INSIDE your mag... INSIDE your mag...
PONY team adventures
Who’s who? Who’s who?
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This month...
We’ve been busy thinking up SO many amazing things to inspire you to have your best horsey summer ever! With six weeks of no school, we’ve got so many things for you to try –one for every day of the holidays! And the good news is, you don’t even need to be at the stables to do plenty of them!
One thing I’ll definitely be doing is going on a trip to the gallops. Fancy giving it a go? Turn to p6 for our top tips!
Until next month!
Are you camp ready? Find out on p42...
Write to us at PONY mag, Olive Studio, The Timber Yard, Grange Road, Tilford, Surrey GU10 2DQ or email pony@djmurphy.co.uk the team: If our ponIES were a dessert...
Lou, PONY Ed
A trifle. So many layers!
Sarah, Assistant Ed Chocolate brownie. Loved by all!
Alex, Marketing Sticky toffee pudding –he’s so sweet!
OUR RIDING SKILLS Working on my own fitness!
Megan, Ed Assistant
Getting back into the habit of regular lessons!
Kirsty, Ed Assistant
Riding other horses –it’s the best way!
Sarah, Assistant Ed
DJMur phy
Ioff to the gallops off to the gallops off to the gallops
Follow our tips for a super-fun adventure!
f you’ve never taken your fave pony to the gallops, then it’s one for your summer holiday bucket list! There’s nothing quite like going zoomies with your equine bestie, but what do you need to think about to maximise your time on the track?
did you know?did you know?
Gallops can either be straight, curved or a complete loop. They’re all really fun to ride on, but unless they’re a complete loop, you’ll usually have to leave the gallop track and ride back to the bottom to go up them again.
What are the benefits?
• Taking your pony to the gallops is great for mixing up his training sessions. He’ll love being out and about!
• There’s no better way to boost your pony’s fitness! With the perfect ground, you can really work on his strength and stamina!
• Zoomies with your pony is one of the most freeing feelings – and it shows you have so much trust and confidence in each other.
• On top of all of this, it’s just sooo much fun!
TOP TIP
Before you get going with any faster work, make sure you warm up properly. Taking your pony for a good walk around the track first is a great way to familiarise him with the environment, too.
Safety first
It’s essential to stay safe to ensure you have the best time...
• Before you get going, make sure your pony is wearing the correct tack –generally, it’s a good idea to wear the same tack as you would for jumping or fast hacking.
• Check his girth is correctly fastened and not too loose (or tight – ouch!).
• Pop a neck strap on so you can hold it for extra stability.
• Fit your pony with a pair of brushing boots to help protect his legs as you up the pace.
• Check the chinstrap on your hat to make sure it’s not too loose.
• It’s a good idea to wear a body protector.
TOP TIP
Check the gallops rules and be aware of others using the track.
Position pointers
You already know that, whatever activity you’re doing with your pony, how you sit in the saddle and the aids you use can hugely impact his performance. But, at the gallops, what else do you need to consider?
IN WALK AND TROT – sit tall, the same as you would when doing flatwork, and use your seat and voice, as well as transitions, to keep your pony listening. If he speeds up, slow your rising and take big, deep breaths to help you both relax. Remember that pulling on his mouth can not only make him sore, but he’ll also be more likely to simply pull against you –especially when you increase the pace! So, instead, use your seat and voice to help settle him.
IN CANTER AND GALLOP – stay soft through your body to help prevent your pony getting tense, but lift yourself out of the saddle into a two-point position. Maintain an even contact on the reins and press your weight into your heels, keeping them under your hips, and your eyes and shoulders up at all times!
It’s so satisfying seeing your pony groomed to perfection, with a sparkling coat and beautifully plaited mane. But did you know it’s actually really simple to achieve? Take a look at our top turnout tips so you can dazzle in the show ring!
mane attraction mane attraction mane attraction
Our top tips for giving your pony that wow factor!
Plaiting perfection
There are so many different types of plaits you can do, from running and scallop plaits to a French plait or even a lattice design!
Tidy the tangles
Keeping your pony’s mane and tail clean is the first step to perfect turnout. Before plaiting, gently comb through his mane and tail to remove any tangles, as well as mud or bedding that might be hiding!
TOP TIP
Detanglers can make hair slippery to handle and tricky to plait, so don’t use any for a week before you plan to plait.
what you’ll need
plaiting bands that match your pony’s mane and tail colour
comb
claw clip to hold loose hair out of the way
damp sponge
needle and thread (optional)
hair wax or gel to tame flyaways (optional)
Competition ready
If you’re plaiting your pony for a competition rather than just for fun, aim to have an odd number of plaits down his neck, as the plait in his forelock makes it an even number!
Safe and secure
If your fave pony has a particularly thick mane, you can double band the plaits or use a needle and thread to help keep them in place.
TOP TIP
Before plaiting, divide your pony’s mane into equal sections so you know the end result will be even!
Rub-a-dub-dub
When it comes to bathing and cleaning pesky grass or stable stains away, shampoo is your best friend. But did you know, there are special shampoos to enhance the different coat colours?
• Purple or blue shampoo is great for grey ponies and white socks as the colour counteracts the yellow tint.
• Gold or copper tones help to enhance chestnut, roan or palomino coats.
• Red shampoo is fab for liver chestnut or bright bay ponies.
• Black shampoo for black or dark bay coats boosts shine.
Bright white
Once your pony’s legs are clean and dry, you can apply chalk made into a paste with water to get that brighter-than-white look! Just sponge it on and wait for it to dry, then gently brush it off before heading into the ring.
