FAQ
What is the Grand River Pony Club (GRPC)?
What is the Grand River Pony Club (GRPC)? The Grand River Pony Club is a local chapter of the United States Pony Clubs (USPC) operating in the Lowell, Rockford and Ada area. By joining the GRPC, you also become a member of the USPC and the Great Lakes regional Pony Club (GLPC). Membership runs yearly January 1 through December 31.
Are there any age restrictions to become a member? There is no national minimum or maximum age to join Pony Club. The GRPC welcomes members of all ages and has a mix of adult and youth members. Members are considered youth members until they turn 18. Adult members are any individual aged 18 and above and are subject to Member and Volunteer Protection policy requirements such as favorable background checks and SafeSportâ„¢ trained course completion.
How much does it cost to join Pony Club? National Dues: $155 for new members and $145 for renewing members Regional Dues: $40 Local Dues: $30
Do I have to own a horse or pony? It is best if a member has his or her own horse or pony, but it is not a requirement. Arrangements for use of a suitable mount may be made on an individual basis. Horses and ponies must be at least five years of age for use in Pony Club. Horse age: The first year is January 1 following the date of foaling. Stallions are unsuitable mounts for Pony Club activities.
How often does the GRPC have meetings? We have a general meeting once per month where we have specific unmounted or mounted educational activities. We may have additional meetings to prepare for special events, such as a quiz rally or certification. Under adult supervision, the more experienced Pony Club members instruct and assist the more inexperienced members. Examples of unmounted educational meetings include learning and practicing leg bandaging, farrier demonstrations on foot care and shoeing, general group learning about tack, horse anatomy, vaccinations, horse diseases, poisonous plants, and more! Examples of mounted meetings include learning why and how to ride grids and ground poles, horse conditioning, mounted games, intro to dressage, certification level test practicing and more! We also have fun nights where we get together and watch a horse movie or educational videos. We also raise money to help fund trips, for example the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day event at Kentucky Horse Park in late April and the Canadian Royal Fair and Horse Show in November. There are also educational meetings and clinics put on by the USPC or the GLPC. Examples include a virtual series on topics such as nutrition, lameness, barn management and other topics, as well as in-person mounted and unmounted clinics.
What type of riding do you do? Our specialties are eventing, dressage and show jumping, but we have other interests and would welcome members from other disciplines, such as western dressage, hunters, games, fox hunting, etc. to expand our knowledge and experiences.
Do I need to/can I take riding lessons in addition to 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.
What kind of clothes do I need 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. Parents should be prepared to purchase this item and the minimum basic riding clothing such as breeches, jodhpurs, paddock or tall boots.
What if I don't have my own horse trailer? Owning a horse trailer is not a requirement.
Do parents need to "know" horses? No, they don't need to "know" horses, but they will be involved. Clubs are administered by the parents and other adult volunteers in the area. Parents play an important role in the club.
How do I and/or my child join GRPC?
FAQ
What is the Grand River Pony Club (GRPC)?
What is the Grand River Pony Club (GRPC)? The Grand River Pony Club is a local chapter of the United States Pony Clubs (USPC) operating in the Lowell, Rockford and Ada area. By joining the GRPC, you also become a member of the USPC and the Great Lakes regional Pony Club (GLPC). Membership runs yearly January 1 through December 31.