Heidi Goeller and Stephanie Quatchak stand guilty as charged.

These two 17 year olds, along with 16-year-old Kelsey Brazell, are accused of "horsin' around" -- big time.

Like most high schoolers they have a plateful of activities to complement their studies. But these three are also involved in a sport that does not get much attention. And yet, it has been an Olympic event for decades.

Heidi and Stephanie are equestriennes and members of the Harts Run Hunt Pony Club. Kelsey rides independently.

For those unfamiliar with the local organization, they are part of 600 individual Pony Clubs spread across the United States. Pony Club is one of the leading junior equestrian organizations in the world, represented throughout 30 countries.

Although the girls became friends through the Harts Run Pony Club, their familiarity with horses and riding began earlier in their lives.

"My grandfather had a farm. That's where I learned to ride" said Heidi Goeller, a recent Fox Chapel Area High School graduate. "I got my own horse when I was in seventh grade."

Quatchak, a North Allegheny High School grad, also had a similar recollection: "I began riding when I was 12."

Brazell has been riding since third grade and enjoys, "speed and jumping."

While other sports vie for their attention, the special bond that develops between horse and rider makes for a unique relationship. That's not always easy to achieve, especially if the rider happens to be involved in other activities as well.

For instance, Quatchak played slow-pitch softball, while Goeller's skills on the basketball court at Fox Chapel High won her all-section recognition. Finding time to improve their equestrian training and participate in competition poses a challenge.

Plus, unlike the wide open spaces of western states, commercial development here has gobbled up farms as well as horse trails.

But a dedicated group of area horse lovers who share the importance of passing down their knowledge has helped others enjoy and respect all facets of horsemanship. In addition to the Harts Run Pony Club, North Allegheny Horseman's Association and Stoney Brooke Saddle Club from Plum are two other institutions that offer instruction and horse management.

But the Harts Run Pony Club is more closely affiliated to the USPC. Their motto being "Friendships, Education, Horses, and a lifetime of memories" captures the essence of their mission.

The term "pony" reflects the age of the members, rather than the size of the mount. Horses and ponies of many different breeds and shapes are seen in the club's activities.

The club provides opportunities for instruction and competition in English riding, horse sports and horse management for children and young adults up to 25 years of age.

Each local club is a member of a region. The Tri-State Region governs clubs in Ohio, Western Pennsylvania and Northern West Virginia and currently has 15 clubs on its rolls.

While it is not necessary for a child to own a horse or a pony, they must have access to one when required. Programs are offered in dressage, eventing, show jumping, mounted games, tetrathlon, quiz and vaulting. At quiz rallies and "unmounted" meetings, time is spent learning about feeding, showing and veterinary care, and other areas of horse management.

The ultimate challenge for equestrians is three-day eventing, sometimes called a "horse triathlon." A bit grueling, the event is designed to test the training, ability and strength of a horse. It also takes particular note of the connection between horse and rider.

Three disciplines -- dressage, endurance and show jumping -- usually kept separate, are incorporated in this demanding display.

A veterinarian is also present to monitor the overall health of the mounts because they represent a sizeable investment to their owners. While a pony might cost $300, a full-grown horse can command $3,000 or more. Boarding, feeding and transporting the animal are also important financial considerations.

The North Allegheny Horseman Association stages four open show series in the summer. English as well as Western riding are featured. The North Park Horse Show Ring, across from the golf course, will be the site of the next roundup, Sunday.

There are nominal ground and entry class fees for participants ($3 and $4).

The monetary rewards are also modest. Ten dollars down to three dollars. Winning a blue ribbon is still recognized as being the best in show.

After paying for rental of the ring and taking care of the insurance, most of the proceeds are donated to various charities.