PONY magazine – September 2017

MAKE! PONY STABLE NAME PLATE PONYMAG.COM

THE UK’S NO1 PONY MAGAZINE

Meet

Mark Todd!

School shapes

explained

Ace jumping

different fences

How to

Celeb diary 0 9 9

770032 425973

September 2017 £4.99 Issue 829

Jess Mendoza writes!

bond with

your pony

BE A

showjumping

pro

T

here are lots of types of fences you’ll meet in a showjumping class, but they can be split into three main categories – cross-poles, uprights and spreads.

Once you’ve broken them down into these groups, it makes it much easier to think about how you should ride each fence on a course. It’s important not to let the appearance of spooky fences affect your riding either, so read on to find out how to tackle them. You’ll be flying round clear in no time at all!

6

PONY magazine

Cross it off

Top tip

A cross-pole is one of the most inviting types of fences you’ll find. Great for warming up, the cross helps mark out the middle of the fence, letting you know where to aim for.

You can jump a cross-pole from trot or canter, and they’re a great opportunity to work on your approach and make sure you’re riding accurately.

Remember to aim for the middle of the fence you’re jumping – you’ll ride more accurately to it and your pony will know exactly where he’s going.

How to ride them...

As you approach a cross-pole, think about... l keeping a balanced rhythm l looking up and ahead l wrapping your legs around your pony’s sides and maintaining an even contact to keep him straight l pushing your heels down to help you stay secure in the saddle

Approach the fence in a confident, rhythmical canter...

...for a good take-off...

...and a straight landing, leaving you ready to jump the rest of the course ➤ PONY magazine

7

e b

n y o p ’ s r u o y

Create the perfect bond with your pony – no love potions needed!

C

hances are, your fave pony’s already won your heart – he’s your favourite, after all.

Or, if he hasn’t quite convinced you yet he’ll deffo have you dreaming about him all day very soon – ponies are good at that. But has he realised that you’re the BFF he’s been waiting for?

Follow these steps to improve your bond and show him there’s no better friend than you...

1

needs and give him what he Start with the basics ng sti t sound like an intere to survive. It might no he’s if y pp ha ny’s going to be ingredient, but no po ke Ma s. ed ne lly thing he rea missing out on some food, alth and has enough he p -to tip in sure he’s you’ll d an e with his friends, water, shelter and tim rt. be off to a great sta

Spend as muc h time with hi m as you can you work out to help what he likes best. This does mean riding hi n’t only m, because ju st being with really importan him is t. Start by wat ching him in th seeing what he e field, spends time do ing and how he behaves with his fieldmates .

The more you know about hi s personality, closer to him the you’ll feel, and before long yo him inside-out u’ll know and back-tofront, and be predict his ev able to ery move.

24

2

PONY magazine

Top tip

It’s good to visit your fave pony on days that you’re not riding so he knows you’re coming because you really want to see him, rather than only to ride him.

3

pony on the yard. Ponies Hang out with your fave thorough groom and you a are always grateful for unity to find out where can use this as an opport , which is really handy his fave scratchy spots are s. Don’t forget to chat to if he’s not one for cuddle make him feel relaxed it’ll e your pony, too, becaus to know where you are. a bit of time in his If he has to spend quite him because then he’ll stable, try hand-grazing with all the good you really start to associate ranks high on a pony’s things in life (food always list of things he loves!).

DID YOU KNOW?

Ponies are great at keeping secrets. You can share anything with your fave pony, good news or bad, and he’ll never tell anyone else.

Top tip

When looking for his fave scratchy spot, your pony’s withers and behind his ears are good places to start.

4

Challenge your self and your fa ve pony to try something new, whether it’s tack ling a different jump, exploring a new hacking ro ute or something really cool, such as riding on the beach. When yo achieve somethi u ng together for th e first time, it creates a bond that can’t be br oken – you’ll always remembe r the pony you ha d your first canter on, or to ok you round yo ur first crosscountry course, or won your first red rosette.

PONY magazine

25

Shout

Out!

Incredible Indie This is my amazing loan pony, Indie. Although I’ve only been riding her for six months, she’s already taught me so much.

Jumping is our fave discipline as she loves flying over big oxers. When I’m having a bad day I can always count on her to cheer me up. I can’t wait to go to more shows this summer. She’s my best friend and the most incredible pony in the entire universe.

Bethanie Rowlands

Patient Pagan

Amazing Molly This is my pony, Molly. Although I’ve only owned her for a few months, we’ve already had so much fun together. I was so excited to have my first ever gallop and I recently competed in a hunter trial. I spend every spare hour with her because she’s my best friend.

This is my pony, Pagan. He’s only in light work at the moment so I take him hacking. He adores it when I give him a well-deserved groom.

He’s super-cute and I love him sooooo much.

Phoebe Deacon

MY PONY CLUB

Lily Noble

Wonderful Woody In the two years I’ve owned my pony, Woody, my riding skills have improved so much.

This year I hope to do lots of jumping because that’s our fave!

Rosie Barratt

56

PONY magazine

I’d like to give a huge shout out to my Pony Club, Marshside Riding Club. I’ve only been a member for a year but I’ve achieved so much already. We have fab instructors and the support

and encouragement from my fellow members is endless.

This photo’s of us all together having loads of fun at summer camp.

Grace Burns

Marvellous Mac George is...

This is my adorable pony, Mac. Although I’m only four years old, I ride most days.

I can’t wait for the summer to compete at lots of shows. I’d love to have a pony sleepover with Mac in his stable, but my mum wont let me!

ARIAT Awesome pony of the month

Special Smartie

Mollie

Brilliant Bertie This is my amazing pony, Bertie. He’s my favourite pony at my riding school.

He’s helped build my confidence and I’ve recently learnt to jump!

Without him, I wouldn’t be riding at the level I am today. I’d give the world to own him!

This is my new pony, Smartie. He’s an absolute dressage diva! We recently went to our first show and scored 68% – amazing! I love him soooooo much.

Alice Wigmore

Oriana Clegg

Mega Mr Monty I’ve owned Mr Monty for almost two years and I love him so much.

We recently went to a local showjumping competition and it was only my second time jumping him, so I couldn’t believe it when we won the class! Mr Monty is a little superstar and I can’t wait to go to more competitions this summer.

I’d like to give a shout out to my incredible pony, Sam. Although I don’t own him, I love riding him at Tullymurry Equestrian Centre. He’s so well behaved and absolutely loves to be groomed.

He’s given me buckets of confidence and I love him so much.

Brooke Lewis

Niamh Smyth

SUPER-CUTE PETS Echo and Izzy owned by Lara

Dandelion and Bramble owned by Giselle

Daisy owned by Eli

Meet my rescue pony, Arya.

At first, she was very frightened, which made her difficult to handle. However, I’ve since gained her trust and she’s now a completely different pony. Arya’s slowly learning the basics and proving to be a little superstar. We have the most incredible bond and I’m so proud of how far she’s come.

Beth Fletcher

WIN

THESE BOOTS! The Ariat Stormstopper boot is supercomfy and perfect for a day on the yard. Available in brown or navy, in sizes 3–8.5. £109.99

PONY magazine

57

¥æñõæîãæó ¢¡ « îâè ðï ôâíæ ïðø

¶µ´¿³§­ ©µ³ ¹®µ¶