NEWBURGH – Penobscot Pony Club invites children and youth ages 6-21 and their parents to attend an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the pony club stables on the Miles Road.

Lead instructors Debbie Place and Ann Moody will teach lessons on a variety of levels. There also will be a tack swap, which is open to the public. Free refreshments will be served.

Penobscot Pony Club is one of the founding clubs in the United States and next year the club will celebrate its 50th anniversary.

This year the club salutes high school seniors Caitlin Chamberlain and Lauren Gardiner.

Chamberlain, the daughter of Kathleen and Bruce Chamberlain of Monroe, is a student at John Bapst Memorial High School. She will attend Northeastern University and major in international business.

Gardiner, the daughter of Linda and Larry Gardiner of Newburgh, is a student at Hampden Academy. She will attend Wilson College and major in equine studies.

It is not necessary for children to own a horse or pony to participate, club officials explained, but they must have access to one when required.

Programs are offered in dressage, cross-country, stadium jumping and mounted games, and 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.

For information, call 862-4354, or e-mail gcgarson@adelphia.net.