Local Eventer Places in National Competition
Submitted by: Dawn Bellinger
Phone: 703-841-4979
Email Address: dawn_bellinger(at)hotmail.com
Date Added: 9/6/2007
Ann Bellinger and The Madeira School’s “Diplomatic Image” were members of the second place team at the U.S. Pony Clubs Festival Championships 2007 held July 23-27 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. This year saw the largest number of competitors ever with over 800 horses and 1200 competitors. Ann competed in Novice level Eventing as a member of the Virginia Region team where she rode a Dressage test, completed a cross-country course, and rode a Stadium Jumping course.
All riders competing in USPC Championships have previously qualified by attaining top scores at their regional rallies throughout the country. They vie for National honors in the disciplines of: Dressage, Eventing, (dressage, cross-country and stadium jumping), Mounted Games, Polocrosse (a combination of polo and lacrosse), Show Jumping, Tetrathlon (riding, running, swimming and marksmanship) and Quiz (an unmounted equine quiz bowl competition). The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC) was founded in 1954 as a nonprofit national youth organization to teach riding and horsemanship through a formal educational program. Many of the nation’s top equestrians, including our Olympic team members, have Pony Club roots. Members range in age from as young as 4 through age 25. Activities are English-riding based, and members ride both horses and ponies, depending on the size of the rider and the discipline in which s/he is competing. Pony Club competition is team competition, much like the Olympic games, where members learn the importance of cooperation and teamwork.
Ann is a 15 year old, C2 rated member of River Bend Pony Club, a local club in the Virginia Region. In Ann’s words, “Everything I know about the care and riding of horses, I’ve learned through pony club. I’m greatly appreciative of having this opportunity in my life. Pony Club offers a competitor of an individual sport the fun and comradery of a group. I’ve met some of my best friends and gained a lot of self-confidence through Pony Club.”
If you are interested in learning more about pony club, River Bend will hold an Open House on October 14th from 1pm – 4pm at Frying Pan Park in Herndon, Virginia. This fun afternoon will feature demonstrations, games and prizes and will be open to the public. You are encouraged to register with River Bend’s membership coordinator Rachel Minchew by calling 703-470-2361 or emailing rachelmin@verizon.net. You can also read more about the Open House and River Bend by visiting our web site at www.riverbend.ponyclub.org.
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