What is USPC?
The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. is a not-for-profit, volunteer, educational organization dedicated to teaching young people riding and care of horses and ponies. Pony Club is an international movement that began in Great Britain in 1928. Today Pony Club is in 42 countries, with an estimated total membership of over 130,000 worldwide

Each USPC local club is a member of a Region or district.  The Capital Region serves Carroll Co, MD; Frederick Co, MD; Howard Co, MD; Montgomery Co, MD; Prince George's Co, MD; and Jefferson Co, WV.

The Capital Region hosts competition in all of the USPC disciplines.  The regional competitions qualify kids for competition for the United States Pony Clubs National Championships held every summer. These competitions include horse management knowledge and riding components.

Education about care and riding of horses is driven through the lesson and rating programs of the individual clubs. Kids advance through the rating programs as they become more knowledgeable and better riders. The D1,D2,D3,C1,C2 ratings are done at the local club level. Capital Region provides instruction for the upper-level Pony Clubs (C-3 and above).  The region offers C3-level ratings and organizes ratings for B and above.

See the Frequently Asked Questions for more information. (Yes, Sharon, this is your old FAQ.)

Some Thoughts on Pony Club
The "three Rs of Pony Club" were established twenty-five years ago and have been followed since: Reading, Riding, and Responsibility.

Reading is essential to obtain the knowledge required to properly care for and teach our horses and ponies. Much of the pain inflicted upon our four-footed friends is inflicted through ignorance; it is our duty to attempt to remedy this situation through our education program. I believe that we are succeeding.

Riding safely and skillfully means that our members will have a Foundation of confidence and ability so as to be able to pursue a healthful sport throughout their lives. Pony Club offers a range of activities so that nearly every member, regardless of his or her mount's skills, will be able to participate and make a start at this foundation.

Responsibility is a natural result of having the complete care of a living creature and learning to care for it properly. Consequences of acts are faithfully reflected by either a nicker of recognition or by the pinning back of ears. The competitions offered develop sportsmanship and maturity. All of these characteristics, once established, carry over into other areas of life.

James K. Ligon, USPC President,
1978-80, 1987-1988
from USPC Annual Report 1979