The Springwater Pony Club is set to take its place as a Branch of the Central Ontario Region of Canadian Pony Club in time for the 2005 season. It has been confirmed as a full Branch and its members may now take part in Central Ontario Pony Club activities once they have achieved at least the minimum level in the Pony Club testing system.

The Springwater Pony club has first time members between the ages of 6 and 13. The girls will be testing for their D level badges in the spring and thereafter focus on jumping, cross country, dressage and musical ride. The clubs colours are black with hunter green, purple and white trim.

Springwater Pony Club is based at Stone Hollow Riding Academy in Phelpston, Ontario, though members may ride elsewhere. Most members will be participating in Pony Club activities on Stone Hollow's school horses. Stone Hollow's Owner/Operator and Coach is Sarah Doucette Jackman. Sarah has over 15 years of experience in the horse industry. She got her start as a young rider in the Pony Club and focused on dressage. Sarah is currently the Assistant Chair for Tetrathlon, a discipline she excelled at in her youth.

Pony Club is an international organization to promote riding and horsemanship skills among young people up to 21 years old. It has been active in Canada since 1934, and has contributed many members to Canada's Olympic and World Championship equestrian teams over the years. The Central Ontario Region comprises approximately 30 Branches with a total membership of about 500. Worldwide, membership in Pony Club exceeds 100,000, making it the largest equestrian organization in the world.

Show jumping is the most familiar Pony Club activity since it attracts television coverage at its higher levels. Pony Club also offers dressage, mounted games, rallies (the Pony Club version of eventing), tetrathlon (including swimming, shooting, cross-country and stadium jumping, and cross-country running by the riders) as well as "academic" competition in quiz format. Above all, the objective of Pony Club competition is for kids to have safe fun in horse-related activities.

For further information about the Springwater Pony Club, please contact District Commissioner Kathy Marshall at 705-721-7516 or kathy_marshall@decoma.com.