EDITION 31 | DECEMBER 2023
The Pony Massage Pad
For a Softer, Happier & more Relaxed pony Recommended by Vets, Equine Therapists and Horse Owners worldwide.
www.westernshoppe.com
welcome
Dear HQ Pony Magazine readers, We’re delighted to welcome you to our fun-filled festive edition of HQ Pony Mag. It’s been a wonderful year, and we’re thrilled to have such a fantastic community of HQ Pony readers checking out the magazine each month. We really hope you enjoy reading this edition, and we’ll see you back here on the 5th of January 2024 for another year of pony-filled excitement! Until then – have a happy Christmas, and give your pony a carrot from us! Lizzie and the HQ Pony Team
GET IN TOUCH We’d love to hear from you and receive your photos, drawings or pony-related thoughts. To get in touch send an email to lizzie@hqmagazine.co.za and we’ll get back to you!
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CONTENTS
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Ilizwe Fantasma By Silvern Gleam out of Ilizwe My Flaunt (by Vayntas Dhalai)
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5 ways To make Christmas extra-special for your pony
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Meet Bliss, aka: Mielies And learn more about Cushing's Disease
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5 fun facts about Miniature Horses Get to know this beloved breed of tiny equine
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Keeping your pony cool Essential tips for hot weather care
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Quiz fun
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Puzzle fun
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Q&A
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Products we love
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On the cover
Photography | Amy White Media
Ilizwe Fantasma By Silvern Gleam out of Ilizwe My Flaunt (by Vayntas Dhalai) Illizwe My Flaunt was rescued from Zimbabwe over 20 years ago during the unrest, as her owner feared for her mare’s safety. Illizwe My Flaunt was taken across the border at night and started a new, safe and happy chapter in KZN.
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On the cover
Then, the family became bigger. Illizwe My Flaunt was put to an imported stallion, Silvern Gleam, and went on to produce our beautiful cover star, Illizwe Fantasma. Wendy Raffinetti and Illizwe Fantasma, aka ‘Taz’, went on to enjoy many years together, even throughout Wendy’s pregnancy:
Taz was the quietest horse ever and always looked after her human mom.
Wendy ultimately sold Taz to the Morphis family, where Natasha Morphis competed with Taz in all disciplines – from the 90cm cross-country to the whole collection of SANESA Teams. This was a hugely successful partnership! Once Natasha had finished her Pony Rider career, Wendy bought Taz back for her daughter, Daniella, to start her riding career. Taz is now 19 years young, and is happily retired on the Raffinetti’s farm in Summerveld, KZN.
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5 WAYS TO MAKE CHRISTMAS
EXTRA-SPECIAL FOR YOUR PONY
We all love to spoil our ponies, particularly at Christmas. Here are our top five suggestions for giving your pony the Christmas he deserves!
1. SPEND SOME UNDEMANDING TIME WITH YOUR PONY 'Undemanding time' refers to spending time with your pony without specific agendas or plans. It's a time for casual and relaxed bonding between you and your pony and should be focused only on activities that you both enjoy, without any structured training or work involved. This undemanding time could include grooming, hand-grazing, or simply being with your pony without the pressure of training or doing specific tasks. It's a great way to build trust and show your pony that you don't just arrive at the yard when you want to make them work. This time allows for a more natural connection to develop.
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2. BOOK A PHYSIO SESSION After a hard year of work, your pony definitely deserves a proper physio treatment to give him relief from any tightness or tension. Call your regular physiotherapist and see if they can fit your pony in for an extra session before the Christmas break; your pony will thank you for it!
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3. MAKE HIM SOME CHRISTMAS TREATS Make sure to treat your horse with his favourites over the holidays. Just be careful not to give him too many sugary treats, particularly if you know he is prone to weight gain or laminitis.
4. KEEP HIM ENTERTAINED If you're looking for a gift for your pony, we highly recommend getting your pony a stable toy to stave off boredom and stimulate his mind.
