For the McCombs Family, Pony Club is a Family Affair

Posted on by Dan DiBella Posted in Garwood Times, Our Publications
(above) July 19th Sarah McCombs and “Sin City GSH” during Standard Training Level Test 3, where she placed 3rd out of 24 overall, and the only Junior Young Rider to place top 3 against professional adult riders.

For the McCombs Family, Pony Club is a Family Affair

For the McCombs household of Garwood, NJ, the United States Pony Club has become a central part of their lives. What started as a few horseback riding lessons at Watchung Stables, Union County Parks, during the COVID-19 pandemic has blossomed into a full-fledged family passion for equestrian sports.

In 2022, the McCombs family discovered Whispering Lake Equestrian, a private hunter-jumper barn in Pittstown, NJ. Here, they were introduced to the United States Pony Club (USPC), New Jersey Region. The family quickly became active members and volunteers of the Amwell Valley Hounds Pony Club. James McCombs now serves as District Commissioner, and Victoria McCombs volunteers as a Pony Club teacher, providing weekly horse and barn management lessons to aspiring equestrians aged 7-13. The United States Pony Club is renowned for its emphasis on character building, teamwork, and leadership. According to their website, (ponyclub.org) the USPC provides opportunities for members to learn about horses and riding while developing important life skills such as responsibility, perseverance, and respect. Pony Club members participate in a variety of disciplines, including dressage, show jumping, and eventing, and they gain hands-on experience in horse care and management.

(above) July 23 Sarah McCombs and “Sin City GSH” Standard Testing Level Test Freestyle to a Taylor Swift Medley arranged by her father, James McCombs.

Sarah McCombs, 13, entering 8th grade at Garwood Lincoln School, already has a promising future in equestrian sports. Ms. McCombs represented New Jersey in dressage at the 2024 United States Pony Club Championships. The annual event brings together the best young riders from across the country to compete in various equestrian disciplines. “The U.S. Pony Club allows me to compete with professional riders and to learn from top trainers” said Sarah McCombs, “plus, you make such good friends at the barn and the rallies and competitions!” further fueling her passion for the sport.

In preparation for the 2024 Pony Club Championships, Sarah trained with Lauren Chumley, an international-level dressage rider who is currently in Paris to support her trainer, Olympian Marcus Orlab, a member of Team USA’s Paris 2024 Olympic Equestrian Team. “Sarah has had these opportunities thanks to the United States Pony Club and our amazing barn family,” said Victoria McCombs. “Equestrian sports can be prohibitive, the United States Pony Club changes that- it allows anyone interested in equestrian sports to learn about these amazing animals, how to care for them, and how to safely ride. James McCombs added, “These kids work hard—they muck stalls, groom horses, train, and learn about equine health, rider safety, land conservation, and self-advocacy. It’s something else!”  “At the barn, you’ll see an 8-year-old girl tell a 1,200-pound animal what to do, that takes character and confidence! Hard work, inclusion, discipline, teamwork, and good character are very important to our family.” Said Victoria McCombs. Sarah regularly competes in hunter-jumper and dressage shows throughout New Jersey, representing Whispering Lake Equestrian and Amwell Valley Hounds Pony Club at the regional level, and the New Jersey Pony Club at the national level. Her dedication and hard work have set her on a path to achieving her equestrian dreams.

The McCombs family’s journey with the United States Pony Club is a testament to the organization’s mission of making equestrian sports accessible and enriching for all young people. The Garwood community can take pride in Sarah’s athletic achievements and the values instilled through her Pony Club experience.