Alpenglow
Sign In

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How old does my child have to be for pony club? 

  • There are no national age restrictions to join pony club, and in fact, adult members participate too and have just as much fun! After age 25, pony club members are known as Horsemasters. Alpenglow Pony Club has had members aged 2 to 65+.
  • Many of our club's mounted lessons/activities have lessons for all riding abilities; some mounted lessons/activities are for riders who are proficient riding independently in an open area; some mounted lessons/activities are for leadline and emerging riders.

 

Are members required to own their own horse (mount) to join pony club or attend events?

  • Members are not required to own a horse; Members may borrow, share or lease horses. Members are, however, responsible for planning/coordinating/arranging their own mount for each lesson/event.

 

How much does pony club cost?

  • Annual membership dues are established at the national, regional and club levels. For 2023, membership fees are: $155 (National USPC fee) + $35 (Alaska Region fee) + $10 (Alpenglow Pony Club fee) = $200 total for one member.    [In 2023, there are discounts available for multiple memberships in one family. Alaska Region fees have a family-maximum of $50 and Alpenglow Pony Club fees have a family-maximum of $20.]
  • Many club mounted lessons cost $30 per person for a one-hour group lesson. Leadline lessons for very young or emerging riders are often free. Unmounted lessons on horse management and care are usually free. Special events such as clinics and camps will have different costs per participant.
  • We strive to keep costs low. Grants and donations from foundations, local businesses and community members have greatly supported our activities!

 

When and where does Alpenglow Pony Club meet?

  • In the winter, we typically meet once a month on a Sunday afternoon at an indoor arena, usually Flying Horse Equestrian Center.  In the summer, we usually meet at least twice a month on a weeknight (has been Wednesday evening), at different locations around the Mat-Su Valley.  We also host occasional clinics, rallys, certifications, visiting instructors and horse camp.  There are also unmounted opportunities: twice-monthly region wide zoom instructional sessions in the winter months and occasional in-person get togethers.

Mounted lessons are often $30 per rider for a small group lesson. Leadline lessons are often free. Unmounted lessons on horsemanship are usually free.

 

What other requirements does pony club have?

  • Rider: Must wear neat, appropriate riding attire (long hair pulled back, no dangly jewelry); boots with riding heels; a properly fitting ASTM/SEI certified helmet; and a medical armband or bracelet.
  • Horse: Must use a breakaway halter, cotton lead rope, and properly fitting tack. Horses must be 5 years or older (riders with a certification of C1 or higher may use a 4 year old horse).
  • *Adult members and Club Leaders*: All members aged 18 years or over are required to provide proof of completion of a SafeSport™ Trained Core Course (about $35). All members aged 21 years and over must complete a favorable USPC or USEF background check (about $25).

 

What are National versus Regional versus Club Level Pony Club Activities?

  • There are national, regional and club levels of Pony Club which can be a little confusing.  Alpenglow Pony Club is based in the Mat-Su Borough and we organize mounted and unmounted instruction for our club members. Our members enjoy dressage, stadium jumping, cross country jumping, trail riding, mounted games, and other riding disciplines. The Alaska Region includes all the clubs of the state and as a group works together to bring clinicians to Alaska, and coordinate clinics and camps across the state. At a national level, US Pony Club (USPC) hosts national events like USPC Festival and Championships.

 

What is the time commitment?

  • Members and parents of youth members are encouraged to support the club and the region by volunteering. There are volunteers needed for horse-related tasks such as leading young or emerging riders and there are volunteers needed for planning, organizing, bringing snacks, cleaning up after events, etc.