter the arena, after the bell, you can see the sparkle!
They sparkled through their leg yields and extensions, the free-walk and circles. They performed.
I shall compete for the enjoyment of the game well-played-
Well done, boys! When the scores came in, they had the top score.
Their cheering section enlarged on the second day of competition, as Huz arrived to watch, and also horsewomen and friends, Dr. Vicki and "Tary Mike".
Later in the afternoon, they had to ride their third test, this time First Level Test 3. They had not lost their composure and rode a lovely test. Again, a fine score.
Meanwhile, their teammates are also performing well. Val G. rode her Third Level Musical Freestyle with flair and beauty, earning a big score.
I will point out that this is National Championships, and there are six dressage judges in the various boxes judging the tests by these kids. And they are some of the most experienced and high ranking judges in the country. These are judges that judge at the Olympics, the World Equestrian Games and Pan-Am Games. They are judging these kids from that perspective. This means the scores are lower than some of these kids might be used to in regular competition. But, it is equitable. All the competitors are judged just as intensely. So, a big score here might have been average elsewhere. That happens, I suppose, when you hit the big time!
Three tests down, and one to go. The team is doing very well, and is hovering around the top of the teams that ride First Level and higher. But it is hot, and humid. Many of the horses are struggling with the effort, and in dressage, that shows loud and clear.
The boys show up to ride their last test, First Level Test 3, for Axel Steiner, "S" Judge, with 50 years of professional judging experience. YIKES.
They entered with purpose, straight and forward.
They perform a beautiful test, with energy and precision- I think the best yet!
Right down to the final, perfectly square halt and salute!
Always treating my horse with the consideration due a partner-
Now, to join the team at the barn to take care of Zac and get ready to pack up in preparation for awards! (Did I mention that in Pony Club parents are not allowed in the barns at all during the entire competition? And, that they are not allowed to coach their kids? They are allowed to take photos, and tell them how wonderful the ride was. A resounding "WELL DONE!" That is all. I love this.)
The awards ceremony was held in the steamy Covered Arena. The first awards were the Horse Management Awards. The teams are given penalty points throughout the week for falling short of a HM expectation. Youngest's team had 5 penalty points for the week. Youngest had none for himself, and was awarded a certificate for having a perfect turnout. The team placed third in the country in Horse Management! The top team had two points for the whole week.
Then, they started the Team Awards. All the teams were divided into two competitions, Training Level Dressage, and the First Level and Up Dressage.
Youngest was on a First Level and Up team, and, in an incredible show of sportsmanship and well as horsemanship, became the Champions of Championships, placing first in the country.
The NUMBER ONE TEAM!
I shall compete for the enjoyment of the game well played and take winning or losing in stride, remembering that without good manners and good temper, sport loses its cause for being.
And to top off that incredible win, Youngest and Zac earned the sixth highest score at National Championships in a First Level and Up Musical Freestyle. I am so proud of their hard work!
(I have to add another brag here, about team mate Val G. who had the highest score in Musical Freestyles with her Third Level ride!)
Our First Place Team with their Gold Medals, and Ribbons.
And some of our winners in dressage, eventing and show jump. A strong showing for the Tri State Region!
I shall endeavor to maintain the best tradition of the ancient and noble skill of horsemanship.
Boy, am I proud of these kids!
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