top of page

About RHPC & USPC

Redwood Hills Pony Club

The Redwood Hills Pony Club is a nationally recognized non-profit teaching organization designed to help our youth and adult members learn to ride, care for and train horses. We have been hosted by the Skyline Ranch Equestrian Center in the beautiful hills of Oakland, California since 1997. 

 

As a club of the United States Pony Club (USPC), we follow highly-regulated national rules and are guided by the "Middle California" regional administration of the USPC. Although we are part of national and regional groups, our club is a locally-run, completely volunteer group and is dependent on our members and their families to run any and all activities. We are also guided by the interests and talents of our own members.

 

United States Pony Club

The mission of the USPC is to provide a program for youth and adults that teaches riding, mounted sports, and the care of horses and ponies, thereby developing responsibility, moral judgment, leadership, and self-confidence.

 

USPC Guiding Beliefs

  • USPC is an educational organization that progressively develops the well-rounded horseperson.

  • The well-rounded horseperson is capable of riding safely and tactfully on the flat, over fences, and in the open.

  • Knowledgeable care of horses and ponies (Horse Management) is basic to the well-rounded horseperson.

  • USPC is committed to the well-being of the horse.

  • Fair and friendly competitions develop teamwork and sportsmanship.

  • Fun and friendship are part of Pony Club.

  • USPC requires volunteer involvement and support.

  • The USPC is committed to safety.

  • The local club is the core of USPC.

 

USPC Ratings

The Pony Club rating system gives members something to strive for and a way to measure their achievement, but it is only one portion of the program. Pony Clubbers are encouraged to work their way through the nine stages of the progressive Standards of Proficiency, which test knowledge and riding ability.

 

New members are unrated until passing a rating. The first level, "D" (D1, D2, D3) is an introduction to riding, safety and horse care. "C" level (C1, C2, C3) is development toward independent care of horses and tack with an understanding of reasons for the care. A C3 rating is a national rating and reflects complete competence in riding and horse care.  D1 through C2 ratings are handled at the local level. Pony Clubbers who attain the B, H-A, and A rating levels (after C3) meet standards of competence that are recognized throughout the horse world.

 

Pony Clubbers generally do one rating every year or two, but are encouraged to go at their own pace.

 

Links & Resources

United States Pony Club (USPC): https://www.ponyclub.org/ 

Middle California Region Pony Club (MidCal): https://middlecalifornia.ponyclub.org/

Skyline Ranch Equestrian Center: https://www.skyline-ranch.com/

Teamsnap: https://go.teamsnap.com/259408/home

bottom of page