Family, Fun and Horses: The Racine County Pony Club

The Racine County Pony Club (RCPC) hosted a dressage and combined training school show, and a used/donated tack sale Saturday, June 10.

The proceeds from the show and sale will pay for their equestrian center, but the show also benefited the youth. The open-competition show gives an opportunity for Pony Club members to show off the “good horse care and safety, sportsmanship and camaraderie” said Jenny Berg, the equine center manager.

Emma and Lizzy Schatz, two young Pony Club members, have been involved with the club for about five years. The most important thing they have learned is the “correct way to be around horses for your safety and their safety.” One of their favorite features of the Pony Club are the clinics because a special instructor comes and you get a group or private lessons.

The sisters also enjoy the social element to the Pony Club. They have made new friends, who are also involved in the club. They enjoy the annual meeting with a potluck dinner, as well as the Halloween party.

Claire Cunningham is another young competitor who has been involved with the Pony Club for three years. She says what attracted her to the RCPC were the friendly people and the excellent facility, which includes a full size dressage arena, two jump arenas, an indoor arena, as well as several pastures, roomy and clean barns, and access to 25 plus miles of trails. 

When asked if she was nervous before her dressage test, she replied that she was “trying not to be, because then the horse (nicknamed Wally) picks up on it, and it makes him nervous.”  Claire’s answer and enthusiasm demonstrates the respect and love of horses the Racine County Pony Club promotes, as well as the leadership and good sportsmanship its young members develop.