National Level Opportunities
The opportunities below have age or certification level requirements. Please read the description for each to determine if you are eligible to apply.
International Exchanges
The United States Pony Clubs, Inc., offers cultural exchanges in Games, Tetrathlon, Inter-Pacific, Foxhunting, and Quiz. The experience affords each participant a new cultural, educational experience, often with a competitive team endeavor, whether hosted in the United States or abroad.
Most exchange trips last a couple of weeks. Members travel with their team and stay with a host family in the country where they are competing. Each team will travel with a Coach and Team Manager selected by USPC. The Coach and Team Manager will be responsible to the safety and sportsmanship of all members while on the exchange.
Each exchange has its own age and certification requirements. Members who meet the criteria for the requirements are encouraged to apply.
For more information visit the USPC website (you must be logged in to your profile to view this information.)
National Youth Congress
The USPC National Youth Congress (NYC) was established to recognize outstanding Pony Club members and build on the leadership skills they’ve developed throughout the years.
What does the NYC do?
Members are challenged to apply their Pony Club experience to make meaningful contributions to the larger world and think about how they can continue to use the leadership skills developed through Pony Club in their school and future careers.
The NYC experience includes mentoring and networking with members of the USPC Academy of Achievement, Pony Club alumni from all over the country who are current leaders in a variety of fields and members of the USPC Board of Governors.
When does it meet?
NYC coincides with the USPC Equine Symposium and Convention each year.
What are the Applicant Requirements?
The NYC provides intensive leadership training to 18-23 year-old Pony Club members who have attained a National Certification (H-B, C+, C-3, B, H-HM, H, H-A or A).
How do I get nominated?
Clubs and centers should select nominees based on the above criteria. Each club or center may recommend to their Regional Supervisor one or more Pony Club members. The DC or CA will need to complete the Nomination Form and submit to the Regional Supervisor by November 1.
National Youth Board
The National Youth Board act as a liaison between the youth membership of USPC and the Board of Governors by communicating the needs, ideas, and concerns of USPC youth to governing officers. NYB members provide member insight and bring forward ideas and proposals regarding important issues, as well as conduct independent projects under the direction of the national office.
What does the NYB do?
The 14-member group serves on committees that work on projects throughout the year. Each committee has a leader to guide the work and goals for the year. Committees include: Marketing, Pin Promise, Regional Youth Boards, Service, Upper Level Opportunities.
The current NYB Chair and the previous Chair also serve as full members on the USPC Board of Governors. In addition, members of the NYB represent the youth members on various Board and Council Committees.
What does the commitment involve?
- The NYB consists of 14 members who each serve a 2 year term.
- The NYB meets face-to-face once a year at the Equine Symposium and Convention. Compensation related to meeting traveling costs can be accommodated, so financial limitations should not restrict an applicant from coming forward
- Additionally there are meetings via teleconferences, via a private Facebook group, and interpersonal communication within committees.
- Time commitments can fluctuate from one month to another as it can be dependent on committee assignments and their projects, but generally, at least 5 hours per month can be expected.
What are the Applicant Requirements?
- Must be a participating current member of the United States Pony Clubs, Inc.
- Be between 18-23 years old as of January 1 of their first term year they would serve
- There is no required certification level
What does the commitment involve?
- Members serve a 2 year term.
- The NYB meets face-to-face once a year at the Equine Symposium and Convention. Compensation related to meeting traveling costs can be accommodated, so financial limitations should not restrict an applicant from coming forward
- Additionally there are meetings via teleconferences, via a private Facebook group, and interpersonal communication within committees.
- Time commitments can fluctuate from one month to another as it can be dependent on committee assignments and their projects, but generally, at least 5 hours per month can be expected.
How do I become a member?
Each fall the National Office provides an application which is due in mid-October.