ABOUT GPC

Glastonbury Pony Club (GPC) grew out of Jan Royce Conant's Triple-B Riding Club. It was accepted as a member club by the United State Pony Club (USPC) in 1960 and is one of the oldest of the 635 Pony Clubs in the United States. The USPC is divided into regions and GPC is one of 15 member clubs that make up the New York/Upper Connecticut Region of the USPC.

Pony Club is an organization of dedicated volunteers who serve as teachers, mentors, chaperones, fund-raisers, club officers, crew at Pony Club Ny/UC Regional events. All parents are asked to volunteer their help in the many tasks that are necessary for Pony Club to provide a worthwhile program for their children . There are many needs and parents are expected to participate in at least two major fund-raisers.

Glastonbury Pony Club welcomes children and young people of all riding levels. The focus is English style riding as the Western saddle is not suitable for Pony Club activities such as jumping. A set of national standards determines the "rating", or ability level, of each member. New members enter as "unrated" and are placed in appropriate levels as they demonstrate achievement of national standards from D1 to C2. They must be recommended for a new rating by both their mounted and unmounted instructors and the District Commissioner (D.C.). Levels D-1 through C-2 are tested at a local level at a "rating day", which are usually held in the spring and fall. The C-3 rating is done on the regional level, and those who qualify as candidates for the national ratings of B, H-A, and A are tested by National Examiners.

Upon joining Pony Club each member will receive a set of "standards sheets" detailing the requirements for each level as well as the study materials that should be used. Materials are available through the D.C. or by ordering directly from the USPC Bookstore (859-254-PONY). They may also be obtained by downloading them from the USPC website: www.ponyclub.org.