Cal-State POA Club
The Cal-State POA Club is looking for new members to join in the fun and learning that is POA. What does every parent look for in a mount for their child or even a mount for themselves? Safety is number one, of course; sturdy conformation and a docile nature is a close second. A size that’s not too small for the show ring, yet not too big for the child to handle, brush and saddle on their own. A pretty color to please the eye. If all this sounds like what you’ve been searching for, look no farther than the Pony of the Americas.
This colorful, versatile, youth oriented breed of Appaloosa colored ponies was originally developed in the 50’s by a group of forward looking horsemen from the mid-west who realized there was a need for a breed of large pony for children who had outgrown Shetlands but weren’t ready for full sized horses. POAs have come a long way since then. The modern POA looks and moves like a small horse, with Quarter Horse type bodies, refined heads and one of eight Appaloosa coat patterns. They’re bred to be quieter, sturdier and more tractable for the younger or beginning rider, yet can perform to the National level. The POA organization has grown, and there are approximately 45,000 registered POAs in the United States and around the world. The Registry allows heights from 46” to 56”, so many of today’s POAs are 13 to 14 hands high and can easily carry an adult. A pony must show Appaloosa coloring to be eligible to compete at POA sanctioned events, but the Registry has a breeding stock division, and a hardship clause with breeding restrictions for grade ponies who meet height and coloration requirements, which means you may already have a future POA Champion in your backyard!
The Pony of the Americas Club has state and local chapters across the country and is organized for youth 18 and under, but adults are allowed to show at Halter, Adult Cart and in the 19 and over division and JPFC divisions which are designed to bring along the younger ponies. Points can be earned in the National standings at Regional and local shows by both ponies and riders, and three large national shows, the POA Western Classic, the POA Eastern Classic and the POA International, are held yearly. Ponies can earn National Medallions and ROMs in numerous events, and many children learn responsibility, sportsmanship and determination taking their pony to the Supreme Champion level.
POA shows offer many classes including Halter, English and Western Equitation and Pleasure, Jumping, Gymkhana, Trail, Costume, Reining and Cart. Age divisions include Leadline 6 & Under (Equitation, Showmanship, Games, Trail & Costume), 8 & Under walk/jog, 8 & Under three gaited, 9 - 12 , 13 - 18 and 19 & Over. The atmosphere at shows is relaxed and supportive, and it’s not uncommon to see more experienced kids giving pointers and cheering on newcomers. Every level of horsemanship is welcomed and encouraged, from raw beginners to National caliber, and POAs and their riders are often very competitive on the Open circuit as well.
The Cal-State is very active and is competitive on the National level, a difficult achievement, as the West Coast doesn’t have as many shows available as the Mid-west or East Coast. Little Valley Oaks of Sunol bred and owns the 2009 International Grand Champion Stallion, LVO Four On The Floor, and several other of their ponies won titles at the competition. Suncrest POAs, in Moreno Valley has bred too many World and International Champions to count, including a Hall of Fame inductee. Ultimate Bounce of Skyrock POAs in Norco is also a World and International Champion.
But Halter isn’t the place these ponies really shine. POAs are one of the few really versatile breeds left. Individual ponies can show in Western, English, Trail, Jumping, Gymkhana and Costume classes all in a single day, and can compete at local, State, Regional and National shows. There are plenty of other honors as well, as riders and ponies reach for the highest levels offered in POA. Cal-State is very proud of three youth members whohave recently taken their ponies to the top: Kayla Reckon and Zip N Chip Prince, Mary Maloof and Zippin Up, and Crystal Polley and KS’s Dashing Illusion all became National Supreme Champion Honorees. Outside the POA Breed venue, Elizabeth Miller and Suncrest Ms Tattletail were honored in Reston VA by the United States Equestrian Association for their 2009 achievements: first in Adult Rider and first in Adult Amateur Rider and Horse. These ponies can do everything!
If showing on the National level isn’t right for you (yet!), Cal-State has it’s own High Point system, which allows children of all ages and levels to earn and enjoy year-end awards on a local level, the most looked forward to being the Participation Award, which any child can be thrilled to earn. Cal-State is offering several Nationally approved shows this season and its members are proud to be hosting the Southwest Regional Show at the Fairplex in Pomona March 20 & 21. The Cal-State Futurities will be held in conjunction with a double judged show and an Open show during the LA County Fair September 11 & 12, with eligible weanlings showing Halter, yearlings and two-year-olds showing Halter and Lounge Line, and snaffle bit futurities for Western and English Pleasure and Trail for 2 & 3 year olds and 4 and 5 year olds. Our other show dates are: April 17, May 22 and October 30, all at the Yucaipa Equestrian Center.
If you are interested in membership, or you have a pony that may meet registration requirements, or if you’d like more information on this All-American breed, please visit our website at www.scpoac.org, or contact Lisa Reckon, Secretary, at (951)737-7992 or at ponies@skyrockpoas.com for a free brochure and newsletter.
