Being part of horse-related youth organizations is an amazing adventure that can help you learn, grow, and make lifelong friends. Groups like 4-H, Pony Club, and equestrian teams teach you all about riding, taking care of horses, and working together with others.
You’ll not only become a better horseman, but you’ll also build confidence, learn leadership skills, and feel like part of a community. Taking care of horses helps you understand responsibility and the importance of caring for animals. Plus, the fun and friendships you find along the way make it an unforgettable experience.
Joining one of these groups can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make!
Pony Club
The United States Pony Clubs (USPC, or Pony Club) is the largest equine educational organization in the world for those who love horses and ponies. Through Pony Club, you can learn riding and horse care. But the best thing about Pony Club is that you’ll also make lifelong friends who love horses just as much as you do.
There are nearly 500 Pony Clubs and Pony Club Riding Centers across the United States, and you can join Pony Club though one near you. These local Pony Clubs and Riding Centers offer education on all horse-related topics, with opportunities to participate in mounted and unmounted meetings, clinics, and camps. You can also compete in Pony Club competitions (called rallies), earn a Pony Club certification, and much more.
◆ Horse Ownership Required: No
◆ More Info: ponyclub.org
4-H
The name 4-H stands for the four H’s that lead the 4-H’er in their quest of gaining knowledge in their chosen projects. Those four H’s are head, hands, heart and health.
The program is led by what is called a “cooperative extension,” a fancy way of saying a public university in each state. (For example, Purdue University is the cooperative extension for Indiana, Michigan State University for Michigan, et cetera.)
The majority of 4-H is based around agriculture, but there are projects for just about everyone, from models and fashion revue to baking and dairy cattle. Horse and Pony is one of the original projects in 4-H.
Requirements for projects vary from state to state, but most will have project manuals with educational components for different levels (beginner/intermediate/advanced) to help the 4-H’er learn more about horses: anatomy, learning to tie a slip knot, et cetera.
The culmination of each year includes a horse show for most areas, but members can also exhibit educational posters and give public speaking presentations about horses.
The Horseless Horse Project has been included in different counties to allow those interested in horses to participate and learn without having a horse for workshops and shows.
◆ Horse Ownership Required: No
◆ More Info: 4-h.org
Interscholastic Equestrian Association
If you’ve ever wanted to show horses competitively, but perhaps you don’t have a show horse—or any horse at all—the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) might be the right fit for you. If you’re in 4th through 12th grade, the IEA provides a team atmosphere for the competitive rider, providing an avenue to make new friends and plenty of memories.
The IEA offers three disciplines for competition (dressage, hunt seat or western), the opportunity to show off your horse knowledge with the online Hippology Academy, a chance to earn scholarships, and the ability to participate on the National Youth Board. Teams are based out of local riding barns, which can be searched via the website.
◆ Horse Ownership Required: No
◆ More Info: rideiea.org
Amplify Horse Racing
Does the thrill of watching the Kentucky Derby or the Breeders’ Cup fascinate you? Amplify Horse Racing was created with the idea of helping young horse racing fans learn more about the sport from the inside out, introducing them to the prospects of working within the industry, wherever they live.
The group offers a mentorship program where youth are paired with adults working in the area of interest within horse racing, usually located near the young fan so they can meet in person and do some shadowing.
The website and group offer plenty of educational opportunities, such as webinars, podcasts and live events that are often free to participants.
◆ Horse Ownership Required: No
◆ More Info: amplifyhorseracing.org
Harness Horse Youth Foundation
The Harness Horse Youth Foundation (HHYF) will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026, and its mission has been the same throughout their history: to introduce young people and their families to Standardbreds and foster the next generation of fans and participants.
“The organization’s longevity speaks to the thousands of kids who have participated in our hands-on summer programs and/or have been awarded scholarships through the years,” says Ellen Taylor, director of the HHYF. “Some of our alumni have risen to the top of the ranks both on the frontside and backside of the racetrack, which we are very proud of. But even more important is the fact that should one of our graduates drive by a racetrack later in life, they can say, ‘I did a harness racing camp once and had a great time—let’s stop in for the races!’”
◆ Horse Ownership Required: No
◆ More Info: hhyf.org
Breed Organizations
Most breed registries offer a youth association to encourage participation within the breed for the next generation. The more popular youth breed organizations include:
◆ American Quarter Horse Youth Association (AQHYA)
◆ American Junior Paint Horse Association (AjPHA)
◆ Arabian Horse Youth Association (AHYA)
◆ American Morgan Horse Association Youth (AMHAY)
◆ American Miniature Horse Youth Association (AMHyA)
Have a favorite breed of horse? Chances are the association offers a youth program that can include opportunities inside and outside of the show ring.
Many organizations offer their own national or world championship youth show that provides an opportunity for young riders and exhibitors to meet new friends from across the country, compete with their horse, compete in public speaking contests, and much more.
Even if you don’t currently own a horse in the breed of your choice, there are options to help you become involved in the association, from leases to learning opportunities. Just ask your parents to do a search of your favorite breed association and look for everything the association has to offer.
◆ Horse Ownership Required: Varies
◆ More Info: Search for your favorite breed’s association website.
There are so many ways to get involved in horses, whether you own your own, lease, take lessons or just admire them from afar. Speak with your parents and hit the internet to search for the right fit for you, then dive into some of the best experiences of your life!
This article about youth horse organizations appeared in the September/October 2024 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!
