The mission of the United States Pony Clubs is to provide a program for youth that teaches riding, mounted sports, and the care of horses and ponies, thereby developing responsibility, moral judgment, leadership, and self-confidenance.

Membership is open to all young men and women under the age of 25 interested in horsemanship. The only requirement is that they must have access to a pony or horse. Pony Club members may start as early as age six, although they must be able to walk and trot well enough to participate in activities. Membership can start at any age under 21.   Members don't just ride ponies, older members usually ride horses.  (Membership Form)

Riding activities include combined training (dressage, stadium jumping, cross-country), mounted games, show jumping, dressage (as single activity), vaulting (horseback gymnastics), polo, polocrosse (combination of polo and lacrosse), foxhunting, and tetrathlon (riding, running, swimming, shooting).