United States Pony Club members, parents and volunteers will meet in Houston, Texas this weekend for the annual meeting and convention. Each year, the meeting offers workshops, seminars and social programs for USPC members during the slow winter season.
The USPC Research Fair showcases USPC members' equine research projects, giving young equestrians the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of a horse-related topic. Members present their projects during the meeting and awards are given in different divisions separated by age and Pony Club rating.
Dozens of workshops are offered, with dozens of topics including:
- Bits and bit selection
- Sports psychology
- Equine photography
- Conditioning for horse and rider
- Dressage freestyle
- Website design for Pony Clubs
- Equestrian land conservation
- Eventing
The social highlight of the Annual Meeting is the Denim and Diamonds banquet on Saturday evening. Olympic silver medalist Gina Miles will be the keynote speaker during this event. One of the top event riders in the United States, Miles is an inspiration to young Pony Clubbers as a USPC A-level graduate herself. With the Irish Sport Horse McKinlaigh, Miles has competed at the World Equestrian Games, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and won individual silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
For more information, visit annualmeeting.ponyclub.org