The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is proud to announce the renewal of its sponsorship with the United States Pony Club, Inc. (USPC) for 2025. As part of this continued partnership, USPC will serve as the Presenting Sponsor of the USEA Eventing Coaches Program’s (ECP) educational workshops. In addition to supporting the ECP workshops, USPC is providing $2,500 in scholarships for up to five USEA members who are also affiliated with USPC as current members, instructors, or leaders over the age of 18.
Founded in 1954, USPC is a nonprofit educational organization whose mission is to develop leadership, confidence, responsibility, and a sense of community in youth and adult members through riding, mounted sports, and horse care. Their vision to be the leading source and voice of education in horse care, safety, and equestrian pursuits directly benefits USEA members by reinforcing a shared commitment to the development of high-quality coaching within the sport of eventing.
“We are proud to renew our partnership with the United States Pony Club,” said USEA CEO Rob Burk. “The USPC’s dedication to education, horsemanship, and leadership aligns perfectly with the goals of the USEA and the ECP. Their support helps ensure our coaches have access to the tools they need to grow and succeed, which in turn strengthens the future of eventing.”
“We are pleased to continue our relationship with USEA to provide opportunities for developing qualified coaches within eventing through the Eventing Coaches Program and to support our members on their coaching journey through scholarship opportunities via the Eleanor Brennan Memorial Fund, which is open to Pony Club instructors and upper-level members,” said Teresa Woods, USPC Executive Director. “The ECP offers quality workshops for instructors, including Pony Club instructors, to continue building skills involved in teaching others, and this coincides with USPC’s mission to continue educating equestrians and to provide teaching tools to equestrian programs within the horse community.”
The ECP, established in 2002 and formerly known as the Instructors’ Certification Program (ICP), is dedicated to educating eventing coaches at all levels. The program provides a structured pathway for coaches to enhance their theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring they can effectively train riders and horses for safe and skilled participation in eventing. Through a series of education workshops and assessments, the ECP offers certifications ranging from Level I (Beginner Novice) to Level V (Advanced), as well as specialized certifications for Young Event Horse (YEH) coaches and professional horse trainers. By promoting excellence in horse training, instruction, and coaching, the ECP aims to uphold the highest standards of safety, horsemanship, and horse welfare within the sport.
Upcoming ECP workshops and assessments:
Area II | Destination Eventing and Loch Moy Farm - Dickerson and Adamstown, MD, Presented by USPC
Jumping Workshop: April 14-16 (All Levels I-V)
Area IV | Jigsaw Farms - Woodstock, IL, Presented by USPC
Dressage Workshop: June 24-26 (All Levels I-V)
Jumping Workshop: July 21-23 (All Levels I-V)
Area II - Windchase – Purcellville, VA
All Level ECP Assessments: August 4-6 (All Levels I-V)
Contact: Nancy Knight [email protected] 703-669-9997
Please keep in mind this calendar is a tentative list of workshops and is subject to change. Continue to check the ECP webpage for updates throughout the year.
For more information about the Eventing Coaches Program visit the ECP webpage on useventing.com and to learn more about the USPC visit ponyclub.com.
About the United States Eventing Association
The USEA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization committed to providing eventing enthusiasts with a competitive level suited to their individual skills. By assisting and educating competitors, event organizers, and officials; maintaining responsible safety standards; and registering qualified competitions and clinics, the USEA offers a strong and continuous training opportunity for an ever-expanding field of world-class competitors. Just as importantly, the USEA provides a means for all riders, regardless of age or ability, to experience the thrill of eventing. To learn more, visit www.useventing.com.
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