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INSIDE your mag... Who’s who?
PONY magazine, Olive Studio, The Timber Yard, Grange Road, Tilford, Farnham, Surrey GU10 2DQ Tel 01428 601020 Advertising enquiries 01428 601028 Email pony@djmurphy.co.uk
Team PONY
Editor-in-Chief Louise Kittle Assistant Editor Sarah Burgess Staff Writer Nicky Moffatt Editorial Assistant Megan Xavier-Witherington Head of Art and Design Sarah Garland Deputy Head of Art and Design Adam Witt Art Editor Paul Smail Designer Lucy Claydon Marketing Manager Lianne Tadd Digital Marketing Manager Alex Uren Marketing Assistant Emily Weeks Marketing Co-ordinator Alison Hill Content Creator Kirsty Lucas Advertisement Manager Evie Edgar Production Manager Eleanor Dunn
Executive PONY
Managing Director Zoe Cannon Commercial Director Abi Cannon
PONY team adventures This month...
W
e’ve been discussing our fave time of year. Mine is autumn (all those pretty leaves and softer ground for zoomies), Sarah and Kirsty love spring, with the longer days and blossom. We reckon Polly’s fave is winter because, well, she is a total mud monster! We spend so long grooming her that we thought you’d like to see Polly and Kirsty’s grooming guide on page 28. Follow our tips and your fave pony will be sparkling in no time! Until next month!
xx
Polly’s gro oming guide on p28!
Ask the team: our ponies’ secret talents...
Smooth operation PONY
Office Manager Vicki Owen Accounts Manager Caroline Leishman Accounts Executive Sarah Smith
Photography
Bob Atkins, Lucy Merrell, Peter Nixon, Joss Ridley, Jon Stroud, The National Equine Show. zef art, Callipso88, Nicole Ciscato, Petr Ganaj, Alan Goodwin Photo, Rita_Kochmarjova, Abi’s Photos/shutterstock. com. mikhail cheremkin, Eliška, Henry/stock.adobe. com
PONY subscriptions 01442 820580 Back issues ponymag.com/shop Digital issues Visit the App store or Google Play
Polly, PONY mag pony Getting mud on the front of my face!
Sarah, Assistant Ed Prince is an expert treat detector.
Write to us at PONY mag, Olive Studio, The Timber Yard, Grange Road, Tilford, Surrey GU10 2DQ or email pony@djmurphy.co.uk
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Printed by William Gibbon & Sons Ltd. Distributed by Marketforce PONY magazine and Charlie are trademarks and copyright of DJ Murphy (Publishers) Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written authority from DJ Murphy (Publishers) Ltd.
Music to our ears
While every effort is made to ensure the information and advice contained in these articles is correct, DJ Murphy (Publishers) Ltd, its employees and the authors will not accept any responsibility for loss or damage to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of anything included in or omitted from such articles. Articles, photos and drawings are welcome but we cannot be liable for their safe return. Please enclose an SAE.
OUR FAVE SONGS TO MUCKOUT TO
You can read our full terms and conditions, and privacy and cookies policy at bit.ly/PONY_TERMS and bit.ly/PONY_PRIVACY The paper used in PONY is sourced from chain-of-custody certified manufacturers, operating within international environmental standards. This ensures sustainable sourcing of the raw materials and sustainable production.
The Fate of Ophelia by Taylor Swift – so hard not to start dancing, though! Sarah, Assistant Editor
We’re sorry, but it may not be possible to include cover gifts on copies of PONY distributed outside the UK. PONY supports social media safety – to have a Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or YouTube account you must be at least 13 years old. Always get your parents’ permission, too. PONY recommends you wear an up-to-standard riding hat at all times when mounted.
A pony’s head makes up approximately
The skull is made up of
of his bodyweight!
different bones!
10%
2
PONY magazine
Alex, Marketing Being able to undo any leadrope... super fast!
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Golden from KPop Demon Hunters always hypes me up! Megan, Editorial Assistant
WIN
Try three fun exercises over one polework layout on p6!