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ABOUT STABLE TOYS Stable toys are designed to provide mental and physical stimulation for horses and ponies while they are in their stables. These toys are intended to alleviate boredom, reduce stress, and prevent undesirable behaviours such as cribbing or weaving. Here are some common types of stable toys you can consider: 1. Hanging toys: These toys are suspended from the ceiling and encourage your pony to reach, play, and interact. They often have elements like bells, mirrors, or moving parts that engage your pony's curiosity. 2. Horse balls: Horse balls are usually large, durable balls that horses can push, roll, and kick around. Some may have handles for the horse to grab onto with their teeth. 3. Treat dispensers: These toys hold treats or feed, requiring your pony to work to get the food out. This engages their minds and provides a reward for their efforts. 4. Puzzle toys: These toys have hidden compartments or movable parts that your pony must figure out to access a treat or reward. They stimulate problem-solving skills. 5. Lick stations: These are mounts for salt, mineral or flavoured licks that provide both mental and physical activity for your pony. Check out the Lickit range from Western Shoppe! 6. Mirrors: Placing a mirror in your pony's stable can provide visual stimulation and may help alleviate feelings of loneliness. 7. Rubber toys: Durable rubber toys can be chewed, tossed, or rolled, providing entertainment and a way for your pony to release excess energy. Stable toys not only serve as entertainment but also contribute to the overall well-being of your pony by promoting physical activity and mental engagement. Choose a toy that you feel will suit your pony's personality, and watch him enjoy!
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5. FIND HIS SCRATCHY SPOTS Horses and ponies, like many animals, have specific areas on their bodies that they enjoy having scratched or rubbed. Finding your pony's scratchy spots involves observing his body language and paying attention to his reactions to touch. Here's a guide on how to find your pony's scratchy spots:
1. START WITH THE NECK Many horses and ponies enjoy being scratched on the neck. Begin by gently stroking or scratching your pony's neck, and observe his reaction. If your pony lowers his head, relaxes his neck muscles, or leans into the scratching, he's likely enjoying the sensation.
2. EXPLORE THE WITHERS The withers are another common scratchy spot. Use your fingertips or a grooming tool to gently massage or scratch this area. Watch for signs of relaxation, such as a dropped head or a soft eye.
3. CHECK THE BASE OF THE MANE Some ponies love having their manes scratched or rubbed. Explore the base of the mane, near the crest of the neck, and see if your pony enjoys being scratched here.
4. BEHIND THE EARS The area behind the ears is often sensitive and can be a favourite spot for many horses and ponies. Use gentle, circular motions with your fingers and monitor your pony's response.
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5. SHOULDER AND CHEST The shoulder and chest areas are other regions where horses and ponies may enjoy being scratched. Experiment with different pressures and watch your pony's reaction.
6. BELLY AND FLANK Some ponies are sensitive in the belly and flank areas. Approach these areas slowly and gently, using light strokes to see if your pony enjoys the touch.
7. TAIL BASE The base of the tail is another potential scratchy spot. Be cautious and observe the pony's response, as not all ponies enjoy having their tails touched. Always be attentive to the pony's body language. Signs that your pony is enjoying being scratched include a lowered head, relaxed ears, soft eyes, stretched-out lips and sometimes even a gentle nuzzle or nibble. On the contrary, if your pony shows signs of discomfort, such as swishing the tail, pinning the ears, or moving away, respect his boundaries and avoid that particular area. Each pony is unique, so take the time to discover what your pony likes!
SPOIL YOUR PONY THIS CHRISTMAS! We hope there's something here for you to spoil your pony with over the holidays. Please send pictures of your pony-filled Christmas to us. We'd love to see your pony getting some well-deserved TLC!
