The Pony Club is an international voluntary youth organisation for young people interested in ponies and riding. Founded in England in 1929, and granted independent charitable status on 1st January 1997, there are around 345 Branches and 600 Centres in the UK alone. The Pony Club has been the starting point for a large majority of equestrian team members and medal winners. Membership is available to children until the end of The Pony Club Year or the Centre Membership Subscription Year, whichever is relevant, in which they become 21 years old afterwhich members can become associate members until they are 25.