PONY Magazine - Spring 2022

Amazing PONY journal! journal

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7 ways to be a confident

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Welsh ponies PONYMAG.COM

9 9 February – 8 March 2022

770032 425966

9 9 Spring 2022 £4.25 Issue 888 DJMurphy

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Take the pony academy test!

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! y r t n u o c one cross-part Get ready for the most epic day out with your fave pony

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umping cross-country’s super-exciting and sure to give you a huge adrenaline rush, but there’s so much more to it than you might think. From remembering all the right kit to jumping some tricky combinations, Team PONY’s here to get you fully prepared for your next big pony adventure.

KIT LIST

ed for Got everything you ne e our Us t? ou y da your horsey forget the checklist so you don’t ! essentials For you: Hat Body protector Gloves Short riding whip For your pony: Well-fitting tack Boots all round

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TOP TIP

It’s a good idea to pop a neck strap, martingale or breastplate on your pony when going cross-country.

It’ll give you something to hold onto if you feel unbalanced.

did you know?

Studs aren’t essential, but they’re used to give your pony added grip when being ridden on grass. If he’s shod, speak to your farrier about getting stud holes put in so he can wear studs if the ground’s slippery. Don’t worry if he’s barefoot, though, he’ll naturally have more grip!

FIGHTING FIT

TOP TIP

Before your day out, check the ground isn’t going to be too wet or hard.

You don’t want to arrive and find it’s not safe for you or your pony.

Your pony needs to be fit enough to canter around the whole course – if he’s not, he might injure himself.

Make sure you practise longer canters and faster hacks at home to boost his fitness gradually.

Need help coming up with a fitness plan for your pony? Head to p18 to check out This Esme’s guide.

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Check it out

Meg Elphick shows you how to check that your pony’s in good health

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ost pony owners will have their vet on speed dial, but knowing how to check over your pony – or the one you have lessons on – to make sure he’s happy and healthy is super-important. It’ll help you spot any changes before they become an issue and alert your vet or the pony’s owner. It could also help you get to the bottom of behavioural or ridden issues, which are often caused by physical problems.

Leg on

Ponies often bang their legs or get cuts while they’re out in the field. This means it’s important to keep a close eye on their limbs for any lumps, bumps or wounds.

Make sure you run your hands down the front and back of each of your pony’s legs, including his knees and fetlocks, every time you see him.

This will teach you what’s normal for him and help you feel any heat or lumps, but he’ll let you know through his reactions if anywhere you touch is sore, too.

If you find any cuts or lumps, speak to your yard manager and then call your vet if they don’t think it’s easily treated from home. For example, a little rub could be treated by being cleaned and applying wound cream, but a cut over a joint needs veterinary attention.

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eye Eye to eye

Carefully check your pony’s eyes for discharge or discolouration.

The inside of his eyelids should be light pink and moist, and there shouldn’t be any thick, white or yellow discharge. If lots of tears are coming out of his eyes, this could mean they’re irritated, so ask your vet for advice.

did you know?

Eye injuries always require veterinary attention and are considered an emergency.

feet Feet first

Checking your pony’s feet every time you pick them out will help you keep track of any changes.

Funny smells could indicate a fungal infection, such as thrush, or areas of soft horn. Look for cracks and chips, and think about whether his shoes fit well and are on tight or a bit loose.

If your pony’s hooves are dry, place one hand on each – if one is warmer than the other, it can signal a possible Learn how to check your problem such as a foot abscess or even pony’s digital pulse, which laminitis. It can also mean he’s been can be an indication of pain standing in the sun, though, so don’t or inflammation in his foot. panic straight away! Just ask your Visit bit.ly/DIGITALPULSE yard owner to check him over, too. to find out how.

TOP TIP

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