Mid-South Region Pony Club Mega Rally June 13-21 The Mid-South Region of the U. S. Pony Club held its annual Mega Rally at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY June 13-21. West Tennessee Pony Club (WTPC) sent two teams to compete in the week-long Rally. An eventing team of Ani Blair, Clarisa Bossler, Audrey Hanisco and Maggie Hyde competed in the D3 Rally. Over several days, the team was tested in Dressage, Stadium Jumping, Cross-Country, Stable Management and Knowledge. Without a fourth riding member on their team, the D3 team competed without a dropped score, and placed Third overall. Ani Blair of West Tennessee Pony Club, riding Magic, won the Margaret Lindsley Warden Trophy for Best Scoring Competitor in the D3 Eventing Rally. Blair's dressage score on the Beginner Novice test was one of the best the regional organizers could remember. On both stadium and cross-country courses she jumped clear. Maggie Hyde, riding her pony Gracie, finished a respectful Sixth Place overall. Her older sister Lawrence Hyde, a fellow Pony Clubber, graciously volunteered her time to coach the young team, aged 11-13 years, through the different disciplines. All the team members had flawless cross-country rides, jumping all 16 fences on the course clear. Team captain and stable manager Clarissa Bossler, a first time competitor to rally, did not ride but competed as a vital, competent stable manager for the team. A composite dressage team made up of WTPC members Kristen Gallo, Alissa Heron, Megan Towers, and two scramble team members, Ruth Hughes of Wilderness Trace Pony Club and Morgan Garret of Keeneland Pony Club took Second Place overall in Dressage Rally. Despite footing that was deep and wet from rain, Kristen Gallo rode her gelding Sonny through the transitions very smoothly and deep into the corners, with all the correct geometry. Her scores of 68% in Training Level 2 and 76% in Training Level 4 won her First Place in both tests. The judge commented it was the best ride that she had seen all day, with excellent balance, submission, good gaits, and the rider in good position, quiet and effective. Alissa Heron debuted her horse Blitz and had some great moments in both of her dressage tests. Megan Towers served as the designated stable manager. Her teammates said, "She was the ultimate stable manager. She stayed organized throughout the whole competition and helped us get to formals and turn-backs looking good. Her boot polishing made the leather on our boots look patent!" Competition is one element of rally, but more significantly Pony Club members learn self-reliance and teamwork. Unlike other equestrian sports, the Pony Club members, regardless of age, compete without the assistance of parents. They are, however, safely supervised and assisted by trained U.S.P.C. Horse Management Staff. Margaret Meyer, the District Commissioner of WTPC said, "The team experience is one of the cornerstones of Pony Club and it is a lot of fun. Young equestrian enthusiasts have full and sole responsibility for their horses and equipment during the week." It takes months of preparation: training horses, conditioning riders, studying the knowledge base for the written test, coordinating equipment and preparing the logistics. It is a huge learning experience and proves to be invaluable in developing horsemanship skills.” U.S. Pony Club emphasizes personal responsibility and well roundedness. In addition to riding sports, it teaches stable management, veterinary care, equine nutrition, trailer safety, and tack care. WTPC would like to thank the horse owners, property owners, barn managers, veterinarians, trainers, coaches, farriers, business owners, parents, family and friends who kindly support the WTPC. Many of our achievements would not be possible without your time and generosity. To learn more about Pony Club or to become involved in Pony Club contact the WTPC District Commissioner, Margaret Meyer at 901-757-9859. Pony Club is open to both male and female youth riders up to the age of 21.