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2024 CALENDAR
Pony-calend
ar A5-2024-0C
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Dressage
moves made easy! WE LOVE
veteran ponies
questions questions answered! answered! IT'S PANDA!! TEST YOUR
grooming
9
770032 425966 13 December 2023 – 9 January 2024
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How to ride whizzy ponies
DJMurphy
dence!
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Feb 2024 £4.25 Issue 912
skills!
Boost your
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INSIDE your mag... Who’s who?
PONY magazine, Olive Studio, The Timber Yard, Grange Road, Tilford, Farnham, Surrey GU10 2DQ Tel 01428 601020 Advertising enquiries 01428 601028 Email pony@djmurphy.co.uk
Team PONY
Editor-in-Chief Louise Kittle Assistant Editor Sarah Burgess Editorial Assistant Megan Xavier-Witherington Head of Art and Design Sarah Garland Senior Designer Adam Witt Junior Designer Lucy Claydon Digital Marketing Manager Lianne Tadd Marketing Assistant Emily Weeks Art Editor Paul Smail Retail and Merchandising Assistant Evie Epps Marketing Co-ordinator Alison Hill Production Editor Franchesca Slack Advertisement Manager Evie Edgar Production Manager Eleanor Dunn
PONY team adventures This month...
W
e’re super excited to have the gorgeous Panda on the cover of the mag! Look at that amazing flowing forelock, he’s just dreamy. It’s time to test your horsey knowledge this issue, from grooming skills to caring for your pony’s stable and showjumping. Even if, like lots of us, you can’t ride as much over winter, you can still learn loads so you’re ready to hit the ground running when spring arrives! Until next month!
Executive PONY
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Smooth operation PONY
MEET THE PONY TEAM
Managing Director Zoe Cannon Commercial Director Abi Cannon
Top tips to keep your pony clean on p48
Office Manager Vicki Owen Accounts Manager Caroline Leishman Accounts Executive Sarah Smith
Photography
Bob Atkins, Lucy Merrell, Peter Nixon, Jon Stroud. Babeaudufraing, PIC by Femke, Alexia Khruscheva, Rita_Kochmarjova, Abramova Kseniya, Vlad Sokolovsky, Alla-V, AnetaZabranska/shutterstock. com
PONY subscriptions 01442 820580 Back issues ponymag.com/shop Digital issues Visit the App store or Google Play Printed by William Gibbon & Sons Ltd. Distributed by Marketforce PONY magazine and Charlie are trademarks and copyright of DJ Murphy (Publishers) Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written authority from DJ Murphy (Publishers) Ltd.
Lou and Ted PONY Ed
Sarah and Prince Assistant Editor
Write to us at PONY mag, Olive Studio, The Timber Yard, Grange Road, Tilford, Surrey GU10 2DQ or email pony@djmurphy.co.uk
While every effort is made to ensure the information and advice contained in these articles is correct, DJ Murphy (Publishers) Ltd, its employees and the authors will not accept any responsibility for loss or damage to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of anything included in or omitted from such articles.
New year, new me
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OUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
The paper used in PONY is sourced from chain-of-custody certified manufacturers, operating within international environmental standards. This ensures sustainable sourcing of the raw materials and sustainable production. We’re sorry, but it may not be possible to include cover gifts on copies of PONY distributed outside the UK.
I want to get out to more shows – I can’t wait! Fran, Production Editor
PONY supports social media safety – to have a Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or YouTube account you must be at least 13 years old. Always get your parents’ permission, too. PONY recommends you wear an up-to-standard riding hat at all times when mounted.
55 MPH
DJMurphy
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PONY magazine
Fran and Sekonda Production Editor
The fastest recorded speed a horse has run
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The oldest horse in the Guinness World Records
I want to explore new hacking routes instead of doing the same ones – bring on the adventure! Lucy, Junior Designer
WIN
We answer your cross-countr y questions on p6!
Equisafety Inv ern polite jacket o see P10
be a better rider
6 12 16 18 20 42
on the X-COUNTRY CONUNDRUMS cover Your questions answered! on the THE SECRET TO PERFECT... cover Circles! SHOWJUMPING SOLUTIONS Take our epic jumping quiz! on the ACE IT cover Riding a speedy pony on the HORSEY HOMEWORK cover Improve your riding from home MIND THE GAP All about expectations vs reality
see yourself in pony
Pony care explained
44 46 48
AGEING GRACEFULLY on the cover Caring for an older pony TIME TO CLEAN Are you a cleaning pro? Find out! GROOVY GROOMING on the cover Make your pony sparkle!