A pivo pod! see P10
be a better rider
6 12 16 18 20
POLEWORK IN PROGRESS Spice up your schooling JUMPING ON THE... Diagonal! PERFECT PARTNERS Find your dream pony! SHOWJUMP STAR Have a go at our awesome quiz SHAPE UP Our guide to riding serpentines
on the cover
see yourself in pony
Pony care explained
28 38 46 50 60
PERFECTLY PAMPERED on the cover Learn about grooming with Polly WISE WORMING All you need to know! on the SUPER SENSES cover Learn about your pony’s senses FEED FOCUS on the cover Test your feeding knowledge here TURNOUT TROUBLES Keep your pony happy in his stable
Great reading
4 14 24 26 40 45 52 57 62 64
PONY LOVES... Shetlands LOVE IS IN THE AIR Show your pony some love! PONY PORTRAITS on the cover Harlow’s tips for the perfect pic DREAM DAY OUT Visit the National Equine Show WIN! on the cover Amazing goodies up for grabs CRACK THE CODE Decipher Polly’s secret message! MAKE... on the cover Horse heart biscuits HELP! Your pony problems answered LIGHTS IN THE SKY A storm hits the yard... PONY PICKS Check out our fave products!
GORGEOUS posters see P33
visit the website... An important part of riding and looking after ponies is understanding that not everything will be perfect all the time. Learn how to harness the power of positive thinking at bit.ly/POSITIVE_ THINKING.
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3
N O L G A N I N P O G M A U I J D E H T ho s r ou y h s Poli
F
ancy trying something new and working on your jumping technique at the same time? Have a go at our change the rein jumping exercise!
Set it up
You can use any jump (or combination of jumps!) you’d like in this exercise. All you need to do is set them up on both long diagonals. You could start with a single fence on each line then add in another to make a bounce or double later on.
ing p m wju
e! s i c r xe e y eas r u ith o w skil s
C
H
M
E
B
K
F
A
Even approac
h
You don’t ha ve to ride th is exercise as figure of eigh a t loop, you ca n break it up riding a circle by or focus on on e line to star with, but it’s t important to ride it on both diagonals. If you only use one diagonal from H to F, , say you’ll always be approach from the left in g rein, even if yo u ride it in th other directio e n, from F to H . So, adding a jump or tw o along the M to K diagonal means you’ll approach on the right rein too, and wor , k your pony more evenly.
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PONY magazine
TOP TIP
If you’re struggling to meet the perfect take-off spot, change the line you are approaching on. Use the space wisely, but remember you don’t have to stay on the outside track until the last second – turning slightly earlier can make all the difference!
Make a change
As your pony travels over the fence on the diagonal, he’ll ne ed to change his canter lead so he lan ds on the correct lead for the rein you’ll now be on. Look in the direction you wa nt to turn and open your new inside hand and step a little into your new inside stirrup to help him understand what yo u want. As he gets used to the exercise, work to see how subtle you can make these aids!
Position pointers As your approach the fence on the diagonal, make sure you channel your pony straight and forward towards the jump, then as he takes off you can change your aids to encourage him to change legs and land on the other canter lead. Just before your pony takes off, start to look in the direction you’ll be turning. Sit up tall, though, and don’t lean to one side! As your pony is travelling over the fence, put a little more weight into the stirrup that correlates with the direction you’ll be going – for example, if you’re turning left, put more weight into your left stirrup. On landing, open up your ne inside rein slightly to guide your pony around the turn – don’t pull on the reins as this will affect that all-important rhythm and balance, just widen your hand a little away from his neck. As your pony moves away from the fence, avoid leaning down to check if he’s on the correct canter lead as you might make him unbalanced – ask someone to let you know and over time you’ll start to get a feel for this.
1
2
3
4
hm yt ecourh th ep Ke , landing ing -rid rse to When it comes TOP TIP
You can ride over poles first to establish your confidence and line – you’ll just have to give your aids a little bit quicker as there is much less airtime!
d means you’ll be on the correct canter lea round – ideal! ar more likely to jump a cle l be in better wil y pon r This is because you won’t have you and , thm rhy balance and nge his canter to waste time trying to cha is all about ing mp lead! Successful showju learning and , thm rhy maintaining a fab land on the to y pon r you age how to encour t in this. par e correct lead will play a hug
PONY magazine
13
Perfect
partners
Our guide will help you work out what type of pony would suit you best
I
f you’re about to enter the wonderful world of pony ownership, or you’re planning r ahead for the big day, discove t mos ’re you y what sort of pon compatible with – right here!
