HOULTON, Maine — The Meduxnekeag River Pony Club, a chapter of the United States Pony Club, is proud to announce four members earning new certifications.
USPC certifications reflect more than just riding skills on flat ground and over fences, the club shared. They also indicate a member’s horse management knowledge, communication skills, ability to analyze and discuss various aspects of horsemanship and, as they move up, the members’ leadership skills and maturity.
Testing to earn the rankings was held earlier this fall at Horseplay Farm in Houlton. Five different certifications were earned, as follows:
Keira DiGiovanni, 8, daughter of Helen DiGiovanni of Littleton, earned her 1st level (D1) certificate.
Celina Bechard, 14, daughter of Patti and Stephen Bechard of Sherman, earned her D2HM, which is a certification track in horsemanship skills.
Tilly Hamilton, 14, daughter of Carla and Kenny Hamilton of Littleton, was awaarded the D2 traditional certification. This track tested horse management skills, riding on the flat, in the open and over fences.
Bridget Hill, 15, daughter of Cary and Terri Hill of Houlton earned two certifications, completing her D2 traditional with over-the-fences certification, and also achieved her D3 traditional certification, which also tested horse management and riding on the flat, in the open and over fences at this next level.
Passing examinations at the event were given by Rachael and Olivia Richmond of Clary Lake Pony Club in Jefferson. Rachael, an instructor for CLPC and owner of the 100 Acre Wood Horse Farm, and daughter Olivia, an upper-level pony club member, traveled to Houlton to administer the testing.
Olivia also gave a short presentation to club members on the Tetrathlon, one of the UPSC sports pony club members may participate in.
Local club representatives describe MSPC as an active club. All members are encouraged to progress at a pace and along a certification track that is most comfortable and attainable for them.
As the year winds down they are looking forward to starting another new year January, and are always looking for new members. Information is forthcoming on their open house in January.
For information visit the Meduxnekeag River Pony Club Facebook page or email meduxponyclub@outlook.com.