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On the cover
Photography | Amy White Media
Meet Bliss, aka: Mielies And learn more about Cushing's Disease
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On the cover
Debbie Stevenson, from Blue Horizon’s Riding School, Drummond, KZN, shares Bliss' story with us. "Bliss is 25 years old now. During his exciting life, he has taken part in more than six international test series in PoloX. But that is not where the story is… My sweet boy, who came home to us as a 5-yearold, was diagnosed with Cushing's Disease a year ago… and it has progressed unbelievably rapidly. My heart is handling it, but he is my daughter's pony, and she lives in Australia. Watching him decline has been extremely difficult. This winter was the worst ever, and he lost so much weight. But he is now on the up, and I'm hoping he will have a good summer."
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On the cover
Lots of horses and ponies are affected by Cushing's Disease. Here, we learn more about the condition so you can spot the signs early.
What is Cushing's Disease? Also known as pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), Cushing's Disease is the most common endocrine disorder diagnosed in horses and ponies. Endocrine disorders are those that affect the production of hormones in the body. Although Cushing's Disease in horses carries the same name as a similar condition that affects people and dogs, the disease process is different in horses. All breeds can be diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, but ponies and Morgan breeds seem to be more likely to develop Cushing's Disease than others.
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On the cover
Symptoms of Cushing's Disease Cushing's Disease is a progressive condition, meaning it gets worse over time. The symptoms may be slow to present but will progress with time. The most common signs observed in horses and ponies with Cushing's Disease/PPID include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Failure to shed their winter coat fully or patchy shedding A long and/or curly coat Chronic infections Laminitis or multiple laminitis episodes Hoof abscesses Excessive or inappropriate sweating Increased water intake and urination Lethargy Weight loss Accumulation of fat in abnormal areas Loss of muscle mass (especially over the back and hindquarters) A pot-bellied appearance Infertility in mares Suspensory ligament (ligaments in the leg) degeneration Recurrent corneal (eye) ulcers
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On the cover
Causes of Cushing's Disease In a healthy horse or pony, the endocrine system is a balanced group of structures and organs that work together in feedback loops to produce and control hormone levels throughout the body. In horses or ponies with Cushing's Disease, the normal mechanisms that control hormone production by the pituitary gland are damaged. This means that too much hormone is produced. These hormones then enter the circulatory system and affect the whole body.
How vets diagnose Cushing's Disease The vet diagnoses PPID by listening to your horse's medical history, performing a physical examination, and doing a diagnostic test. There are two main diagnostic tests for PPID: a baseline plasma ACTH concentration and a thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test (don't worry about the names!)
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On the cover
Treatment of Cushing's Disease The first-line treatment for Cushing's Disease is a tablet called pergolide. Some horses and ponies may need to be started on pergolide gradually as it can cause a decrease in appetite. Routine blood monitoring is advised for horses on pergolide to make sure that the treatment is effective and helping them.
Chat to your vet If any of these symptoms sound familiar, and you are concerned your pony may be showing signs of Cushing’s Disease, chat to your vet.
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Horse and rider
5 fun facts about
Miniature Horses Get to know this beloved breed of tiny equine Of all the horse breeds in the world, perhaps none is quite as cute and unique as the Miniature Horse. Although Minis may seem to be very small ponies, they are actually proportionally more like full-sized horses in appearance. Here are five fun facts that you might not know about Miniature Horses:
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Horse and rider
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Horse and rider
1. THEY’RE SUPER-SMALL As their name implies, Miniature Horses are very small. In 2007, a little brown mare called Thumbelina became the ‘smallest horse in the world’. She claimed the Guinness World Records title with a height of just 43cm. NOTE: Despite their small size, Miniature Horses require just the same amount of care as their larger counterparts. This includes proper nutrition and regular vet, farrier and dental care.
2. THEY’RE NOT MEASURED AT THE WITHERS As you probably know, most horse breeds are measured at the highest point of the withers, but the notable exception to this rule is (yes!) the Miniature Horse. Miniatures are measured from the last hair of their mane instead of at the withers. The vertical distance from the base of the last hairs of the main to the ground with the two front legs straight is the height.
