USPC Announces Eventing Grand Prix Award - Win a Trip to Ireland!

Updated: March 5, 2009

From The United States Pony Clubs, Inc.

The USPC Eventing Committee has just announced approval of the Eventing Grand Prix Award. USPC Preliminary Eventing riders from around the USA can win an all-expense paid trip to Ireland leaving Tuesday August 4, and returning Friday August 14, 2009 by being the first placed team at the USPC Eastern Championships 2009 to be held in Lexington, Virginia, Thursday July 23 - Saturday July 25. Although the Preliminary Division at Eastern Championships is a recognized USEA "closed" event, the scores may be used to qualify for moving-up, competing in a One Star event and/or the American Eventing Championships. 

Any current USPC C-3 and up member who is in good standing, recommended by their RS and meets the requirements, is eligible to compete at Championships at the Preliminary Level. Five-member teams, consisting of 4 riders and one stable manager, are welcome to enter. The 5 winning team members will be announced at the awards ceremony at Championships. Check the USPC website for details.  

Now is the time to start planning for this exciting once-in-a-lifetime International USPC team experience. The tentative itinerary will likely include a visit to historic Dublin, as well as other cultural activities with an emphasis on horse sports, and meeting pony club members in Ireland who also event. Additionally there could well be opportunities to ride, to visit an Irish riding academy, breeding farm, and possibly the famous Dublin Horse Show. 

There are approximately 12,500 members of USPC in 625 clubs throughout the country. Along with an emphasis on helping its members learn to ride and care for horses, Pony Club promotes teamwork, a sense of responsibility, safety, good moral judgment and self-confidence.  

The United States Pony Clubs, Inc (USPC) was founded in 1954 as a nonprofit national youth organization to teach riding and horsemanship through a formal educational program. Many of the nation's top equestrians, including most of our Olympic Equestrian team members, have Pony Club roots. Members range in age from as young as 4 through age 25. Activities are English-riding based and members ride both horses and ponies, depending on the size of the rider and the discipline in which s/he is competing. All Pony Club competition is team competition, much like the Olympic Games, where members learn the importance of cooperation and teamwork.

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