Nancy McKnight and Pony Club
Kelly McKnight emailed me to say his mother, Nancy, would be a delightful guest on the podcast. Nancy McKnight is 89 years old and spent much of her adult life helping children learn horses and horsemanship through her affiliation with the US Pony Club. The mission statement of the Pony Club is:
The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. is an educational organization which builds the foundations of teamwork and sportsmanship through riding, mounted sports, care of horses and ponies, while developing and enhancing leadership, confidence, responsibility, and a sense of community in its youth and adult members.
Nancy’s father was a dealer in farm machinery. Farmers were trading in their horses for modern implements. Nancy’s father would take the horses in trade, give them to Nancy and her sister to work with a while, then sell them. When Nancy had children of her own, she wanted them to share her love of horses. To fill in her horsemanship knowledge, Nancy turned to the United States Pony Club and its teachings. She began a chapter of the organization in Northern California. Later, when she moved to Willamette, Oregon, she began a chapter there.
Nancy taught countless children about horses. She has wonderful memories and stories to tell about her experiences teaching children through Pony Club.
Nancy remains active riding a different type of horsepower.
Thanks to Kelly of McKnight Farms for contacting me about his mother. She is a very special woman.
Join Us on this Journey
We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we’ll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.
You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at John@WhoaPodcast.com
Thanks for listening.
John & Ranae
Episode #187
Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.
Checkout My John Harrer & Horses YouTube Channel
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
When I think of horseback archery, I think of Robin Hood and Medieval Times. I didn’t realize people were practicing it today. We did a podcast on 
Michelle Gilles, horsewoman and trainer, knows women are the backbone of the horse industry. Based in the Central Valley of California, Michelle trains horses, holds clinics, and shows in reined cow horse. Growing up with horses, Michelle trained under some very impressive trainers including 
Joanne Galbraith is still going strong at age 82. Of course, you would guess that’s she has been around horses all her life. She worked at feedlots and ranches and held her own with men. She passed along a love of horses to her kids. And she loves competing. Joanne rides in Gymkana events on her good horse, Ricky.