HQ Pony Magazine Issue 37

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Teen Skin Essentials.

welcome

Hello hello!

It’s great that you’re here with us for another edition of HQ Pony Mag.

This month, we have LOTS of content for you, ranging from a catch-up with Ellah Coetzee and her string of ponies to a look at the four gaits and how best to use them to strengthen your pony.

There’s something for everyone!

We hope you enjoy it. As always, let us know if there is anything you want us to feature in our upcoming editions.

Until next time!

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!

Lizzie and the HQ Pony Team
Designer | Mauray Wolff

Famous ponies

In history and in stories

Meet Ellah Coetzee

And her special string of horses!

Boxing your pony

A step-by-step guide for safe and stress-free transport

Creating a pony journal

A great way to document your equestrian adventures

Learning the gaits Walk, trot, canter, and gallop

NEW CLOUD TEDDY HALTER SET

Faux fur throughout

Adjustable poll piece

Includes a matching

2m lead rope

FAMOUS PONIES

In history and in stories

Ponies have pranced through the pages of history and fiction, leaving hoofprints that capture our imaginations and hearts. From real-life heroes to beloved book characters, these wonderful animals have inspired and enchanted us all. Here are some of the most famous ponies from history, books, and movies.

HISTORICAL HEROES

BUCEPHALUS

Owner: Alexander the Great Story: Bucephalus is one of the most famous war horses in history, known for his loyalty and bravery. According to legend, Alexander the Great tamed Bucephalus when no one else could, and the horse remained his loyal companion throughout many battles, helping Alexander win numerous victories.

Alexander the Great

MARENGO

Owner: Napoleon Bonaparte

Story: Named after Napoleon's victory at the Battle of Marengo, this horse was known for his endurance and carried Napoleon through many important battles. Marengo became a legend in his own right! Napoleon

LITERARY LEGENDS

BLACK BEAUTY

Author: Anna Sewell

Story: Black Beauty is the main character of Anna Sewell’s novel, which tells the life story of a horse from his own perspective. This book teaches the importance of kindness and compassion towards animals and has been a classic since its publication in 1877. Have you read it yet?

JOEY

Author: Michael Morpurgo

Story: ‘War Horse’ tells the tale of Joey, a horse sold to the cavalry during World War I, and his journey through the war. The story, which has been adapted into a successful play and film, shows the bond between Joey and his young owner, Albert.

SHADOWFAX

Author: J.R.R. Tolkien

Story: In 'The Lord of the Rings' series, Shadowfax is the majestic horse ridden by Gandalf. Known for his incredible speed and intelligence, Shadowfax is a symbol of nobility and strength, earning a special place in the hearts of readers.

STARS OF THE SILVER SCREEN

SPIRIT

Movie: ‘Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron’

Story: Spirit is the wild and free mustang who narrates his own story in this animated film. The movie follows Spirit’s adventures and his struggle for freedom, capturing the essence of the wild mustang’s spirit and resilience.

SEABISCUIT

Movie: ‘Seabiscuit’

Story: Based on the true story of the underdog racehorse that became a symbol of hope during the Great Depression, ‘Seabiscuit’ is a tale of triumph against the odds. The horse’s remarkable career and the people who believed in him have inspired countless horse people.

FLICKA

Movie: ‘My Friend Flicka’

Story: Flicka is the young mare in the heartwarming story about the bond between a boy and his horse. The film, based on Mary O’Hara’s novel, depicts the adventures and challenges of ranch life, celebrating the connection between humans and horses.

SECRETARIAT

Movie: ‘Secretariat’

Story: Based on the true story of the legendary racehorse, ‘Secretariat’ follows the incredible journey of the horse who won the Triple Crown in 1973. The film highlights the remarkable bond between Secretariat and his owner, Penny Chenery, and showcases their determination and resilience. Secretariat's stunning victories and recordbreaking performances have inspired countless fans and solidified his place as one of the greatest racehorses in history.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Ponies have been companions, heroes, and symbols of freedom throughout history and fiction. Their stories, whether real or imagined, resonate with us, reflecting qualities we admire: courage, loyalty, and an unbreakable spirit. From the battlefields of ancient history to the pages of classic novels and the screens of Hollywood, ponies continue to capture our hearts and inspire our imaginations. Their legacies remind us of the profound connections we share with these noble creatures and the timeless lessons they teach us about perseverance, kindness, and loyalty.

