The new Goodwood Pony Club is set to take its place as a Branch of the Central Ontario Region of the Canadian Pony Club in time for the 2006 season. It has been confirmed as a full Branch, and its members may now take part in Central Ontario Region Pony Club activities once they have achieved at least the minimum (D) level in the Pony Club testing system.

The Goodwood Pony Club has first time members between the ages of 7 and 18. The children will be testing for their D and D1 levels in spring of 2006, and thereafter plan to focus on showjumping (as the Goodwood Grasshoppers), as well as continuing activities in mounted games and practicing an almost polished Musical Ride.

The club's colours are white with black and red trim.

Goodwood Pony Club is based at Maple Lane Farm in Goodwood Ontario, though members may ride elsewhere. Members are from all areas including Pickering, Newmarket, Bradford and Stouffville. Most members are participating in Pony Club activities on their own mounts, although there is access to a few ponies/horses for those members who do not own their own. Maple Lane Farm is operated by trainer/coach Erin Roach. An A circuit jumper trainer with over 15 years training and coaching experience in both English and western disciplines, Erin got her own serious start in equestrian activities with the James Bay Pony club, where she focused on showjumping and also attended D rally. Students and horses training with Erin have been Zone Champions and top ten placers in Equitation medal classes at the Trillium and A level.

Pony Club is an international organization to promote riding and horsemanship skills to young people up to 21 years of age. It has been active in Canada since 1934, and has contributed to the education of many members of the Canadian Equestrian Team. The Central Ontario Region comprises approximately 30 branches with about 500 members. Worldwide membership in Pony Club exceeds 100,000, making it the largest equestrian organization. Showjumping is the most familiar Pony Club activity (especially with TV coverage of international events). Other activities for Pony Club members include dressage, mounted games, rallies (eventing), tetrathlon and quiz. First and foremost, the objective of Pony Club is to encourage safe fun in horse-related activities, thereby creating well-rounded horsemen and women.

For more information about Goodwood Pony Club, contact District Commissioner Linda MacLean at (905)778-9899 or via email at maclean9899@rogers.com or zosk@sympatico.ca.