The United States Dressage Federation and United States Equestrian Federation have joined forces and created an U.S. Pony Task Force to work on programs and initiatives to increase pony sport in the U.S.
The Pony Task Force is aiming to boost pony sport in the U.S. for both children and adult amateurs.
Committee members appointed on the Pony Task Force are Allison Head, Lendon Gray, Bill Solyntjes, Gary Rockwell, Jeremy Steinberg and Melissa Mulchahey.
"A primary objective of the Task Force is to explore and develop a pony division open to riders of all ages and all levels," Melissa Mulchehey told Eurodressage. "This is intended to be a comprehensive program to promote ponies in dressage and could include dedicated pony tests, awards and possibly future GAIG/USDF Regional Championship classes."
The Task Force will work on promoting pony sport in the U.S. in an attempt to mirror the great success of pony divisions in Europe. Pony sport is an ideal stepping stone for children to get started in the equestrian sport without having to put them on horses which are too tall and powerful for them to ride.
"The goal of such a division would be to help develop ponies capable of competing in the FEI pony tests and also to encourage breeders, trainers and riders of ponies in dressage," Mulchahey added.
Photo © K.C.
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