Plans are underway for Canadian Pony Club to celebrate 75 years of teaching Canadian children and youth horse care, stable management and English riding skills.

Some projects have begun already:

• The Wall of Recognition honouring Honourary Life Directors and Life Members (see www.canadianponyclub.org)

• Compilation of the Canadian Pony Club Wall of Fame which is to honour founders, builders, significant volunteers and alumni who have gone on to outstanding accomplishments as riders, officials and coaches as well as achievements in the world of business and the professions.  There are 100 names in the database of those eligible, beginning with founder, Col. R.S. Timmis (see www.canadianponyclub.org) but we have not been able to contact all of them as yet.

• The Rockwell Princess Elizabeth trophy.  The original was won by Adele Rockwell and donated to Pony Club by her late husband, Dick.  Since Adele was the first A graduate in Canada, this trophy will name all the A graduates who have come after her. (see www.canadianponyclub.org)

• All winners of the Governor General’s scholarships are listed on our web site.

• Work has begun on a history of Canadian Pony Club 1983 to present, and we are trying to negotiate for a reprint of the original history, written by Barbara May covering 1934 to 1982.

Next to launch will be the Pony Club Ride Across Canada, sponsored by Strategic Equine Marketing.  Members, parents and volunteers will log the miles ridden in outdoor activities such as training for cross country, road work and trail riding on the Trans Canada Trail web site as well as our own.  The target is to ride the equivalent of the breadth of Canada over the 2008 and 2009 riding seasons.

In July 2009, Canada will host the International Mounted Games Exchange at the Calgary Polo Club. Contenders will be teams from Australia, Canada, Great Britain and the USA.  Exchanges provide members the opportunity to see something of the host country.

In November 2009, celebrations conclude with a series of conferences and a Gala Awards Dinner in Toronto timed to coincide with the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

In addition, a variety of commemorative souvenirs, all bearing the special 75th anniversary logo, will be available for sale.

For further information contact Elizabeth Inglis, National Communications Chair:  e-mail lizinglis@technalysis.on.ca telephone 416-493-1223 (work) 416-491-4230 (home).

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