The Carolina Region Pony Club hosted a mega rating for the United States Pony Club in Aiken, S.C. in August.
Pony clubbers came from as far away as New York and Virginia to participate in the three-day event, which was held at Julie Zapapas’ Jumping Branch Farm. Eleven USPC National Examiners were flown in to determine if the rating candidates measured up to the pony club standard. Local River Valley Pony Club mom Helen Firby served as the Carolina Region’s Rating Coordinator, and arranged the location, accommodations and schedule.
The C3, B and A ratings are facilitated on a national basis and require a greater depth of knowledge and proficiency than the earlier, club-level ratings. Successful candidates are competent, all-around horsemen and horsewomen, active and contributing members of USPC, who participate in a variety of pony club activities. They are also thoughtful leaders who set an example for all levels.
Greenville Foothills Pony Club had four successful rating candidates, representing each of the top levels. Two members succeeded at the C3 rating: Sarah Whitten of Greenville, S.C. currently a sophomore at the University of South Carolina and Julia Gates of Easley, S.C. currently a junior at Easley High School. Whitten entered the rating as an HB rated member and became a C3, while Gates entered the rating as a C2 and became a C+ (once she earns the HB—knowledge portion—she will become a C3).
Rachael Wood, a 10th grade homeschooler from Easley, earned her B rating. Wood is also active in United States Eventing Association competitions, having qualified with her horse Hennessey for the Training level at the American Eventing Championships this year.
Eliza Culbertson, a Greenville Tech student who resides in Greer,  S.C. earned the highest rating: A. Eliza enjoys competing (at pony club rallies, USEA competitions and local schooling shows) and foxhunting with her off-the-track thoroughbreds.
For more information on Greenville Foothills Pony Club, contact greenvillefoothillspc@gmail.com, or find them on the web at www.gfponyclub.org and on Facebook at Greenville Foothills Pony Club (SC/NC).