To understand a horse is to be loved by a horse.
– Tom Dorrance

ELLAH COETZEE

Photography | Megan Wright
And her special string of horses!
MEET

Hi! My name is Ellah Coetzee.

I am a 14-year-old, Grade 8 pupil. I am privately schooled by Meagan Fulford (who also shares my love for horses and is my work rider). Being privately schooled enables me to attend to my academics whilst also having the flexibility required by the sport.

My riding history

I have been riding since I was four years old, and I love every minute in the saddle. I do showjumping and I would like to do equitation when my schedule allows for it.

My passion for horses became evident when I was between two and three years old. I had two imaginary horses, Oli and Lili and entertained my parents with everything horse owners need to deal with on a daily basis, without any exposure to real ponies!

I was introduced to real ponies when I was four. I started attending pony camps at a riding school in Randjesfontein, called Capriole Stables. I bought my first pony, Drambuie, from Karin who ran the stables. I took part in my first training show when I was six and I competed for my school at SANESA from Grade 1. Karin is a gentle and patient trainer and learning with her taught me that riding is demanding work; it requires commitment to overcome disappointments, perseverance, and most of all love for the animal. My first ever award I received was the ‘Brave Heart’ Trophy.

Horse and rider

As time went by, I also got my family into appreciating the sport and the animals. My dad rides recreationally and both my parents support me and are passionate about the horses and the sport. In 2020 we moved permanently to Beaulieu and this brought me closer to the equestrian fraternity and meant that we could stable the horses in our yard and have more time in the saddle.

Yolande de Wet was my instructor from 2021 to 2023. She was a great coach and introduced me to graded shows and got me through the lower levels.

My riding now

My instructors now are Annette Rossouw and Rainer Körber. I love riding with Annette because she knows so much about horses. Her knowledge is crazy. She helps me a lot with technique and confidence and she is so fun to be around.

Ray is amazing; I really like the way he teaches. I learn so much every time I go there. I really look up to him as a rider and as a coach.

I have also established personal relationships with all the riders who inspire me to be the best possible athlete, equestrian and horse owner. These riders include Nicole Horwood, Lisa Williams, Meagan Fulford and, of course, Annette Rossouw and Rainer Körber.

My grooms, David, Melos and Alpino mean the world to me; they are always calm and professional and attend to the horses 24/7. They claim to love the horses more than I do, but that’s impossible!

My personal goal is to win the 1.5m SA Derby and to represent South Africa at a national level. I would also like to jump internationally in the big classes; hopefully with Capital Addison.

Lessons learnt

By the age of 14 I have learnt a lot of lessons associated with the sport:

1. Be patient when trying out new horses.

2. New horses should be vetted properly – always get a second opinion.

3. You cannot always be on top of your game, due to circumstances that you can’t plan for.

4. Sometimes horses will get injured, and it takes time for injuries to heal.

5. It takes time to bond with a new horse.

My ponies and horses

Howzat

The real turning point for my showjumping was when I got Howzat in 2018. Howzat is an Appaloosa gelding and he protected and looked after me. He was the perfect pony to instil confidence and develop my riding skills. Howzat is not the most athletic pony but he is renowned for his honesty, and also his sharp turns! Howzat is the perfect horse for eventing and won two SANESA national titles and was ranked by South African Showjumping (SASJ) as the number one pony for 70cm in 2022 as well as the number one pony for 80cm in 2023. I have also received Gauteng Colours twice with Howzat. Howzat means so much to me and he will always hold such a special place in my heart. For now, he is going to help two little kids develop their love of the sport. Thanks to Regenesis Vet for helping to keep Howzat on top form.

Horse and rider

Lorelock Belcanto

In 2021, at the age of twelve, I got my first horse, Lorelock Belcanto. We call him Bellie. Belcanto means ‘beautiful singing’, but he is more of a rockstar in the arena than a singer. I got Bellie as a 14-year-old schoolmaster and have a couple more years to enjoy his ‘gung ho’ attitude in the arena, as he is now turning 17. I love competing with Bellie but I always have to make sure that Howzat is next to the arena to keep a lid on Bellie’s excitement. Our ranking with SASJ was third for the 80cm classes in 2022 and third for the one metre classes in 2023. Some major achievements on Bellie were winning the Championship Class at Gauteng Champs and Maple Ridge World Cup as well as placing second at Nationals in the Championship Class.

