56 SIDELINES JULY 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
By Eric G. Dierks
When I think of all the life lessons I have
learned, and still will learn, I have the horse to
thank. When I think about how to treat my life
teacher with care, respect and love, I have
Pony Club to thank.
I frst got the bug watchingmy Dad work with
horses. Whether he was riding, long-lining
or leading them, the horse had an eye and
expression that when asked to do something,
they wanted to please him. I wanted to be
like Dad not just because any son does, but
because he exemplifed patience and horses
loved him. I was hungry for knowledge and
Pony Club appeared to be the vehicle.
I was around 12-years-old when I was
exposed to Pony Club – and I thought I was
hot stuff. When I appeared for my frst lesson
in what I thought was my Olympic demeanor,
I received a lecture on my safety, how I led
a horse and was asked questions in relation
to the care of my tack. My frst thought was,
“Maybe Pony Club is not for me.” Then I saw
the girl-guy ratio and thought, “I’ll give it a try.”
I just wanted to get on and ride, jump jumps
and go venture out on the trails, but there
was much to learn that I was unconsciously
incompetent on that would make me a better
horseman - not just a rider. I was humbled
that there were many little things that lead to
bigger consequences for my safety and my
horse’s well being.
Entering at the “D” level was tiresome, but
necessary. Though I may have frightened
many of the parents with my green mounts,
I was having a blast learning with my peers
and looked forward to a future goal of getting
the elite “A” rating. Every Saturday I looked
forward to mounted lessons from Jurgen
Roesch. We were taught independence
and taking accountability for the care of our
equine partner. I had no idea that I too would
be following in their footsteps.
I really enjoyed learning about the horse
inside and out. From veterinary care,
nutrition, pasture management, conformation
and lameness and much more. From barn, to
horse, to trailer, to pasturemanagement, there
was no stone unturned in the development of
a true horseman. It was my goal to learn the
best possible care for my horse.
As Pony Club members we were invited
to go on foxhunts and taught etiquette and
respect among the members of the hunt,
though sometimes I felt we had more control
over our horses than the feld themselves.
Camps were also a big hit. Learning from
guest clinicians, testing our independence
Life Lessons Learned Through Pony Club
e
Eric and his wife Trayce at their Renovatio Farms in Tryon, North Carolina.
Photo by Beth Grant - bethgrantphotography.com
The Dierks’ farm in Tryon, North Carolina is a refection of their Pony Club upbringing,
where the pursuit of excellence, safety and fun are not just priorities but a way of life.
Photo by Beth Grant - bethgrantphotography.com
Continued on page 58