2025
A Letter from Alice
Hello readers!
March is upon us - as is the hope of springtime and greener pastures.
Lucky for you, I am back again with another FUNtastic issue of the Pony Tails Kids Club digital magazine! I hope you enjoy this month’s games, stories, facts, and activities: and that each one fills you with joy like a pot filled with gold.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day kiddos - and don’t forget to pet your pony for good luck!
Signed,
the Pony
Alice
Horse/Pony Breed of the Month:
CONNEMARA
Keeping it on theme for March, we present our pony breed of the month: the Connemara! This western Irish breed is sturdy, compact, confident, athletic, and a suitable mount for all ages and riding stages. The Connemara Pony Breeder’s Society (or CPBS for short), which has been in existence for over 100+ years, supports the largest gathering of Connemara ponies at their annual show.
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!
Interactive Story Feature: Get Ready to Ride!
Our friend Kira is running late! She needs you to tack up her pony Alice for her so they can make it to their riding lesson on time. Can you help her? Pretty please?
Ohhhh Alice! Come in from the field so we can tack you up! (Luckily for us, Alice always walks right up to the gate as soon as she sees you)
Umm, Alice you are COVERED in mud
Let’s bring you into the barn and get you cleaned up for your ride.
Oh boy... we ’ ve got our work cut out for us. It’s time for a good brush. Let’s flip to the next page to see what we can grab from our grooming kit to help
Hehe my bad
I mud
Wow, I really need to organize my brushes...but not today. We’ve gotta get moving!
Okay okay, here’s what we have to work with There’s a curry comb, a hard brush (dandy brush), a soft brush (body brush), and a hoof pick. Can you tell which one is which?
Let’s start by picking out Alice’s feet Here’s a hoof pick If you slide your hand down Alice’s leg and give her a gentle squeeze, she will know to pick up her foot for you Just be sure not to go digging too hard around her frog (the triangle in the middle). That part is a bit sensitive I’ve highlighted it in yellow so that you know to avoid it
Okay, now the curry comb You have to move this one in small circular motions. It’ll help loosen up all the dirt. Make sure you ’ re combing the hair from front to back (or clockwise)!
Let’s use the hard brush (or dandy brush) next This one uses a short, flicking motion to dust off all that dirt.
And then we’ll finish it off with the soft brush (or body brush) This one has softer bristles, and we use long strokes to add a final shine to Alice’s coat
Wow, you did great!
Alice loved being pampered by you.
Great, let’s go grab our tack from the tack room!
First thing’s first, let’s start by placing the saddle pad on Alice’s back We want it to be in the same place where we ’ re gonna put the saddle - so not too far forward that it’s on her shoulder, but not too far back either
Now you can go ahead and place the saddle on top of it. Make sure to be nice and gentle as you place it on her back Wouldn’t want to startle the poor girl!
Oh - and don’t forget your girth! This ensures that your saddle will stay in place Remind Kira to double check and make sure it’s tight before she gets on
is almost ready Now all we need to do is put the bridle on.
Alice
Fingers space for the throat latch
A little daunting, I know... but I will tell you how to put it on in a few easy steps:
Put the reins over the head Then if Alice tries to wander off, you still have a hold of her!
Use one hand to hug her nose and hold the rest of the bridle while you use the other to gently guide the bit (this metal piece) into her mouth
You can now put the bridle over her ears.
Make sure you do it one at a time and are very gentle.
Do up the throat latch It should be loose enough to fit just four fingers.
Do up the noseband. It should be loose enough to fit just two fingers.
Put the reins back over Alice’s head, and you ’ re ready to lead her into the arena!
Fingers space for the noseband
Alice is all tacked up and ready to go for her and Kira’s lesson!
Great timing - because here comes Kira now!
Hey there! Thanks so much for getting Alice ready for me She looks amazing! Now, thanks to you, we can start my lesson right on time. You’re the best!
Come back next time for more fun with Alice and her friends!
Activity of the Month: Choose Kira’s outfit!
So... why was Kira running late for her lesson? It’s because she couldn’t figure out what to wear! Wouldn’t it be great if someone could pick out her outfit for her? Print and cut out the wardrobe items below, as well as the mannequin on the page after, to create your own unique style for Kira to wear to riding!
Check it out! Alice has already done an example for you. Very fashionable right?
Lucky Horse Shoes
Did you know that in many cultures, horseshoes are a symbol of good luck? Some say that hanging one with the open end facing up (like in this photo) will offer you protection and bring you good fortune
St. Paddy (... the horse)
Did you know that there was once a British racehorse named St. Paddy? This thoroughbred came from Britain and had a noteworthy record, with big careerdefining wins in the Epsom Derby and St. Leger Stakes; both of which took place in England
March Movie Watchlist
Looking for a family movie to watch this month? The White Pony (1999) is an American Irish film that tells a magical tale about a little girl, a leprechaun, and a fantastical horse with special powers
March 2025 Coloring Page and Monthly Activity
Colouring page:
Activity (for printing as one-off):
HCBC OFFICIAL PARTNERS
