Fallbrook Pony Club rider to represent Southern California

FALLBROOK – Jenna Dewald, a member of Fallbrook Pony Club, will represent the Southern California region at the United States Pony Club National Youth Congress. The congress is held in conjunction with the National Pony Club Equine Symposium and Convention Jan. 26-29 in Los Angeles.

The National Youth Congress was established to recognize outstanding 18 to 21 year old Pony Club members who have attained national certification and have been nominated for service to their club and region. Members are challenged to apply their Pony Club experience to make meaningful contributions to the larger world.

The National Youth Congress brings these members together with outstanding Pony Club Alumni for a series of workshops and discussions intended to expand their awareness both of themselves and of the rapidly-changing world into which they will soon graduate.

Dewald, 18, is a student at Mira Costa College and competes successfully on both her horse, Liberty, and her pony Tiburon. She has ridden a variety of equestrian disciplines, but her favorite is Eventing – the triathlon of horse competition which includes dressage, cross country, and stadium jumping. Dewald learned her craft while riding with Fallbrook Pony Club at Fallbrook Riders Field.

United States Pony Club is a 501c(3) non-profit equestrian organization that teaches sportsmanship, stewardship and leadership through horsemanship.

Pony Club is based on the British model where the term pony refers to the mount of a young person, be it a horse or a pony. Pony Club offers numerous equestrian sports, and many opportunities including international exchanges, regional rallies, and national championships at Kentucky Horse Park.

The unique feature of Pony Club is that all levels of instruction and competition involve an extensive horse management curriculum. Another unique feature is that at Pony Club competitions, the riders always compete as a team, never as an individual. The teams are always judged on horse management skills as well as their mounted performance.

Fallbrook Pony Club was established in 1979 and has graduated countless young riders, some of whom have gone on to compete internationally. They currently meet for riding lessons three times monthly at Fallbrook Riders Field and occasionally other venues. The current club has eight members ranging from age 10 and up.

A new element of Pony Club is Horsemasters, an adult program that mirrors the young rider program. Fallbrook Pony Club has a Horsemasters group forming and is currently accepting new members from beginners to experienced riders of all ages (yes, even adults). For information, contact Nancy Chamberlain at (760) 468-0436.