The Inter-Pacific Exchange is held every two years for Pony Clubs in Pacific Rim countries, i.e. USA , Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Hong Kong. It is both a competitive and a cultural exchange for Pony Club members who are at least 17 years old and who have attained at least their B certificates. Each country usually enters a team of five riders (top four scores to count), plus a coach and chaperone. Competitors will participate in two competitions. The first is a scramble competition meaning that teams will be made up of one rider from each country. The scramble competition is held in a horse trial format (stadium, cross country and dressage). The feature event is the Nations Cup Show Jumping Challenge. Both competitions will use borrowed mounts.

The 2005 Exchange will take participants on a journey across much of the world's second largest nation (only the Russian Federation is larger) and give them an opportunity to experience the diversity of Canadian culture. The itinerary, as of February 11 is:

Sunday, June 26  - Teams arrive at Pearson International Airport, Toronto:  Welcome reception

Monday, June 27  - Team building activities at Cold Creek Outdoor Education Centre

Tuesday, June 28  - Tour to Niagara Falls

Wednesday, June 29  - Tour of Toronto including CN Tower and Ontario Place

Thursday, June 30  - Teams with billeting families

Friday, July 1  - Horse tryouts for scramble (mixed teams) competition plus Canada Day celebrations at Canada's Wonderland

Saturday, July 2  - Scramble competition (Cookstown)

Sunday, July 3  - Fly to Calgary:  "Welcome to Alberta" reception

Monday, July 4 toWednesday, July, 6  - TBA

Thursday, July 7  - Mount Royal College, Calgary

Friday, July 8  - Visit Calgary Stampede

Saturday, July 9  - "North American" horse show, Spruce Meadows

Sunday, July 10  - Horse tryouts, Okotoks Agricultural grounds plus "North American" horse show, Spruce Meadows

Monday, July 11  - Team horse selection, AM and Nations Cup competition, Spruce Meadows, PM: Awards banquet and Farewell party, evening

Tuesday, July 12  - Teams depart for home

OEF members willing to lend event horses for the scramble competition, please call Debi Robertson, Vice Chair of Central Ontario Region of Canadian Pony Club at 705-357-2361, or Rally Chair Rhonda Hutcheson at 705-487-3605. They will explain what's involved, etc. and the arrangements Pony Club will make for care of loaned horses.

Further information will be released as it becomes available, and will be posted on the Canadian Pony Club web site (www.canadianponyclub.org). If you have questions, please contact 2005 Inter- Pacific Rally Chair, Del Zelmer at (905)842-2458.