Pony Club schedules open house

NEWBURGH – Members of the Penobscot Pony Club invite children and their parents to an open house 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 18 at the pony club site on the Miles Road.

Pony Club provides opportunities for instruction and competition in English riding, horse sports and horse management for youngsters ages 6 to 21.

Pony Club, represented in 30 countries, is one of the leading junior equestrian organizations in the world, officials said. The United States has more than 600 clubs with more than 12,000 members.

It is not necessary for children to own a horse or pony, but they must have access to one when required. Programs are offered in dressage, cross country, show jumping and mounted games, as well as “unmounted” lessons.

During unmounted meetings, members learn about feeding, shoeing, veterinary care and other areas of horse management. With adult supervision, more experienced Pony Club members instruct and assist younger members.

Pony Club members are encouraged to work their way through the nine stages of the progressive standards of proficiency, which test knowledge and riding ability.

Fun, friendship and education are the core of the Penobscot Pony Club, officials said.

Club district commissioners are Kathy Chamberlain and Linda Gardiner; instructors, Ann Moody and Deborah Place; members: Audrey Bean, Hallie Bean, Claire Bickmore, Caitlin Chamberlain, Ali Edelston, Lauren Gardiner, Paige Garson, Kathryn Gause, Ellison Haddix, Kelsey Haddix, Kayt Hauger, Megan Hauger, Marggi Jadkowski, Heather Madone, Amanda Mayhew, Caroline Openshaw, Maria Openshaw, Jacki Perkins, Ashley Poindexter, Sarah Pyne and Emily Shaffer. For information, call 234-4252.