However, the biggest achievement on Belcanto was not only that I was ranked 36th in the world for the FEI Jumping World Challenge in 2023 but also that I had the fastest time worldwide for competition two of the series. This year I will remind my parents to enter me into the ‘Children’s’ World Jumping Competition though.

A couple of months ago, Bellie unfortunately tore his tendon but thanks to Dr Jeanne Botha and Lisa Williams he is 100% and back to doing what he loves so much - competing and being a real show off.

Solar Flare

In the middle of 2023, I was ready to move up to the 1.1m classes and we bought Solar Flare. With the second try-outs I easily cleared 1.3m with her. She is amazing, and she jumps everything for me, even if I do not get my striding 100%. I love her so much; she means the world to me. My goal with her is to go to 1.30m.

Horse and rider

Callaho Con Charisma is truly the sweetest horse I have ever met. We went through a bit of a confidence knock but we are taking it slow and building our bond back up again and I am certain we will be back to our winning ways in no time. Janine Coetzee has been helping me with her, which I really appreciate.

The Capital Stud horses

Owning a Capital horse has been a dream of mine ever since I got to know Nicole Horwood especially when I saw her competing with Capital Night Star in the Derby.

Horse and rider

the cutest personalities ever. He is an extremely sensitive and sharp horse but has a very bright future ahead of him. Calvert was awarded the title of the five-year-old with most potential in a recent Young Horse Performance Series. Janine had this to say: “He feels like a floating pony with endless amounts of power and talent. When you sit on him you can really feel the power in his canter, and he makes you feel like you can jump anything and everything that is put in front of you.”

Horse and rider

Capital Addison

I will be producing Capital Addison with the help of Annette Rossouw and Meagan Fulford. Addison has one of the kindest hearts ever and reminds me a lot of his half-sister, Aurora. I have not had him for long, but I love him more every day. My goal is to jump up to the 1.5m classes with him. Hopefully, Addison will be as well behaved as Aurora.

Capital Mon’ami

This one is a little firecracker and pocket rocket. Annette Rossouw is going to be producing her to be the next Capital My Lady. We all are extremely excited to see them take on the big grades in a few years. Annette says: “Capital Mon’ami feels super easy and takes you to the jumps which is what I like. She seems pretty straightforward, confident and uncomplicated. She feels like dynamite but once you can control that, she’ll be incredible to ride.”

interviewed and tell you all about myself and my incredible string of horses.

BOXING YOUR PONY

A step-by-step guide for safe and stress-free transport

Transporting your pony, whether for a show, a vet visit, or just a change of scenery, requires careful planning and execution. Ensuring the process is safe and stress-free for both your pony and the people handling him is vital. This guide provides your step-bystep approach to boxing a pony successfully.

PREPARATION

1. Check the horsebox

Horsebox: Ensure the horsebox is well-maintained, spacious enough for your pony, and has proper ventilation. Inspect the box for any damage and ensure the floor is solid, the doors and latches work properly, and there are no sharp edges. Cleanliness: Clean the box thoroughly and perhaps add shavings to help with grip.

2. Train your pony

Familiarisation: Introduce your pony to the box well in advance of the trip so that they are familiar with the space. Allow them to explore it at their own pace, using treats and positive reinforcement to create a positive association. This reduces stress on the day!

Practice loading: Regularly practice loading and unloading to make the process routine. Start with short, stress-free sessions and gradually increase the duration.

Horse and rider

LOADING YOUR PONY

1. Use safety equipment

Safety gear for your pony: Use protective leg wraps or boots and a poll and tail guard to prevent injuries during loading and transport. Safety gear for the handler: Handlers should wear gloves, solid shoes and, ideally, a riding hat to protect them when loading the pony.

2. Create a calm environment

Ensure the area in which you are loading is quiet and free from distractions. A calm environment helps reduce your pony’s anxiety.

