PONY magazine – July 2017

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July 2017 £3.49 Issue 827

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Fix up

g n i p m u j r you

time? Read Fed up of not going clear ever y lems... our guide to fix your jumping prob

Get ready to tack le

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PONY magazine

some fences

next time. happening again , ny knocks the poles po ur yo er Wheth The lp. he to re he ’re t, we refuses or runs ou ide explains why it’s gu e zin ga ma NY PO w you can fix it... happening and ho

Top tip

Remember the difference between impulsion and speed. Impulsion is the amount of energy your pony has to propel himself forwards, speed is how fast he’s going.

Demolition cre w

What’s hap pole dow pened? Your p ony’s kn n – oop ocked a s!

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Fix it by ... gettin g yo you and perfectin ur pony listenin g to g your t Using a ake-off . is the ea placing pole in front of siest wa the jum y to sho pony wh p w you a ere the nd your best tak Here’s h e-off po ow... int is.

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the perfe ct stride

Exercise — plac ing poles 1.

Place a p ole one c anter stri front of de in the fenc e (aroun three-an d 3m or d-a-half of your p dependin aces, g on you 2. As y r pony’s st ou appro ride). a c h the fen tall and lo ce, sit up ok up an da your legs firmly aro head. Wrap und your sides an d mainta pony’s in an eve to encou n contac rage him t to have a canter. bouncy 3. Your pony wil l canter then tak over the e off in t pole, he perfe ct spot!

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PONY magazine

9

r o f y d a e r t Ge

Pony Club

camp!

Camp is, hands down, one of the best parts of the summer holidays! But are you ready for it?

Top tip

There’s nothing worse than your pony losing a shoe at camp and having to sit out of all the fun activities. It’s a good idea to book the farrier in a week or two before camp to be prepared!

Top tip

Don’t forget to take along some treats for your pony and snacks for you!

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PONY magazine

A

whole week with your fave pony and friends, what’s not to love? Camp is a great time to work on your riding, perfect your stable management skills, build your bond with your pony and make friends for life in the process.

But, as well as being great fun, camp is a lot of hard work.

You’ll be riding your pony twice a day on most days, so it’s important to make sure he’s up to the challenge. You’ll also be responsible for all your pony’s care, which can be daunting if you’re not used to doing everything.

Fit for fun!

You’ll be riding every day at camp, and often in the morning as well as the afternoon. There’s usually a mix of flatwork, showjumping and cross-country lessons, as well as fun things like gymkhanas, so you’ll need to make sure your pony’s fitness is up to scratch for the busy timetable!

Start thinking about your pony’s fitness six to eight weeks before camp starts. Gradually increase the length of your hacks and schooling sessions, then start to introduce more trot and canter work. You should increase the number of days your pony’s ridden, too. If he’s normally only ridden twice a week, it’s not fair to suddenly ride him every day!

Food for thought

As your pony does more work, think about what he’s fed. He may need a higher-energy feed to help him with his higher workload. Ask a nutritionist for advice.

At camp, ponies are stabled, which might mean your pony isn’t getting the vitamins and minerals he usually finds in his grazing. Consider adding a supplementary balancer to his diet and taking a lick or stable toy with you to make sure he stays occupied, happy and healthy all week long.

Top tip

Write your name on everything before you go. Things are bound to go missing, so make sure everyone knows whose stuff belongs to who.

Top tip

Ask your instructor to help you put together a fitness plan for your pony if you’re not sure where to start.

Remember, introduce any changes to his workload gradually.

Clean it up

p, so Spotless turnout is a must at cam making by f rsel you for ier eas life e mak n before you go! sure your tack and pony are clea tail detangler and e man Spray coat conditioner or le stains stab stop help to on your pony’s legs to make you with es wip tack take sticking, and cleaning super-easy.

Get organised

kit list of Most Pony Clubs will give you a make so er, emb rem to things you need g. thin any et forg ’t don you sure to print it off so able be to ’re bound But don’t panic if you do – you nd! to borrow something from a frie

Have fun!

The most important thing about camp is to enjoy yourself and learn loads! You’ll do so many things you never thought you’d be able to do, and come home with amazing memories.

PONY magazine

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