Macatawa

Where Does the Money Go?

Where Does the Money Go?

Why do we pay Dues and Fundraise? So our horse crazy kids can have horse crazy friends and develop character, experience compassion, and participate in their chosen sport!

WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?  To Our Members, Of Course!

New Member Parents often want to know where their membership dues go.  Whether you own your horse, lease, beg, borrow or steal one, you know that riding is expensive.  

That said, USPC National, Regional and Club dollars go right back to our members.  How?  USPC maintains a curriculum, national examination system, website, and training of experts for our use and activities are heavily subsidized or free for our members.  Pony Club offers a lot of bang for the buck.  Usually Pony Club lessons, clinics and competitions are less than they would be outside Pony Club.

Income:  In addition to our national, regional and club dues dollars, all non-profits, we fundraise and accept donations each year.  The money earned decreases the financial burden for ALL our members. 

The more you participate, the more cost effective your membership becomes.

 

HERE ARE ALL THE WAYS YOUR DOLLARS AND TIME GO BACK TO YOUR MEMBER

We ask Parents, Instructors, Facility Owners to Volunteer and Donate:  Pony Club is a volunteer-run organization which reduces the cost of activities to families.  We set our budget together each year at the annual Sponsor's Meeting.

Even so, there are still many expenses associated with its operation.   For example: 

Facilities:  When Pony Club holds an unmounted or mounted activity, it often pays some fee for use of that facility.  Whenever possible, the Region and the Clubs try to use free facilities or those that require minimal fees.  Every year we donate our time and work at a Work-Day for the FREE use of our primary facility.

Insurance:  Our sport is sometimes risky.  Your membership dollars pay for USPC insurance for members and volunteers at every PC activity.  Having our own insurance means facility owners are willing to host our meetings and events.

Certification Testing:  When possible, Upper Level Members donate their time to test Lower Level ones.  However, when we hire outside Examiners, they are compensated for their time and expertise.  Usually, the cost of testing is passed on to our members.

Instruction:  C's Give Back to D's:  When possible, upper level Pony Club members instruct lower level members as part of their education as teachers, and, as a way to "give back" to their club and the region, both in unmounted and mounted meetings.  

C's & Ds receive club subsidized expert instruction:  Our members receive instruction from recognized, local instructors who are paid to teach our members. Our region, Pony Clubs & Centers do their best to keep these costs low.  

Rally and Clinic Reimbursements:  Pony Club has been fortunate to host many nationally known and respected clinicians over the years and we do our best to make these opportunities affordable to our members.  We hire National Examiners, Judges and Horse Management Chiefs and Nationals, the Region AND Pony Clubs may pay a portion of the registration fee for "members in good standing."

Equipment:  Our Pony Clubs own some equipment and make it available for use by members without charge.  This includes team equipment for rally, our equine-related library, or other equipment.  While not required, members often hand down equipment or attire to younger members at reduced or no cost.

Printing and Supplies:  To operate an organization such as a Pony Club, supplies and teaching materials are a must.   We try to keep costs low by using technology and donated printing where we can.

Other Expenses:  Leadership training & travel expenses to the USPC National Meeting for the District Commissioner and other board members, sponsorship  and corporate membership fees, are just some of the other things paid for by club funds. 


Ongoing Fundraiser:

www.ShopWithScrip.com - discounts on all the things you normally purchase - gas, groceries, dining out. With Scrip's mobile app, ordering is easy and is delivered right into the app. See District Commissioner for instructions on how to sign up.

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