The U.S. Equestrian Federation and the U.S. Dressage Federation have teamed up to create the U.S. Pony Task Force in an effort to increase pony sport in dressage. The Pony Task Force will focus its efforts on promoting ponies for juniors and adult amateur dressage riders. 

Task Force members include Allison Head, Lendon Gray, Bill Solyntjes, Gary Rockwell, Jeremy Steinberg and Melissa Mulchahey.

Mulchahey told Eurodressage, “A primary objective of the task force is to explore and develop a pony division open to riders of all ages and all levels. This is intended to be a comprehensive program to promote ponies in dressage and could include dedicated pony tests, awards and possibly future GAIG/USDF Regional Championship classes.”

At the moment, the group is in the process of gathering information and planning various meetings throughout the summer.

“We come from varied backgrounds, so there are a lot of opinions about what’s possible,” said Head. “We’re looking at new programs—where the funding is going to come from; there are a lot of things to consider. We intend to move fairy quickly. Our goal is to have something to present to USDF and USEF by the December meetings.”