INSIDE your mag... INSIDE your mag...
PONY magazine, Olive Studio, The Timber Yard, Grange Road, Tilford, Farnham, Surrey GU10 2DQ
Tel 01428 601020
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Team PONY
Editor-in-Chief Louise Kittle
Assistant Editor Sarah Burgess
Editorial Assistants Kirsty Lucas, Megan XavierWitherington
Head of Art and Design Sarah Garland
Deputy Head of Art and Design Adam Witt
Designer Lucy Claydon
Digital Marketing Manager Lianne Tadd
Marketing Assistants Alex Uren, Emily Weeks
Art Editor Paul Smail
Marketing Co-ordinator Alison Hill
Advertisement Manager Evie Edgar
Production Manager Eleanor Dunn
Executive PONY
Managing Director Zoe Cannon
Commercial Director Abi Cannon
Smooth operation PONY
Office Manager Vicki Owen
Accounts Manager Caroline Leishman
Accounts Executive Sarah Smith
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We’re starting the year as we mean to go on – full of motivation and positivity, ready to achieve our 2025 goals! What are yours? It’s also that time of year again – the short story comp is open!
We absolutely love reading your amazing horsey stories, and this year we have an epic prize and two different age categories. If the weather’s too bad to ride, no matter – you can get cracking with your masterpiece! Turn to p10 to find out more and get started.
THE PONY TEAM
your pony on the right tracks on p20!
to us at PONY mag, Olive Studio, The Timber Yard, Grange Road, Tilford, Surrey GU10 2DQ or email pony@djmurphy.co.uk
I’m going to give Kinder a deep groom, and a mane and tail tidy up! Kirsty, Ed Assistant I’m going to take Halo out for a hack to her fave place! Time for zoomies!
Marketing Assistant
Sarah and Prince Assistant Editor
Lou and Ted PONY Ed Alex and Halo Marketing Assistant
DJMur phy
into place falling falling falling
Keep your pony on the right tracks with our help!
Have you heard your instructor telling you, or someone else in your lesson, that a pony is falling in, or falling out? Chances are the answer is ‘yes’, but what does it mean? When a pony falls in or out, they’re moving sideways through their body off the line you’re intending to ride – if that movement is to the outside then it’s called falling out, and if it’s to the inside it’s called falling in. When it happens, it can feel as though your pony’s steering has broken! But don’t worry, we’re here to help!
Falling in Falling in
Whether you’re riding a circle, straight line or corner, if your pony falls in you’ll suddenly find you’re riding a smaller shape than you planned, and he’ll probably be bent to the outside.
Plan of action
Top tip
Think of keeping your pony travelling between both legs and hands, like you’re channelling him on the correct line!
• Check your position to make sure you’re sitting straight and level in the saddle – don’t fall in like your pony!
• Keep your weight down into your inside leg and think of pushing your pony away from the inside leg into an outside rein contact
• Make sure your pony is stepping actively forward with plenty of energy
Winter Winter Winter warmers warmers warmers
Make your pony sparkle and shine with our advice!
TOP TIP
If your pony wears a rug, regularly check him over for spots where it could be rubbing, for example on the points of his shoulders. Bibs can help prevent rubs in high-risk areas.
KKeeping your pony’s coat looking its best is no mean feat in the middle of winter with all the mud, rain, and thick, woolly fur!
If you want to make sure he looks smart all year, check out some of our top tips for winter coat care!
Snug as a bug
The harsh winter weather can have a big impact on your pony’s coat. Just like the wind or rain can mess up your hair, it can make his dull and rough. Rugging your pony when it’s cold and wet can really help keep his coat healthy and shiny. Even a thin rain sheet will keep the worst of the mud and rain off. Don’t forget that his winter coat might never be as glossy as his summer one, so don’t be disheartened if you can’t keep him looking exactly the same year-round, especially if he lives out.
Your pony doesn’t feel the cold as much as you do, so take care not to over-rug him. Check out our handy guide to help you get it right – bit.ly/ RUG_GUIDE. did you know?did you know?
