Monthly Mounted Meetings
Members of Eno Triangle Pony Club attend monthly mounted meetings focused on the disciplines of dressage, show jumping, and cross country; however, additional mounted discipline clinic opportunities such as foxhunting, polocrosse, mounted games, and tetrathlon have been historically provided. The monthly mounted meetings (MMM) are hosted at a multitude of farms in an around the Triangle area. These meetings may be entirely mounted, where members of similar skill levels work on improving their riding abilities. Additional unmounted clinics may be offered in addition to the mounted clinics thereby allowing members to gain knowledge and skills for horse care and cover topics such as feeding, veterinary care, longing, and equine anatomy. Occasionally, meetings may be a combination of both with a mounted portion followed by unmounted education.
IMG_1644.MOVEveryone begins Pony Club at the same level. As members learn new riding skills and gain more horse management knowledge, they have the opportunity to progress through the Pony Club Certification system. Achieving new, higher-level certifications shows a member’s progress through the Pony Club program. Certifications begin at the D-level which lays the foundation of good, solid horsemanship skills, and progresses through the A-level. Members who achieve an A-level certification are considered distinguished horsemen and women, showing years of time and dedication to the equine disciplines.
What to Expect at an Eno Triangle Pony Club Monthly Mounted Meeting
How do I find out about the upcoming MMM and how do I sign-up?
Confirmed and potential dates for mounted meetings are listed on the ETPC calendar.
Details regarding the mounted meetings are announced by email to members with the subject key word SCOOP.
You will need to RSVP via the Sign-Up Genius link also sent via email. This is required to secure your spot in the monthly mounted meeting.
Riding schedules are typically provided in the week leading up to the meeting.
How much is a MMM?
There is no instruction fee for ETPC members; however, there may be a facility fee collected and paid to the farm.
The facility fee is paid the day of the clinic via Venmo. Cash is accepted if you do not have Venmo. Unfortunately, we are no longer accepting checks.
In the memo line, you must write your Rider's First and Last name!
What do I do upon arrival to the MMM?
Be sure to give yourself plenty of time!
Carefully follow instructions on how to enter the farm and where to park provided via email and on the SignUP Genius.
Check in with the DC (or other appointed Board Member) upon arrival. You will need to:
Turn in the facility's signed release form. This form will be distributed via email along with the meeting schedule in the week prior to MMM.
Turn in pre-written thank you notes. Thank you notes for the property owner(s) and instructor(s) are encouraged and help to ensure we are welcomed back. These should be pre-written so that they can be turned in before your lessons are over.
Confirm that you have submitted the facility fee via Venmo with your Rider's First and Last Name in the message line.
Bring your own copy (or have on phone) the schedule of lessons sent out in advance via Venmo. Please note that not all farms have reliable cell service. Taking a picture of the schedule if you elect not to print it is strongly encouraged.
A copy of the mount's current Coggins test must be on your trailer or phone per state law.
Your Mount
Bring hay and water for your horse, as well as any coolers/blankets needed for proper care. Water might not be readily available. Bring one bucket for drinking and one bucket for sponging/cooling in hot weather.
Horses should be sound, clean, and fit enough to participate in lessons. Unsound or unfit horses may have to sit out of active participation in lessons.
Horses must be at least 5 years old.
Unless rider has a 'C' level certification or has permission from the DC.
No stallions may participate in Pony Club.
Horses are expected to tie to trailer and wait quietly when not riding. You might need to practice this.
Horses should be safely tied with a breakaway halter and quick release knot, to an appropriate tie ring. Ask older members or leaders for help if needed!
Horses may only be tied to trailer when the truck is hitched up. A horse can pull over an unhitched trailer.
Ready to Ride
A Safety Check of horse, tack and rider is REQUIRED BEFORE you mount your horse.
Seek out the DC or a designated checker.
C2 and above rated members can perform Safety Checks!
Any issues must be corrected before mounting and joining a lesson.
Be early to be on time! Please be mounted and ringside 5 minutes before your lesson time. This means you will need to provide ample time to obtain your safety check!
Proper attire required!
– well fitted ASTM helmet
– riding pants
– riding boots or paddock boots and half chaps
– shirt needs to have a collar & must be tucked in
– hair should be safely tied back or put up under helmet
– medical armband or wristband
– weather appropriate coats, jackets, gloves as needed
– USPC Pony Club Pin
– Safety vests are required for cross country lessons.
Absolutely no bare shoulders, crop tops, dangle jewelry, or chewing gum.
Good manners are required especially with the instructors, fellow pony clubbers, and your parents! – say please and thank you.
Have a willingness to try and learn.
Good sportsmanship required – help fellow pony clubbers, be respectful to club leaders and your parents, participate to the best of your ability in all activities.
Parents are encouraged to attend and assist in mounted activities! Parents may help with caring for the mounts. Parent help is often needed with activities and ring crew. Also, volunteers are needed to help with instructor lunches, crafts, and hospitality at meetings.
For the Parents:
Thank you for commitment to Pony Club! The nontangible benefits of Pony Club membership include confidence, time management, and public speaking and only augments the riding instruction. Your commitment to Pony Club is a commitment to your rider's success in life!
General Reminders:
– NO dogs at pony club meetings without special permission. Many farm owners prohibit outside dogs.
– Siblings are welcome! They may observe and even participate in some unmounted activities. Parental supervision is required.
– Please refrain from talking to or coaching your child once they have begun their lesson with the instructor.
– Please leave the property as clean or cleaner than you found it. Please be careful to take your trash and clean up around your trailer. Take all your manure/hay home with you!
– Please help keep participants on schedule!