Our Club
The Somerset Hills Pony Club (SHPC) was founded in 1954—one of the oldest chapters in the United States! Notable SHPC alums include eventers Doug Payne and Holly Payne Caravella, show jumper Devin Ryan, and dressage rider Alice Tarjan.
Most SHPC activities and events are held in New Jersey’s Hunterdon and Somerset counties. Regional rallies are often held at the USET Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ and the Horse Park of New Jersey in Allentown, NJ. We travel to the Kentucky Horse Park, the Virginia Horse Center, and Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina for the USPC National Championships!
SHPC leadership is comprised of a District Commissioner (DC), three Joint District Commissioners, a secretary, and treasurer. We are part of the New Jersey region of the United States Pony Club. Pony Club is an international organization, with an estimated membership of more than 130,000. The USPC has its own executive board and each chapter follows the by-laws and rules mandated by this parent organization.
FAQs
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Contact us at info@somersethillspc.org! Our DC will be happy to help get you started and explain how to join.
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Our club offers a wide range of activities, including riding lessons, professional guest speakers, field trips, hands-on horse management learning sessions, and Pony Club Camp, which is a highlight of the year. We try to schedule age-appropriate fun and socialization time too.
Our members have the opportunity to demonstrate their horse management and riding knowledge by earning ratings (certifications). We also encourage our members to compete at our regional Pony Club team competitions, known as Pony Club “rallies,” throughout the year.
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Ownership of a horse or pony is not required for membership, but participating in mounted activities without one can be difficult. You’ll need access to a horse—whether you own, lease, or borrow—and trailering to participate in the riding ratings and mounted activities. Pony Club does not provide mounts to members.
However, you can participate in all dismounted activities just fine without one, and many members who do not own horses or who are “between” horses choose to do this simply to improve their horse management skills. Also, members are welcome to audit any mounted lessons or clinics, and can serve as Stable Managers or (adult) Volunteers at rallies and shows.
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Most of our activities are held in New Jersey’s Hunterdon & Somerset counties. Regional rallies are often held at the USET Headquarters in Gladstone and the Horse Park of New Jersey in Allentown. We travel to the Kentucky Horse Park and Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina for Nationals!
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National dues are $135 annually and regional dues are $25 annually. Mounted lessons with pony club instructors are an additional cost, as are entry fees for regional rallies and national championships.
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Pony Club is for everyone and members come from all walks of life and all riding abilities and disciplines. Our club has both youth members and adult members. Our youth members range in age from 6 to 17. Any members age 18 or older are considered adult members. We’ve had members as young as 6 and as old as 77!
While we are a multi-generational organization, Pony Club takes youth safety very seriously. Adult members, officers, and instructors are required to be SafeSport certified. Information about how to obtain SafeSport certification will be provided once you join.
Pony Club’s Core Values
Horsemanship with respect to healthcare, nutrition, stable management, handling and riding a mount safely, correctly and with confidence.
Organized teamwork including cooperation, communication, responsibility, leadership, mentoring, teaching and fostering a supportive yet competitive environment.
Respect for the horse and self through horsemanship; for land through land conservation; and for others through service and teamwork.
Service by providing an opportunity for members, parents, and others to support the Pony Club program locally, regionally and nationally through volunteerism.
Education at an individual pace to achieve personal goals and expand knowledge through teaching others.