Great reading
58
TRUE TEAMWORK Can Lea save the day?
awesome stuff
4 24 28 30 53 56 60 62
PONY LOVES... Wonderful winter STAYING STATIONARY Have a go at these cool moves! MARVELLOUS MARES Five signs you own a mare! WIN Amazing prizes up for grabs HELP We answer your questions DRESSING FOR WINTER Great gear to keep you dry PONY PICKS Our fave products this month! ALL ABOUT ESME Are you This Esme’s biggest fan?
ADORABLE posters! see P33
Never miss an issue!
visit the website... Achieve a picture-perfect riding position by following our quick tips. It’ll help you stay secure in the saddle, too. Head to... bit.ly/IMPROVE_RIDING_ POSITION
GIFT!
2024 CALENDAR*
2024 CALENDAR
Pony-calendar
A5-2024-0COVER.indd
1
02/11/2023
xc
Dressage
moves made easy! WE LOVE
13:04
questions answered!
veteran ponies
IT'S PANDA!! TEST YOUR
grooming
skills!
Boost your
riding confidence!
0 2 9
770032 425966
13 December 2023 – 9 January 2024
PONYMAG.COM
DJMurphy
PONY SQUAD Horsey news and goss! PONYGRAM The best of #fierceflatwork
Feb 2024 £4.25 Issue 912
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How to ride whizzy ponies
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PONY magazine
3
The secret o t
perfect...
circles Having trouble riding accurate circles? Worry no more, ’cause we’re here to help you nail them for good
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ircles are a great way to make your pony more supple and even on both sides of his body. Not only that, if you compete in dressage, you’ll need to learn to ride them accurately in order to gain higher marks. So just how do the top riders make their circles look sooo amazing? And how can you do the same? From riding circles the correct shape and size to learning where in the arena you’ll need to ride them, we uncover the secrets! Read on to discover how you, too, can ride circles just like a pro!
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PONY magazine
PART ONE
Shape up!
Everyone knows circles are round, right? It’s one thing understanding they’re supposed to be round, yet riding them in the correct shape isn’t always as easy as it looks. To help you ride north rounder circles, think of the circle as having four points – north, south, east and west. west east Then imagine that those four points are all connected by straight lines. Ride straight lines south from one point to the other and, as you reach each point, ask your pony to bend slightly to the inside, before heading to the next point! Once you can do this, simply turn the straight lines into curved ones and, hey presto, you’ll start riding perfectly shaped circles every time!
Top tip
Place cones or other markers at the four points of your circle so you have pointers to aim for.
Think of the circle as having four points – north, south, east and west
PONY magazine
13
Mheingadp t and Understanding expectations vs reality ho w it can impact your riding
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ave you ever set your heart on moving up a lesson level or jumping higher at a comp only to be told you’re not ready yet? Whether you’re starting to learn to ride or out competing most weekends, the gap between your expectations (what you believe will happen) and reality (what actually happens) can leave you feeling disappointed or frustrated. But we’re here to help you set realistic expectations so you can enjoy your riding journey!
The fairytale formula
The story of Goldilocks and the three bears might just seem like a silly fairytale to you – after all, Goldilocks was ever so fussy – but she taught us one valuable thing, the idea of something being just right. When expectations are too high, you can feel… pressure to do well anxious like you’re not good enough When expectations are too low, you can feel… like you’re underachieving there’s no point in trying embarrassed But when expectations are ‘just right’ you… feel inspired and confident set and achieve realistic goals enjoy and see the progress you’re making
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PONY magazine
Ageing gracefully Just because your pony’s getting on in age, doesn’t mean there isn’t fun stuff to enjoy together!
W
hether your golden oldie is still charging around the show ring or enjoying a more sedate pace of life, there’s always something fun to do with him. Part of the r responsibility of caring for an olde t tha pony includes some extra TLC his body will appreciate to help ’s him feel as good as possible. Let e! mor find out
Go exploring
Taking your pony for a stroll is such a good way to get him out of the field and enjoying life. A gentle walk in-hand can help with any stiffness and walking up some small hills will help maintain muscle, so he stays strong.
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PONY magazine
Feeling fab
Most ponies looove being fussed over. Older ponies can grow thicker coats, especially if they have Cushing’s, so he’ll appreciate a good groom – plus it helps boost blood flow, keeping his skin healthy!
Feeding time
As your pony gets older his feed may need adjusting to ensure he’s getting the right nutrients. Your vet will be able to advise on whether a supplement to support his joints, gut health or feet might help, too. Spend some time watching your pony, too. As ponies get older, their teeth can become less effective, meaning they can sometimes struggle to chew hay or haylage. If your pony is dropping feed from his mouth, it’s a sign he needs his teeth checking, but also that he might benefit from a hay replacer. Again, speak to your vet for advice.