Pony Club believes that our Alumni are our greatest achievement, and our investment toward assuring a strong, vibrant equestrian culture in the future.
Pony Club Alumni can be found all over the world, in show rings, veterinary practices, boardrooms and classrooms, gracing Olympic podiums or shoeing horses in your neighborhood barn. They are coaches, teachers, executives, law officers, parents and citizens just like you.
They are the people who are making a difference by giving back to their communities through the same volunteerism that was part of their formative journey. But they all share a common experience and that is the lifelong connection to the Pony Club family.
With clubs operating in 27 countries around the globe, Pony Club Alumni have friends and peers wherever they go. Many lifelong friendships have had their roots in the shared journey that is Pony Club.
Elliot Lake
1977-1988
9 regional rallies (Central Ont. & Western Ont.) 2 National Rallies 1987 and 1988
Rothesay Branch - New Brunswick
1973 - 1975
Penticton
1999-2006
Albion
1998-99
Grand River
1971 - 1977
Pony Club was a great way to enjoy learning about horses and horsemanship. It helped me develop a true love and respect for these magnificant animals. Unfortunately the Grand River Pony Club no longer exists and, in fact, I don't think there are any clubs near Kitchener Waterloo anymore. Very sad. We recently purchased a horse for my youngest daughter, who is interested in riding, and I wish there was a club she could join.The horse world has changed so much in the last 30 years and it is constantly interesting, and sometimes frustrating, to find out how things run now - there are so many horse associations, so many shows and events and so many levels!
Village Creek(Kingston, ON), North Bay (North Bay, ON)
1978, 1982
Pony Club meant the world to me when I was young. When I first joined I did not have a horse but took lessons whenever I could. It was thanks to an old lesson horse, 'Dandy' that I passed my D1 test- that was after Dandy had put me through a few tests of his own! I remember having borrowed some very ill-fitting breeches for the test which rubbed me raw behind the knees while I rode. So it was a test of character to tough it all out, and I was better off for it in the end. I was a military brat and this allowed me to move on to another Pony Club branch in Colorado when we were posted there. I was so fortunate to meet some instructors who became my mentors during my teen years. Through their combined efforts I acquired the long-term use of a terrific horse, and I was really on my way to being a committed horseperson. I do remember some culture shock- like the day I showed up for our weekly lesson only to find out that no-one else came... because it snowed! In Canada of course, we would have gone ahead anyway. Mostly though, I remember being recognized for my dedication, being given opportunities to develop my skills and knowledge, and being supported in many activities such as camp and quiz. It was a very special time of my life and it has stayed with me as I have tried to pass on my experience to others. Back to Canada we came and I spent a year in the North Bay Pony Club. Having started university and no longer having a horse, I wasn't able to be very active there. I did meet some horse people though, and continued riding in lessons and schooling a lovely young filly. Then one day, I was too old for Pony Club! So while I was in university in Lethbridge, AB, I helped start the Prairie Rose branch in 1987, and after moving to northern Alberta to teach school, I eventually started the Rocky Lane Pony Club in 1996. So I guess once a Pony Clubber, always a Pony Clubber!
Temiskaming
1984-1988
This is where I did most of my horse/pony learning. I remember one summer over at Gwen Megens, our pony club put on a mock tetrathalon and it was a blast, a great experience I'll never forget. I sure didn't appreciate back then all the volunteers that organize the meetings/events and putting up with wild/crazy children but I sure realize the effort that was put in it now. I will remember those years fondly and hope that my daughter will also have happy memories of her years in the pony club.
Highlands of Hastings
1970-1977ish
There were lots of special memories including rallys and quiz events and all the kind and patient instructors. Drag hunts and cleaning tack in cold barns. Christmas parties, lessons, summer camps and hacks around the oak hills. Attending the Royal with Princess Anne in the stands, meeting Tom Gayford and horse shows in Odessa.Thanks Pony Club
Highlands of Hastings
1970-1976/7?
Being part of the PC is one of my fondest memories from my childhood. The horses I met and the people who taught me were all fantastically devoted to horses and riding. My sons have since learned to ride on the strength of my enthusiasm for the sport.
Mini Creek & Dewinton
1984-1990
I love the Pony Club organization, and am still involved as an examiner, instructor, and judge. I am now teaching the children of people I used to ride with, it's quite neat how we return to what's familiar and what we grew up with.
Penticton & Kaleden
2003-6
Baldur
1993-2003