MAKE A LIST
Before you search for you r ideal pony partner, ask an experienced adult to hel p you make a list of all the qua lities your new pony needs to have. Prioritise things tha t matter, such as the pony’s ability to do the job you want him to do, his temperam ent, health and height. Okay, you may have your heart set on a specific breed, colour or type, but be prepared to compromise on less important things. Often your ideal pony looks nothing like the one you’ve dreamt abo ut owning for years!
Confidence counts If you struggle with nerves, a steady, reliable pony is just what you need. And, as long as he – or she – is in good health, don’t be put off by an older pony. One who’s been there, done it and got the T-shirt will teach you sooo much and help your confidence soar to great new heights!
16
PONY magazine
TOP TIP
Ask the current owner or the person selling the pony lots of questions so you can learn more about the pony’s likes and dislikes, as well as any funny habits he has!
TOP TIP
Dressage divas Love dressage? You’ll need a pony who’s been well schooled. With the help of your instructor, check out adverts for ponies with a good temperament, three nice paces and natural balance, as they’re more likely to excel in dressage.
did you know? Older, more experienced ponies are referred to as schoolmasters because they make such great teachers.
If you like a pony, make sure you go back a few times to try him in different environments so you can see how he reacts to new things.
Rise to the occasion Showjumping and cross-country enthusiasts, your ideal pony will be a real athlete who loves nothing more than tackling a course of fences. If you want to be competitive in either discipline, a pony who already has a successful jumping record means that you can get started as soon as you’ve established your bond!
A NEED FOR SPEED
TOP TIP
Some riders looove super speedy activities, such as pony racing, endurance or fast hacks. If this sounds like you, look for a pon y who oozes athletic ability, is sure-footed and up for plenty of fun. Finer breeds tend to be more agil e and have better stamina than heavier types, so bear this in mind during your search.
Film your trial rides so you can review and reflect on your time together. Plus, if you do find the perfect match, you’ll have videos of your first memories together – cute!
The perfect all-rounder Perhaps you’re looking for a pony who can do a bit of everything – hacking, dressage, jumping, the lot. Ponies like this will promise you years of fun. Happy pony shopping!
PONY magazine
17
PO
y Y L L
THE
pony
Perfectly pampered Let’s learn how to groom with our fave pony Polly!
1
G
’s rooming is an essential part of any pony ! riding e you’r not or her whet daily routine, know to ng getti time ding spen been e We’v way Polly and giving her a pamper is a great ling! spark her get we to do just that, so here’s how
Picking out feet
Start your grooming session by picking out your fave pony’s feet. This will ensure there’s nothing in their hooves that might be uncomfortable for them. Running your hand all the way down the back of their leg, apply a little bit of pressure close to the fetlock and lift up their foot, then use the hoof pick in a downwards motions either side of the sensitive frog to remove dirt, stones and bedding. Use a stiff brush to flick away any last bits of mud so you can check your pony’s feet and shoes (if they wear them), are in tip top condition. Repeat this for all four hooves.
28
PONY magazine
TOP TIP
While grooming your fave pony, check them over for lumps and bumps so you know what’s normal – that way, you can quickly spot when something new appears and deal with the problem quickly.
2
did you know?
Banish the mud
Polly looooves a roll in the boggiest patc h of the field, so she’s always super muddy! We like to use a dandy brush on her unclipped areas, such as her legs, to get rid of the mud that’s stuck to her coat. Then we use a rubber curry comb or mag ic brush to clean off the mud on her clipped parts – these are more sensitive, so we’re super gentle.
Grooming gets the blood moving around your pony’s body, which can help improve skin and coat condition. Plus, if it’s a chilly winter’s day then a thorough groom will keep you warm, too!
3
Brushing the body
Now all the mud has been lifted, we use a body brush and work it all over Polly’s body, including her tummy and legs, to remove dust and any loose hairs. To help your pony look their best, while using it regularly clean the body brush with a metal curry comb – a dirty brush isn’t going to leave you with a shiny pony!
Polly’s pointers I’m currently sporting a cool blanket clip, so I’m sooo grateful when my rug is kept on, or folded back, while I’m being groomed on a chilly day!
PONY magazine
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