2024 PONY TAILS
2025
A Letter from Alice
Hello readers!
New year, same pony pals! I hope my January issue of the Pony Tails Kids Club magazine finds you well in 2025 I’ve got all sorts of stories, facts, and games in store for my subscribers with this month’s fabulous edition; written with care by me, Alice! May the next 365 days fill all my readers with excitement, new opportunities, laughter and love
Lastly, I hope that during this new year (and every year that follows), you always remember to pat your pony.
Signed,
Alice the Pony
IRISH DRAUGHT
The Irish Draught is Ireland’s beautiful and mighty national horse breed. They were bred primarily for heavy farm work and pulling equipment, similar to other draught (or “draft”) breeds, but can be bred back to a thoroughbred to create a lighter, sportier breed known as the Irish Sport Horse. Pictured to the left you will see an Irish Draught mare and her foal. How precious!
What breed do you want to see featured in our next issue? Reach out to Alice at ponytails.alice@hcbc.ca and let her know!
Story Feature: Riding Resolutions
“Okay students, come on into the center of the ring for a minute” Steph called out to her group of riders, who were taking a walk break after a few laps of canter. It was the first riding lesson of 2025, and Kira, Rhiannon, and Ryan were elated to be back in the saddle after a busy holiday season
The ponies turned in and stood patiently in the middle of the arena, huffing clouds of cold air and sweating through their thick winter coats Once everyone had gathered, Steph began her speech “Now that we have begun a new year, I want everyone to come up with a riding resolution.”
The riders looked around at each other, scratching their heads “I would be happy to do so ” Ryan answered, “ ... if only I knew what you meant by a resolution.” Everyone chuckled.
“A resolution is like a goal you set to help you grow and improve.” Steph clarified. “Lots of people make them in January, as a new calendar year symbolizes new beginnings and opportunities I thought we could all decide on resolutions for our riding over the next 365 days Does anyone have any ideas?”
“I do!” called out Rhiannon. “In 2025, my resolution is to ride a unicorn.” Steph smirked and shook her head “Good try, but a resolution should be realistic - it has to be something you can actually achieve. Riding a mythical creature doesn’t quite fit that description unfortunately.” Rhiannon shrugged, “oh well worth a shot!”
It was Ryan who piped up next. “This year, I want to be a great rider.” Steph nodded understandingly. “Of course, and you already are Ryan but a resolution should be a little more specific than that That way you can actually tell when you ’ ve achieved it.”
Lastly, Kira attempted a resolution “In 2025, I want to own the fanciest pony in the entire barn!” Steph took time to consider her words, then redirected Kira gently. “The important thing about resolutions is the feeling they give you when you make them come true They should be based around things that are rewarding, things that require passion and dedication. Buying a nice pony is one thing - but taking the time to form a bond with a pony - that’s where the true magic happens ”
While the horses relaxed and caught their breaths, Steph’s riders took the time to carefully consider her words After some additional brainstorming, all three of them had come up with new resolutions:
Rhiannon was going to step out of her comfort zone and ride 3 new horses Ryan was going to learn more about horse care by taking an online course Kira was going to dedicate an extra hour each week to grooming and pampering her pony. And Steph was going to do everything she could to help her riders achieve their goals - because nothing was more rewarding to her than seeing them do their best.
Everyone left the ring that day feeling excited and determined. Who knows what exciting things a new year will bring? Alice hopes that in 2025, all of her readers will achieve their goals and make dreams come true
Navigating the NEW YEAR
Can you help the pony make it to 2025? Try to find a path from one side of the maze to the other without running into any dead ends.
RULE FOR FOALS
Stand up for yourself!!
Foals usually stand up by themselves within 1 hour of being born. At first they may be a little unsteady and awkward, but they get the hang of it pretty quickly!
Mom, what’s for dinner?
Once able to stand, the next big task for foals is being able to nurse A healthy foal should be drinking their mom ’ s milk within 2 hours of being born.
I gotta go!
Foals should have their first bowel movement within 3 hours of being born This is very important, as it assures their tummies are functioning properly
January 2025 Coloring Page and Monthly Activity
Click here for colouring page
Click here for Maze activity (for printing as one-off):
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