June 13, 2012–The United States Pony Clubs teaches horsemanship, riding skills and most importantly, helps create successful adults. Recently, Pony Club alumni have been making news.
Michael Matz, a B alumni of Berks Pony Club, and trainer of 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, won the Belmont Stakes on June 9th, with his charge Union Rags.
Suzanne Stettinius, a C Pony Club alumni of Green Spring Hounds Pony Club, was named to the 2012 Modern Pentathlon USA Olympic team. According to William Stettinius, Suzanne?s father, she got to this level because of Pony Club and Tetrathlon. She went to her first USPC National Championships in Tetrathlon as a 10 year old, ultimately competing in 6 Tetrathlon National Championships as a Novice Junior and Senior before trying Pentathlon. USPC is the only organized youth feeder network for the sport of Modern Pentathlon.
Rosie Napravnik became the first woman jockey to win the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs?when she steered Believe You Can to victory in the 138th running of the three-year-old fillies’ classic in May. Rosie is a D alumni of Hunterdon Hills Pony Club.
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) just named horse and rider combinations to the Short List for the 2012 Olympic Games Eventing team. It is no surprise that many riders listed have Pony Club backgrounds. Eight of the 11 riders named to the short list belonged to a Pony Club.
Tiana Coudray on Ringwood Magister ? A, Santa Rosa Valley
Buck Davidson on BallyNoe Castle RM ? UR. Mr. Stewart?s Cheshire Foxhounds
Phillip Dutton on Fernhill Eagle ? A, Nyngan, New South Wales
Phillip Dutton on Mighty Nice
Phillip Dutton on Mystery Whisper
Sinead Halpin on Manoir de Carneville ? C, Palmetto
Boyd Martin on Neville Bardos ? A, Forest Hill , Australia
Boyd Martin on Otis Barbotiere Boyd Martin on Remington XXV
Clark Montgomery Loughan Glen ? UR, Brazos Valley
Karen O’Connor on Mr. Medicott- A, Groton
Allison Springer on Arthur ? A, Fox River Valley
“The Pony Club alumni we list here are?by no way the only former Pony Club members who go on to successful careers?with horses.? stated Kevin Price, CEO of the United States Pony Club. Congratulations to all of our alumni who continue representing Pony Club both inside and outside the equine community.
About Pony Club – The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (Pony Club) was founded in 1954 as a nonprofit national youth organization to teach riding and horsemanship through a formal educational program. Many of the nation?s top equestrians, including many of our Olympic team members and many business professionals, government leaders and career military officers, have roots in Pony Club. Youth members range in age from as young as 4 through age 25, and include adult members of the Horsemasters Program. There are approximately 10,000 members in 600 clubs and riding centers in 43 regions throughout the country. Visit the website for more information.
