The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. has been invited to partner with The Trust for the National Mall to assist in their efforts to provide design ideas and considerations for the new and upgraded stabling for the horses of the U.S. Park Police Mounted Unit. Located in the Ash Woods of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., near the Korean War Memorial, the current stables and building are outdated and no longer meet the needs of the Park Police. The site’s location on the National Mall is highly visible, and its appearance and visual impact on the surrounding area and visitors are tremendously important.
Once completed, the new U.S. Park Police Stables and facilities will become a new principle destination on the National Mall, making the USPP Horse Mounted United and its horses an integral part of the visitor experience.
“Pony Club is honored to have been invited to be part of the important project that will have an impact on one of our most visible national parks,” stated Connie Jehlik, USPC director of instruction services. “Barn design and use is part of the educational standards that our members must complete in their certification process, and it is a privilege to be helping the Trust for the National Mall. We are looking forward to reviewing all of the submitted plans in January.”
Pony Club Members that have reached the H-B level or higher are encouraged to submit barn building plans for a contest to be held at the USPC Annual Meeting and Symposium in January 2015. The meeting will be held in our Nation’s Capital. For more information visit the Pony Club website.
The Trust for the National Mall is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 dedicated to restoring, improving and preserving the National Mall. Phase I of the first approved park project, Constitution Gardens, will begin in 2015 with the restoration of the Historic Lockkeeper’s House. For more information see http://nationalmall.org.
The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (Pony Club) was founded in 1954 as a nonprofit national youth organization to teach riding and horsemanship through a formal educational program. There are approximately 10,000 Pony Club members in over 600 clubs and riding centers throughout the country. Many of the nation’s top equestrians, including several of our Olympic team members, business professionals, government leaders and career military officers, have roots in Pony Club. Traditional members range in age from as young as 4 through age 25. Pony Club also offers educational opportunities to over 500 adult members in its Horsemasters Program.