The Waredaca Pony Club (WPC) was founded in 2007 as part of a nationwide pilot program within the U.S. Pony Club (USPC) to bring the USPC program to members that do not have access to their own horse/pony.
WPC is a member of the Maryland Region of USPC. There are currently only five registered USPC Riding Centers in the state of Maryland and only two in the Maryland Region. WPC remains the oldest continuously active USPC Riding Center in Maryland.
United States Pony Club, Inc. is a national organization based on the British Pony Club Society with the Mission to develop character, leadership, confidence, and a sense of community in youth through a program that teaches the care of horses and ponies, riding, and mounted sports.
WPC has a waitlist of potential members (membership is capped based on horse availability). To be added to the WPC waitlist, please email Center Administrator Katherine Rizzo at [email protected].
What WPC Provides its members
• mounted and unmounted lessons
• horses for WPC lessons and activities
• horses for partial lease to WPC members
• transportation for horses to and from WPC off-property activities
• coaching for WPC activities
• regional and national rally opportunities
• regional and national rating/testing opportunities
• other activities including in-house rallies, schooling shows, clinics, and social activities
WPC History
• Founded in 2007 with under 10 members and participating in 1-2 rallies annually
• In 2022, WPC had 32 USPC members
• In 2023, WPC is welcoming an additional 12 members currently awaiting USPC membership approval
• WPC has a waitlist of potential members (membership is capped based on horse availability)
• WPC participates in an average of 6 regional rallies per year
• WPC traditionally sends an average of 4 members to USPC Nationals/Festival (must qualify to participate in this championship competition)
Benefits of WPC & USPC
Members develop the following core values through USPC:
• Horsemanship with respect to healthcare, nutrition, stable management, handling, and riding a mount safely, correctly, and with confidence.
• Organized teamwork including cooperation, communication, responsibility, leadership, mentoring, teaching, and fostering a supportive yet competitive environment.
• Respect for the horse and self through horsemanship; for land through land conservation; and for others through service and teamwork.
• Service by providing an opportunity for members, parents, and others to support the Pony Club program locally, regionally, and nationally through volunteerism.
• Education at an individual pace to achieve personal goals and expand knowledge through teaching others.
Pony Club Instructors
• Katherine Rizzo – Center Administrator
• Katrina Dodd – Assistant Center Administrator