With a huge passion for riding, and an even bigger heart, Alpine teen Chelsea Vexland decided to give something back to the sport she loves. She founded Pony Up!-Equestrians Giving Back in early 2007 with hopes of helping those who love to ride but are physically or mentally challenged. One hundred percent of all contributions go to local North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) centers.

Pony Up! is not only special for its philanthropic objectives, but it is also another competitive class in which kids at all levels can participate. The program raises money when exhibitors gather pledges or make a minimum donation in lieu of entry fees for an Open Pleasure class. It’s similar to most other ordinary classes with awards given through eighth place, but it is unique in that the Pony Up! pleasure class recognizes two first place participants: the class winner and the rider who raises the most money. If someone is feeling low about their standing, their spirits should be raised when they receive a Pony Up! t-shirt, as well as the knowledge that they rode for a good cause.
Chelsea first got the idea for Pony Up! when she tried to organize a Riding for Reading class at the local East County Horseshow Association (ECHO) show. Frustrated that the program was only available to rated shows and the cost to show management was high, she decided that she could start her own program that would allow riders to give back to their community while doing what they love.
Pony Up! held it first class at the May 20 ECHO show in San Diego County’s Lakeside. Riding Hidden Fox Farm’s pony Sweet and Low, Lilly Garth took both first place awards. Lilly raised over $400 for Partners Therapeutic Horsemanship program in Lakeside. As show managers are encouraged to make a donation matching the pledges collected by exhibitors, the grand total rose up beyond expectations to almost $2,600.
Thrilled and encouraged with its success in its first show endeavor, Pony Up! will hold its second event at the upcoming Sept. 16 ECHO show at Pillsbury Ranch. With big aspirations, Chelsea hopes that Pony Up! will expand to other local shows and eventually some USEF rated shows. She plans to talk with the GSDHJA board about holding a Pony Up! class at their championship show in October.
One might assume a program this giving and large would be started by a college-bound senior or even young adult, but Chelsea organized this as only a freshman in high school. While dealing with the usual adolescent stresses at Valhalla High School in El Cajon, she finds much enjoyment in riding and especially likes hunt seat equitation. She is a seasoned veteran with five years under her belt as a rider on the Greater San Diego show circuit and dreams of attending a college in Southern California.
Chelsea is especially grateful to the Pony Up! sponsors Foxlair West, Jennifer’s Tack and Feed, Hydroflow Raingutter Systems, and the SOCO group; her mom Laurie and to Trish Watlington, manager of East County Horseshow Organization for their support in starting this worthwhile project.
If you would like to know more about Pony Up! contact Chelsea at cvexland@sbcglobal.net. You can also find a Pony Up! entry form on the ECHO website at www.echohorseshow.com.