Pictured, from left, Mia Hammonds, Madelyn Gibbs, Alita "Bunny" Hendricks (seated), Hanna Stoker and Lily Hughes. Those mounted are all members of Chattanooga Pony Club and pose here with Pony Club instructor and national examiner Bunny Hendricks (Trilby, Fl.), who had completed a 2020 clinic at Flat Rock Ranch in Chattanooga.
The Chattanooga Pony Club seeks to help youth in the community by teaching about teamwork and leadership through their love for horses and ponies.
Officials said, "Chattanooga Pony Club offers unique fun, skill-development, and educational experiences for horse and pony enthusiasts of all ages.
"The Chattanooga Pony Club invites anyone who shares a passion for horses, where kids and adults work together as a team with each other and their mounts. CPC offers myriad opportunities for its members, including attending local clinics and camps, regional rallies and the United State Pony Club championship and festival.
"Camps and clinics offer fun ways for riders to be with friends, learn about good horsemanship and see a big improvement in their riding skills. Rallies give members the chance to learn what it is like to be a part of a team as well as how to be a leader.
"As a member of USPC, Chattanooga Pony Club provides a comprehensive program that teaches riding, unmounted skills and the care and upkeep of horses and ponies. Members also learn responsibility, sound judgment, leadership and self-confidence. The goal of Pony Club is to ultimately produce well-rounded horsemen and horse-women. While fun for its members, the USPC and its local clubs have a serious mission to help produce riders who are knowledgeable, competent, responsible and caring. The USPC also offers scholarships along with testing standards that help members record proficiency in mounted and unmounted abilities as well as horse management—from D1 level and up."
Madelyn Gibbs, CPC member (HB/C2 Dressage), says, "Pony Club has helped me in a lot of ways over the past several years, but it has helped me the most with my self confidence. USPC has taught me all about what it means to become a confident and effective leader within our community. Without Pony Club, I would not be the person I am today, and I am grateful for all the opportunities and friendships it has given me. For me the club is so much more than that; it's family I will have forever."
Ellie Jaynes, CPC member (C1 Huntseat ), says, "Pony Club has helped me learn real world skills such as time management and organization as well as teamwork. These are assets that I believe are necessary for success in all aspects of life. Pony Club has also given me friendships that I will always value."
Lily Hughes, CPC member (C1 Eventing ), says, "The Chattanooga Pony Club has taught me how to become better in my self-discipline, horsemanship, riding abilities, and leadership. I love the friendships that have been made stronger through teamwork and how supportive everyone is for each other. Most of my best memories are growing up in Pony Club and looking up to the older girls who have helped me to get where I am now."
Carolyn Henley, CPC member (C1 Eventing), says, "Pony Club has made all the difference for me and my riding career. When I first started Pony Club I was an anxious young equestrian eager to get on and start riding. Pony Club helped me slow down, learn how to properly take care of a horse and ride safely and effectively. Through Pony Club I have been able to ride with top equestrians and clinicians who have competed in Rolex, Grand Prix, and other high-end competitions. Pony Club has made all the difference for me and my career as an equestrian."
To learn more about Chattanooga Pony Club, email CPC District Commissioner Kim Card at KimCard@comcast.net.