DECEMBER 2025 PONY TAILS
A Letter from Alice
Hi kids!
‘Tis the season... for another issue of the Pony Tails Kids Club Digital Magazine! As we enter into a busy month that’s filled with plenty of different holidays around the world, I’m excited to give you even MORE reason to celebrate with my new December edition.
As the year comes to a close, I wanted to thank my readers for a wonderful 12 months of friends & fun! Knowing that every 30 days I get to share new stories and adventures with my pony pals warms my heart. Thank you for coming along on this journey with me!
Here’s to celebrating lots of things - but especially family, good friends, and our beloved horses.
Give your ponies an extra big pat for me this holiday season.
With love,
Alice the Pony
Horse/Pony Breed of the Month: ARDENNAIS
Photo courtesy of horsesandfoals.com
This breed, also referred to as Ardennes, is one of the oldest drafts around today. They originated from France and Luxembourg, and have a “rustic”, sturdy appearance. Once used for war, these mighty and beautiful horses are now commonly seen assisting heavy farmwork or competing in driving events. They are often described as “gentle giants” with their calm, kind demeanor.
What breed do you want to see featured in our next issue?
Reach out to Alice at ponytails.alice@hcbc. ca and let her know!
Story Feature: A Friend of Frosty
I’m sure you ’ ve heard of a snowman... but what about a snowhorse? Read along to discover the tale of a very special creature, sculpted by a few friends on a chilly December morning.
A Friend of Frosty
It was the first big snowfall of the year, which meant two things:
1 All of the kids got a snow day, allowing them to stay home from school
2 When everyone heard the news, they immediately ran over to the barn to play in the powder-covered fields.
In pastures once green but now coated white, the children laughed and rolled around in their snowsuits They made snow-angels and built forts, molding the snow into magic With rosy cheeks and big grins, they entertained themselves for hours Meanwhile, the herd of horses watched them from the other side of the fence as snowflakes collected on their furry backs
All of a sudden, one of the kids piped up “I have an idea!” exclaimed Emily with glee “We’ve already built a snowman But how about we build a snowhorse?” The children all agreed and got to work with enthusiasm. Ryan started on the body while Kira began shaping out the legs Emily helped with the mane and tail while Matt and Lauren crafted the face. After 20 minutes of careful molding, carving, and patting down, the snowhorse was complete With two pointy ears, a mane of straw, and eyes made out of pebbles, it was the kids’ most realistic sculpture yet
But all of a sudden, it wasn’t just a sculpture anymore The lifelike snowhorse actually came to life, turning into a moving, talking being. The children gasped as they watched this magical transformation, afraid to look away for even a second There she stood in front of them, a real breathing creature with icicles dripping from her snow chin. The snowhorse then began prancing around the field of white, blending in seamlessly with the background “What are you waiting for?” she called out to the others, who were still standing in shock. She began running faster and faster, until dusts of snowflakes flew off her back as she galloped around The children joined in, running like the wind and chasing her
They all played together until the daylight started to fade, and late afternoon turned to early evening. As the sun began to set, the children knew it was time to return home for supper Emily looked towards the road to her house, then back at the snowhorse “I don’t want to leave you ” she admitted sadly to her new friend “I wish there was a way we could come back tomorrow and see you again.” The snowhorse bowed her head, equally sad but understanding that the children had to go inside now and warm up.
“Wait a second!” Matt exclaimed “I just got a text from my mom It’s looking like we ’ re gonna get another foot of snow tomorrow... which means it’ll be a snow day AGAIN!” The kids all cheered and celebrated, hugging the snowhorse and talking excitedly about what tomorrow’s snow day would have in store.
THE END.
Activity of the Month: WORD MATCH
Let’s put your horsey knowledge to the test!
Match the words listed on the left with the descriptions given on the right by drawing an arrow between them.
Consists of long hairs found on the horse’s neck and between their ears
A delicious and festive treat for your favourite horse
The fastest gait that a horse can perform, similar to “running”
A warm indoor space for horses to stay in and escape the cold
Used to keep some horses warm and protect them from the harsh weather
A type of cart pulled by big draft horses through the snow
Blanket
Gallop
Peppermint
Sleigh Mane
Stall
HORSEY FACTS OF THE MONTH: IN THE FESTIVE SPIRIT
Check out these tips and tricks to make this the horsiest holiday season ever!
Holiday Cards
These are a perfect way to send your season ’ s greetings to your favourite horseenthusiast All proceeds go to the HCBC Animal Disaster Relief Fund. Purchase a box for just $5 at https://store hcbc ca/
Sleigh the Holidays!
Looking for a horsey holiday activity? Victoria, BC is a great place to go for a carriage tour of the city’s festive lights!
Image provided by Canva
Colouring Page
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