Membership

In our March'07 Board meeting, it was decided to limit our chapter's membership to 50 riders. We feel quality is more important than quantity and we cannot give our members the time, energy, and instruction they deserve if the numbers exceed this limit. We will amend our bylaws to reflect this change. If you would like to join in the fun, please email the President in order to get your name on the waiting list. Currently there are two people listed. Each year we loose members due to various unforeseeable circumstances so do register your name. You will be notified of our Annual General Meeting held each year in January.

New members may join the Piedmont chapter of OPRC until the 31st of July of the current year. This only applies if the membership limit of 50 has not been reached for that year.

Due to concerns with privacy issues, OPRC Piedmont has opted not to publish a list of club members on this web site. If you are a paid member and would like a copy of the current membership list, to include names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses, please send an email request to Betsy Burnett at ebburnett@earthlink.net. Thanks.

The Pony Club motto “a happy child on a happy horse” goes a bit further in OPRC.

Our motto is “for the learning experience, the fun, the camaraderie; not the ribbons, or the glory, but FOR THE MEMORIES”. We think this is just right. Our intent is, first and foremost, the safety of horse and rider. We want you and your horse to grow in knowledge and confidence. We want to have fun.

STRUCTURE

OPRC is based on the United States Pony Club. The USPC has been in existence in this country for the last 50 years and basically, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” You will be “rated”, or categorized, in the following manner. Starting at D1 level the next step up is D2, then D3, C1, C2, C3, and B. Samples of all but the B test can be found on the National website. In OPRC there are variations to accommodate all riders of different disciplines. After the initial rating, there is no pressure to move up – only opportunity to learn.

OFFICERS, CLINICIANS, AND RATERS

Your officers, clinicians, and raters are chosen for their ability to teach, organize, and instill confidence in the horse and rider. No one will be over faced. The current President, a graduate B, ran the local Pony Club for five years, judged Pony club stable management at the regional level, and taught riding for twenty-five years. She understands the system. The other officers have had a variety of teaching and horse related experiences. In addition to the President, who sits on the Board, we have three officers, and an events chairman who are elected annually and can stand for as long as the members will let them!! We also have two at-large members who change each year. They are appointed by the President so as to give each member a chance to be part of the inner workings of the club.

ACTIVITIES

Once a month the club will hold a mounted meeting, weather permitting, on the second Sunday at 2:00. Obviously, if there is a pressing group conflict, we are flexible. Your horse, your tack and you should be reasonably clean: no unnecessary jewelry or flying hair!! There are safety reasons for this. Please be ready to present yourself and your horse for a brief safety inspection prior to instructional meetings. If clinicians are to be paid, we needn’t waste their time or your money! We also enjoy “extra curricular” events. When checking our website, you will find a recent list of activities. At least once a year we try to have a join meet with our “sister” organization, Trailblazers. These are always fun trail rides in our gorgeous countryside.

As our club has grown over the past year, we suggest that when mounted lessons are announced, those who wish to participate should let the appropriate person know as soon as possible. Some activities may be limited. The club will try to cover most of the cost of lessons, but it may be necessary to charge a small amount per rider. The free saddle pad, however, is a one shot deal!! Additional pads and club shirts may be ordered from the secretary.

And then there’s the Summer Camp started in 2006 and held over a three-day weekend. This is an overnight camp near Staunton with lovely accommodations and superior instruction. Besides horses, there is fishing, tennis, and swimming. One needn’t ride to attend and enjoy!

NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN MOUNTED ACTIVITIES UNTIL THEY HAVE ACQUIRED A RATING. THIS IS A NATIONAL RULE IMPLEMENTED FOR SAFETY AND ORGANIZATION. PLEASE CONTACT THE PRESIDENT.

EQUIPMENT

Each riding member is to have an ASTM approved helmet, boots or shoes with sufficient heels, and a medical armband. The club has the USEA armbands for sale at cost, $10. In addition to being a member in good standing, having signed everything and paid your dues, a copy of the Pony Club D and/or C USPC Handbook is invaluable. A smile and a terrific attitude will also go a long way. An eventing vest is a good idea while jumping, but not required. A notebook is suggested for recording teaching information and thoughts on your lessons. It’s also an invaluable review tool.

FINANCIAL STRUCTURE

Dues of $50.00 per person will be collected at the beginning of each year. There is an $85 charge for two members from the same family with each additional family member subscribing thereafter at the cost of $40 per individual. This fee covers the $10.00 per person obligatory yearly fee to Nationals, a membership card that entitles you to discounts, an official OPRC Rating Certificate when appropriate, a saddle pad with our own logo design (new members only) and drinks at most lessons. We hold an annual fundraiser, which helps fund our expenses. EACH MEMBER IS EXPECTED TO VOLUNTEER FOR THIS ENDEAVOR; WE NEED YOUR HELP. We also give money each year to animal related charities.

HOW TO JOIN IN THE FUN

From the National website listed below, download the official membership form, release, and medical form. Make your check for $50 payable to OPRC Piedmont and send all to Susie Rowe, Secretary, 18537 Springs Rd, Jeffersonton, VA 22724. You will receive acknowledgment of your membership shortly. After a bit of restructuring, the Board has decided to open the membership all year long but, unfortunately, cannot pro-rate the dues.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS 2007

Never, ever hesitate to contact any of us with your questions. We’re here to help you get the most from your OPRC experience.

PLEASE BOOKMARK THESE SITES AS ALL OUR INFORMATION WILL BE FOUND THERE. YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CHECKING INFORMATION ON ALL ACTIVITIES.

MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS WILL BE POSTED ON SITE. MEMBERS WILL BE NOTIFIED UPON PUBLISHING. THE SITE WILL CHANGE ABOUT ONCE A MONTH SO PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SEND IN SHOW RESULTS, PICTURES, TIPS OR ARTICLES. WE DEPEND ON YOU TO MAKE THE SITE AN EXCITING ONE!!