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Horse and rider
3. THEY’RE FOUND IN TWO DIFFERENT SIZES The American Miniature Horse Registry separates the breed into two distinct divisions: Division A for Miniature Horses up to 34 inches (86cm) and Division B for Miniature Horses ranging from 34 to 38 inches (86cm – 96cm).
Lippanzi Enrico Caruso – Silver Roan Appaloosa with chestnut markings and blue eyes.
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Horse and rider
4. THEY’RE FOUND IN MANY COLOURS Miniature Horses come in a fantastic array of colours. In addition to frequently seen colours like black, bay, brown, grey, and chestnut, Miniature Horses can also be found in more unusual colours like cremello, perlino, pintaloosa, and champagne.
5. THEY’RE USED AS THERAPY HORSES Since their small size makes it possible for Miniature Horses to go places where full-sized horses cannot, such as inside buildings, Miniature Horses are successfully used as therapy horses. They spend lots of time in hospitals, schools and nursing homes, bringing some fun-sized joy to those they interact with!
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Horse and rider
DID YOU KNOW? Miniature Horses have set records not only for their small size but also for longevity! Miniature horses frequently live past the age of thirty, and a Miniature Horse named Angel reportedly lived past age 50.
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Horse and health
Keeping your pony cool Essential tips for hot weather care As the temperatures rise during the hot summer months, we must pay special attention to the well-being of our ponies. Just like humans, ponies can be susceptible to heat stress and dehydration, so it's essential to take proactive measures to keep them cool and comfortable. In this article, we'll explore some valuable tips on ensuring your pony stays cool and healthy in hot weather.
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Horse and health
1. Adequate hydration Proper hydration is paramount for ponies in hot weather. Ensure your pony has access to clean and cool water at all times. Monitor their water intake regularly, and consider adding electrolyte supplements to their diet to replace the minerals lost through sweating. Encourage drinking by providing water in shaded areas and keeping water buckets clean.
2. Shelter and shade Ponies, like other animals, need a reprieve from the scorching sun. Ensure your pony has access to shelter and shaded areas throughout the day. Whether it's a well-ventilated barn or natural tree cover, providing a cool space will help your pony escape the heat and prevent heat-related stress.
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Horse and health
3. Proper ventilation If your pony spends significant time in a stable or barn, it's crucial to ensure proper ventilation. Adequate airflow helps dissipate heat and prevents the buildup of hot air. Consider using fans or opening windows to promote air circulation. Avoid confining your pony in poorly ventilated spaces during the hottest parts of the day.
4. Grooming and clipping Regular grooming is essential for maintaining your pony's coat health and temperature regulation. Brushing helps remove excess hair, dirt, and sweat, allowing the skin to breathe. In some cases, especially for ponies with thick coats, consider a summer clip to reduce the amount of insulation and allow your pony to keep cool.
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Horse and health
5. Timing of exercise If you engage in regular riding or exercise routines with your pony, plan activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon. Avoid strenuous activities during the peak heat hours, as this can lead to overheating. Pay attention to how your pony copes with the heat and adjust the intensity and duration of your sessions accordingly.
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Horse and health
Beware African Horse Sickness (AHS)
Culicoides midges are most active first thing in morning and in the evening. Whilst riding in the early morning and late afternoon is more comfortable for you and your pony, you must make sure you use lots of insect repellant as the culicoides midge is most active at these times. The culicoides midge is the insect responsible for spreading AHS, so make sure your pony is vaccinated against this deadly disease, and that he has plenty of insect repellant on before he starts his ride.
6. Wetting down A quick way to cool your pony is by wetting them with cool water. Use a sponge or a hose to wet the coat. Wetting down your pony can provide instant relief from the heat.
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Horse and health
7. Fly management Flies and other insects can exacerbate stress in hot weather. Use fly sprays or fly sheets to protect your pony from irritating pests. Additionally, consider using fans or fly traps in barns to create a more comfortable environment.
