Locals Blake Duarte and Marina Bireley's team placed second while Jessica Pieracci, Briana Carson and Sophia Teixeira's team placed ninth out of 17 teams in their division at the competition Saturday.

The top placing competitors from will go on to compete at the national quiz competition this summer in Washington.

The quiz rally was a non-riding team competition where Pony Club members show their knowledge and skills in topics related to horse management, horse sports, safety and general horse knowledge.

All are members of the Golden Hills Pony Club, which covers Santa Clara, San Benito and Monterey counties. Members meet twice a month with one riding meeting and one horse management meeting. They also participate in regional events and competitions throughout the year.

Pony Club is one of the leading junior equestrian organizations in the world, represented in 30 countries. The United States has over 600 individual clubs spread through 48 states and the Virgin Islands, with more than 12,000 members.

Pony Club provides opportunities for instruction and competition in riding, horse sports and horse management for children and young adults up to 25 years. The term "pony" reflects the age of the members, rather than the size of the mount. Horses and ponies of many different breeds, shapes, and sizes are used in Pony Club activities.

It is not necessary for a child to own a horse or pony, but they must have access to one when required. Programs are offered in dressage, eventing, show jumping, mounted games, tetrathlon, quiz, vaulting, foxhunting, and polocrosse.

During "unmounted" meetings members learn about feeding, shoeing, veterinary care and other areas of horse management. Under adult supervision, the more experienced Pony Club members instruct and assist younger members.

If you are interested in learning more about Pony Club you can visit their website at www.ponyclub.org or contact Bess Pieracci, district commissioner at (831) 663-1351.