So what are we all about? As a Pony Club we are part of a youth organization for members 6-21^*. Pony Club spans 20 countries with over 100,000 members world wide. This organization was established in 1929 in Great Britain, with the first Canadian club formed in Toronto in 1934.

In Canada, Pony Clubs fall under the umbrella of the Canadian Pony Club and are divided into 13 Regions, some provinces having only one Region while others like Alberta have 3 Regions: Alberta South, Alberta Central and Alberta North. Clearwater Valley is one of the oldest clubs in Alberta North Region.

Clearwater Valley Pony Club's roots go back to 1973. Mr. Scott Flewitt was the first District Commissioner of our club followed by Mr. Roger Therrien. Thirty-three years later we continue to be a thriving club with close to 30 members.

So what do we do? Our club is very active, with members participating in every discipline that Canadian Pony Club offers. Our kids take Dressage and Show Jumping lessons and participate in Rally, Tetrathalon, PPG, and Quiz. Many of our club members have qualified to go to National competitions, some even to International events. As well, they take Winter Theory lessons over those long, cold months. In the spring they write exams to test their horse knowledge learned over the winter, followed by riding tests later in the summer. These tests allow them to advance through the Pony Club levels when they have successfully completed all phases, written tests, riding tests, and Stable Management.

The highlight of the summer is our summer camp at Alhambra Stables in Red Deer. This week is full of fun-filled riding activities. The cross-country course is the most popular by far. The parents provide delicious meals, horses and kids paddle in the Red Deer River, there's movie night and more. To mark the end of camp a fun show with official judges is held for dressage, show jumping and cross-country.

Our summer ends with the Regional Dressage and Show Jumping finals held at Amberlea Meadows. For some kids it is their first experience at an official show. The kids learn how to make their ponies really shine both literally and figuratively!

At the end of the riding lesson season we hold an awards night and dinner to celebrate the end of another successful year.

Come join our club or a Pony Club closest to you and have as much fun as we do! Or check out the Canadian Pony Club website for more information.

^* members who have been in Pony for a minimum of three years may join as affiliates when they turn 21 years of age. Affiliate members can stay in Pony Club until they are 24.