Take home message Taking proactive measures to keep your pony cool during hot weather is essential for their well-being. By providing adequate hydration, shelter, ventilation, and grooming, along with mindful exercise and insect control, you can ensure that your pony stays comfortable and healthy even in the sweltering heat. Regular monitoring and adjusting of your care routine based on weather conditions will go a long way in maintaining your pony's overall health and happiness.
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QUIZ FUN Answer these questions and use the first letters of the answers to form a Christmas-related word.
1. This modality is thought to relieve pain and tension in horses using the strategic placement of needles.
2. This horse breed usually has a spotted coat.
3. This piece of tack goes on your pony’s back.
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QUIZ FUN 4. This bone is the horse’s foot got its name because it is shaped like a ship.
5. This breed is the most common type of racehorse in South Africa.
Unscramble the first letters to form the Christmas-related word
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ANSWERS: Acupuncture, Appaloosa, Saddle, Navicular, Thoroughbred FINAL ANSWER: SANTA
PUZZLE FUN Can you find these words in our wordsearch? REINDEER | SANTA | STAR | TREE | PRESENTS | BAUBELS | SLEIGH | FESTIVE | TINSEL | ELVES | STOCKING | RUDOLPH | CAROLS | CHIMNEY | BELLS | SNOWMAN NOTE: Spaces and any punctuation marks have been removed
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PUZZLE FUN Can you find the 5 hidden stars?
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PUZZLE FUN
Can you spot all 10 differences?
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PUZZLE FUN
Can you spot all 10 differences?
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Why do some people put ear bonnets on their ponies when they ride? Ear bonnets for ponies are designed to: • Keep insects away from your pony’s ears while you ride. • Help dull loud noises which could scare your pony or cause him to lose concentration.
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If your pony isn’t affected by either of these issues, then you don’t need to invest in one, but if your pony is sound sensitive or seems bothered by the insects around his head, then check them out! ALSO - ear bonnets come in many different designs and colours, meaning you can choose to get one to match your saddle pad, boots or even your own outfit!
Can I leave a headcollar on my pony when he’s in the paddock, as it makes him way easier for me to catch for a lesson? Yes, you can, as long as it’s a field-safe halter that’s designed to break if your pony gets caught on anything. A normal nylon or rope halter is very unlikely to break if your horse gets stuck, so it is not suitable for paddock use.
f halter o t r o s This or uitable f s t o n is use paddock
It’s also important, however, to work out why your pony doesn’t want to be caught and see if you can help to fix that problem. Do you only ever catch him when you want to ride? If so, it might be a good idea to sometimes just bring him in for treats or a hand graze before turning him out again so he realises that being caught doesn’t mean he’s always going to work. You must also rule out pain as the cause of not wanting to be caught. Chat to your vet, and have his teeth, back, feet, and saddle checked by experts. If it hurts him to be ridden, he definitely won’t want to be caught! 39
I know I’m supposed to check my pony’s legs daily, but what am I checking for? It’s important to check your pony’s legs daily to detect any signs of injury, heat or swelling. To check the legs, start at the top of each leg and run your hand all the way down at the front and the back. 40
If you spot anything unusual, chat with your stable manager or contact your vet. It’s also important to pick out and check his hooves every day. Here, you’re looking for bad smells, foreign objects (like rocks), loose shoes, or anything else unusual.
PRODUCTS WE LOVE Likit Selection Box
The Likit Selection Box is the ultimate gift under the Christmas tree for your pony! The gift box is packed with three tasty Likit Treat Bars in Apple, Cherry, and Carrot, plus two bags of Likit Snaks in Apple & Cinnamon and Mint & Eucalyptus flavours. This is a great treat for any pony that can't get enough of Likit.
The Likit fun doesn’t only think about your pony though. As a bonus, you can find two equestrianthemed games inside to add to your holiday fun! Find all Likit at Western Shoppe. Available in all branches and online. www.westernshoppe.com
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OUR NEXT EDITION OF HQ PONY MAGAZINE IS AVAILABLE ON 5 JANUARY. SEE YOU THEN! 43
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