Why Join a Horse Club or Association?

Education

Organizations at all levels offer great opportunities to learn. Your local club may have guest speakers at monthly meetings, or an international association may offer a week long clinic with Olympic level coaches. Youth clubs like Pony Club and 4-H provide young people with fun and educational opportunities. Many larger associations offer books and pamphlets. Some promotional information may be free to individuals and smaller clubs. Members of larger clubs can enjoy newsletters and magazines that offer helpful articles and columns.

Services

Associations such as the American Quarter Horse Association establish breed standards and keep pedigree records. Breed organizations provide owners and breeders with services such as registration, stallion listings and ownership transfers. Some associations offer benefits such as insurance or advertising. Often these services are discounted for members. Some associations offer accreditation to trainers and instructors and a directory so members can find qualified experts.

Information

Clubs and organizations on all levels from local to international can keep you informed about laws and issues that may affect you as a horse owner. If riding trails or other land use issues arise, clubs can provide a voice so that horse owners’ needs and rights are respected. In 2004 in Ontario Canada, the Ontario Equestrian Federation helped land owners who faced zoning changes that would cause their property taxes to increase by up to 1500%. The OEF, rallied members to launch a letter writing campaign to politicians and provided up-to-date information to all members and advice to those already affected. Consequently the zoning change was repealed.

Another local group formed when horses were excluded from multi-use trails. The group worked together to prove that equestrians were willing to help with trail building, funding and maintenance. Through their efforts horses are now welcome on these trails.

Recognition

Not everyone wants to compete in a specific sport. But for those who do, associations can provide incentives such as annual awards. Many keep records and results. The American Endurance Ride Conference keeps records of rider’s mileage and offers awards for completing 250 miles or more. You don't need to win; you just need to successfully complete the competitions. Breed associations offer incentives for owners of horses who want to compete in almost any discipline. Local clubs may hold a series of horse shows and award year end trophies to those with the highest points. Many associations offer youth awards. The International Arabian Horse Association offers rewards just for spending time riding or driving your horse

Camaraderie

Being a member of any club should have its fun and social benefits. Becoming a volunteer is a great way to meet people and share or increase your skills whether you own a horse or not. There are often opportunities to socialize before or after events, at awards banquets, or parties. The main focus of some clubs is social and this is a great way to get together with like-minded horse lovers.

Competition

Almost every equine sport has an association that provides rule books, competition schedules, lists of qualified judges, competition results, awards and incentive programs. Even if you don't have a horse, some associations offer art, photography, and writing contests so everyone can get involved.