Tucked away on a dead-end road in Ijamsville, the Frederick Pony Club grounds have remained a staple for 59 years.
The United States Pony Club is a nationwide collection of clubs from several towns in various states. Maryland as a whole is home to 14 clubs spread out across the entire state.
Pony Club aims to teach equine skills to members of all ages. The club’s mission is to educate on equine care and handling as well as riding lessons for multiple disciplines and skills. Clubs also attend and host shows throughout the year for club members to test their skills, according to Ponyclub.org, the official website of the U.S. Pony Club.
The Frederick Pony Club is led by Natalie Huso, who has high praise for the values Pony Club instills in its members.
“Our club is unique in the area in welcoming children and adults equally, as well as beginner or advanced riders,” Huso said “If you want a laid-back club teaching quality English riding where you will get to sample a variety of trainers, we are the place.”
Founded in 1965, the Frederick club took over Moxley Field, a former baseball field, as its base.
Huso shared that in 1972, Hurricane Agnes wiped out the original buildings and barns. Together, the club worked to rebuild, and it has remained relatively unchanged since.
The grounds feature a shed row-style barn, clubhouse and grass riding arena with stadium jumps. In years pastm the grounds had natural-style cross country jumps, which have since been removed.
As of 2024, the club boasts seven members ranging from children to adults, Huso said. Members have various goals, including eventing, showjumping, dressage, mounted games, and more. The club holds around three riding lessons per month with expert trainers in various disciplines.
Some trainers who have taught lessons in the past include Megan McGrain for eventing, Colleen Rutledge for eventing, and Dominique Carson for dressage. Eventing and dressage are the most popular disciplines for members. Eventing encompasses a flat phase, stadium phase and cross-country phase. Dressage is a flat event that displays the horses’ training and rideability.
Additionally, the club uses the grounds for one jumping show per year that is open to nonmembers. This show is usually held in the summer, and features timed jumping classes offered at various heights. The entry fees for this open show act as a fundraiser for the club.
In addition to this show, the club utilizes various other fundraising efforts, such as parking cars at other local events. The club’s funds go toward members’ travel to away competitions and maintaining the grounds.
Throughout the years, the club has kept the same goal of educating members about horses and been successful. Huso named Packy McGaughan and Dicky Gibson as two former members of the club who went on to be extremely successful riders. McGaughan went on to compete at the Pan American Games for three-day eventing as well as being a successful trainer in the area. Gibson is also a well-known trainer in the area with many students.
The club is open to horse lovers of all ages and skill levels. Those interested in joining need their own horse, trailer, and tack.
Reach out to Natalie Huso with questions or to join the club at [email protected].
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