Carlisle Academy is honored to be named a United States Pony Club Riding Center. Pony Club is a leading equestrian organization and offers the motivated rider access to internationally-recognized mounted and unmounted horsemanship curricula following Pony Club standards of proficiencies.
The Pony Club mission to, “develop character, leadership, confidence and a sense of community in youth through a program that teaches the care of horses and ponies, riding and mounted sports.” Core values include:
- Horsemanship with respect to healthcare, nutrition, stable management, handling and riding a mount safely, correctly and with confidence.
- Organized teamwork including cooperation, communication, responsibility, leadership, mentoring, teaching and fostering a supportive yet competitive environment.
- Respect for the horse and self through horsemanship; for land through land conservation; and for others through service and teamwork.
- Service by providing an opportunity for members, parents, and others to support the Pony Club program locally, regionally and nationally through volunteerism.
- Education at an individual pace to achieve personal goals and expand knowledge through teaching others.
PONY CLUB FORMAL YOUTH PROGRAM
Pony Club is open to youth of all ages and is designed for the committed equestrian interested in learning the Pony Club curriculum, the standards of proficiency of riding and horse management, and participation in center-based and regional activities. As a Pony Club Riding Center (PCRC), Carlisle Academy supplies program horses and welcomes participants with their own horse. Carlisle Academy PCRC is part of the Central New England Region (CNER), and as such CNER dues ($20) and U.S. Pony Club National dues (approximately $150) are required annually, in addition to Carlise’s onsite program. Space is limited to 8 spots for members who need a Carlisle mount, and these horses can help students achieve up to D3 certification in jumping sports and up to C2 certification in dressage sports. Additional spots are available for members with their own mount. In order to be considered for the PCRC program, participants must be actively enrolled in the weekly lesson program.
Pony Club holds unmounted/mounted meetings on scheduled Saturdays throughout the year. Each meeting addresses the levels of Pony Club proficiency in riding and horse management (group format), working towards the individual’s certification track. Carlisle’s nationally certified teaching staff with knowledge of pony club standards organizes the riding groups, meetings, and certifications and welcomes parent participation in activities. Through the Pony Club certification system, members receive access to various disciplines of their choice including dressage, eventing, and hunter seat equitation. Pony Club members are eligible for additional education opportunities at Carlisle including summer camps, clinics, onsite horse shows, field trips, and PC rallies. In addition to providing a solid foundation of equine skills, the Pony Club experience emphasizes personal growth and the development of citizenship and life skills.
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To learn more about USPC – Parent Info: Parent Information – The United States Pony Clubs, Inc.
To Learn more about the PC region that Carlisle Academy belongs to: Central New England Region (ponyclub.org)
Little Boots Program
Carlisle’s Little Boots Program is a USPC Center-Based Program promoting the Pony Club curriculum and its values. It is designed for the young equestrian ages 5-11 as an introduction to horse care and horse management education which is foundational for the Pony Club standards. At this stage, age-appropriate games/skills, safety, and fun are at the center of all group activities including riding time.
During the 6 Saturday morning two-hour sessions, students are assisted by the upper-level PC members and Carlisle certified instructors. The program includes a 30-minute group riding lesson and additional horse management learning stations.
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Download our Summer Camp flyer »
For more information, contact the office at 207-985-0374, or email your inquiry to info@carlisleacademymaine.com.
Read a press piece by the Kennebunk Post on Carlisle’s Pony Club Program