Don’t let the word “pony” throw you.
That’s a 1,200-pound, four-legged creature standing 6 feet at the withers, somewhat akin to shoulders. And that’s a teenage girl controlling it, compensating for all that raw might with skills and knowledge, which is somewhat akin to astounding.
Developing those skills and imparting that knowledge is what the US Pony Club is all about. The Bainbridge Island chapter has been doing that for 40 years, and celebrates its 40th anniversary from 1 to 4 p.m. today at the Saddle Club in Manzanita Park.
“Pony Club gives these girls a feeling of purpose, especially during those teen years. It’s a real outlet to give them a sense of accomplishment,” said Theresa Cosgrove, a “Pony Club mom.”
The club right now has 12 members, all girls, ages 9 through 16, although boys are welcome. Some of the younger kids do ride actual ponies, but their 900-pound steeds still pose a formidable challenge.
The club stresses education, from stable management to horsemanship, and the development of riding skills. Veterinarians, farriers, trainers and stable managers are invited to speak.
A summer camp on Bainbridge attracts more than 20 riders and their steeds from throughout the Puget Sound area. Parents play a big role, and the club insists that older kids help and set an example for the younger kids.
It involves teaching “responsibility and perseverance,” club treasurer Cheryl Burns said.
The club was established in 1962, led by Phyllis Crooks. In those days, they met at the fire hall near Lynwood, later in the building now housing Ace Hardware, and members could ride their horses along roads and multiple trails to “play days” on Weaver Road, where Little League now plays.
Increasing traffic and decreasing open space mean most horses now are trailered to shows, and the gatherings have moved to the Saddle Club facility in Manzanita Park. But not everything has changed. Horses are still a way of life for many families.
Phyllis Crooks’ granddaughter, Bainbridge High School sophomore Skadi von Reis Crooks, 14, has been a Pony Club member since she was 9.
“I love it,” she said. “We have so much fun together and we’re centered around the horses. No one else really understands when I talk ‘Pony Club’ at school.”
Von Reis Crooks said she appreciates the friendships established by being part of something national, and the emphasis on knowledge. Her horse, a thoroughbred named Patrick, is a Pony Club ideal – he has a brain, and is a well-rounded horse not specialized in a narrow area.
“Pony Club stresses that it’s not about the most expensive horse, but a horse you can work with to the best of your abilities,” she said. “It’s a great circle of people, and horses are sort of recycled. It’s a close community.”
Young riders
Riders progress through a rating system that requires them to learn everything from horse care to training, and to become increasingly accomplished riders.
Many have gone on to become nationally known in the horse world. Beth Glosten, who graduated from Bainbridge High in the mid-1970s, is now dressage director of the Seattle-area based Equestrians’ Institute. She recently was awarded one of the Perpetual Trophies at the Champagne Classic Competition in Auburn.
Mollie (Usher) Bogardus, another BHS graduate, is co-owner of a local barn and has organized the well-known and prestigious Bainbridge Classic horse show for 20 years. Shelly Soderstrom, another Bainbridge Pony Club alumna, is a riding instructor and a well-known equine artist.
Although the club emphasizes English riding instruction over competition, members compete with one another at club, regional and national rallies.
The club meets twice a month, once on their horses, and once without the horses, and parents play a pivotal role. Current club leader Suzanne Ivey serves as district commissioner, and parents pitch in as chaperones or jump judges and help out during events and fund-raisers.
The long list of veteran Pony Club moms on the island includes Kathleen Sullivan, Chris Llewellyn, Barbi Humberg and Sheryl Plett. Humberg also owned Peanuts Pony Farm, where she taught many island toddlers to ride on her Shetland pony, Gee-Whiz.
The club meets at the Saddle Club grounds in the summer, which is a collection of arenas, a snack shack and stables in Manzanita Park.
The Saddle Club is a separate group, which operates the facility, although many Pony Clubbers also are members of the Saddle Club.
Pony Club members built and maintain the miles of trails throughout that park.
The public is invited to today’s celebration, which begins at the conclusion of a Saddle Club-sponsored horse show. Many former Pony Clubbers are expected.
“I’m continually surprised at who used to belong to Pony Club, many of whom aren’t involved with horses any longer,” Ivey said. “It’s great to visualize them as little girls, bouncing up and down in their pigtails on their ponies.”
