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This is where you will find stories, information and competitions especially for younger Pony Club members.

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PREPARING FOR WINTER

Here is an article, from Pony Club Instructor, Jill Welch, about caring for your pony, for you to read - and to print out - if you wish. (If you are from a Northern hemisphere country, don't forget that the seasons are the opposite way round so what we are talking about here applies to early winter in New Zealand).

As winter comes on we like our comforts and so does your pony.  We like to feel cosy and warm and we eat good energy filled foods to withstand winter weather.  For your pony, this means a sheltered paddock where possible, a good cover; regular feeding with hay as the grass growth slows down and hard feed where necessary.

You will, by now, have given your pony an autumn drench and, if he is to be turned out (not ridden) for the winter, have taken off his shoes.  If you intend riding a little through the winter, you may possibly have had your pony given a belly clip or a low trace clip, and you will be feeding out hay as the paddock gets eaten down.  You will also have had his teeth checked

Points to remember

1.  Check your ponies' cover.  If it is new and has leather straps, they may be stiff and need softening the same as a leather saddle.  The stitching on the seams may rub a little.  In any case you should take off the cover frequently to see if it is rubbing and also to check your ponies' condition.  If the cover is old, the straps need to be maintained and the stitching needs to be checked to see whether it is holding.

2.   Check your ponies' feet regularly, but be particularly watchful when the paddock is boggy, since fungal infections are encouraged by these conditions.

3.    Watch the weather.  If a storm is forecast, make sure the paddock is free of anything which might come adrift before the storm and check your pony as soon as possible after the storm has passed.

4.    Only remove dirt and dry sweat when grooming.  Your pony needs grease in his winter coat to help keep him warm.

5.   Ponies are sociable.  If they don't have other ponies close by they can get lonely.  Go see your pony often -just for a chat.

6.  When in doubt - READ YOUR PONY CLUB MANUAL!  OFTEN!  In particular pages 126 & 139 Manual 1 for more information on these topics.

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