3. Use a helper

If possible, have an experienced helper assist you. They can guide the pony from behind while you lead him into the box, or they can lead him into the box for you.

4. Lead your pony

Positioning: Stand at your pony’s shoulder and lead him towards the horsebox with calm, steady energy.

Confidence: Walk confidently and encourage your pony with a gentle, reassuring voice. Avoid showing any hesitation or anxiety.

5. Loading ramp

Ramp safety: Ensure the ramp is secure and at a gentle incline. Use non-slip surfaces to prevent slipping. Approach: Allow your pony to sniff and investigate the ramp if he wants to. Walk up the ramp with the pony, keeping a steady pace.

6. Inside the box

Secure ties: Once your pony is inside, secure him with a quick-release tie or rope. Ensure there is enough slack for your pony to move his head comfortably. Divider use: If your box has dividers, close them gently to prevent your pony from moving around too much.

Horse and rider

DURING TRANSPORT

1. Drive smoothly

Speed: Make sure the person driving drives carefully, avoiding sudden stops or sharp turns. Smooth driving reduces stress and the risk of injury.

Awareness: Be aware of road conditions and make sure whoever is driving plans your route to avoid bumpy or rough roads.

2. Regular checks

Stops: Make regular stops to check on your pony. Ensure he is calm and comfortable.

Ventilation: Monitor the box’s ventilation, adjusting windows or vents to maintain a comfortable temperature.

UNLOADING YOUR PONY

1. Preparation

Secure area: Ensure the unloading area is safe and secure, free from distractions or potential hazards.

Helper: Have a helper ready to assist if needed.

2. Unfasten ties

Quick release: Carefully unfasten the quick-release knot, ensuring you have control over the lead rope.

Divider: Open the divider slowly if the box has one.

Horse and rider

3. Lead out

Confidence: Lead your pony out of the box with calm and confident energy. Steady pace: Allow your pony to steadily back out or walk down the ramp.

4. Post-unloading check

Inspection: Check your pony for any signs of stress or injury. Offer water and allow your pony to rest and acclimate to his new surroundings.

CONCLUSION

Boxing a pony requires preparation, patience, and a calm approach to ensure the safety and well-being of your equine companion. By following these steps, you can make the process of loading, transporting, and unloading your pony as smooth and stress-free as possible. Remember, practice makes perfect, so regular training and familiarisation with the horsebox will build your pony’s confidence and make future transport easier.

Creating a pony journal

A great way to document your equestrian adventures

If you love ponies (who doesn’t?!) and enjoy spending time with them, starting a pony journal can be a fantastic way to keep track of your experiences, progress, and memories. A pony journal is like a diary, but it’s all about your adventures with your favourite equines! Here’s how you can create your own pony journal and what you can include to make it special.

WHY START A PONY JOURNAL?

Keeping a pony journal is not only fun but also very useful. Here’s why:

• Track your progress: See how much you improve in your riding and horsemanship skills over time.

• Remember special moments: Capture memories of your favourite rides, shows, and fun times with your pony.

• Learn and grow: Reflect on what you’ve learned and set new goals for yourself.

• Stay organised: Keep track of your pony care routines and important information about your pony.

GETTING STARTED

1. Choose your journal:

• Notebook: You can use a simple notebook or buy a special journal with a ponythemed cover.

• Digital journal: If you prefer typing to handwriting, you can create a digital journal on your computer or use a journaling app.

2. Decorate your journal:

• Personal touch: Add your name and your pony’s name to make it uniquely yours.

• Stickers and drawings: Decorate the cover and pages with horse stickers, drawings, or pictures of your horse.

I love my pony!

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR JOURNAL

1. Rides and lessons:

• Date: Write the date of each ride, lesson or trip to the stable.

• What you did: Describe what you worked on, such as trotting, jumping, or grooming.

• How it went: Note how you and your pony felt and performed and what you enjoyed the most.

• Goals: Write down what you want to work on next time.

2. Pony care routines:

• Daily care: Keep track of your daily care tasks like feeding, grooming, and mucking out.

• Health checks: Record any health checks, vet visits, or treatments your pony receives.

• Special notes: Note any changes in your pony’s behaviour or health that you want to remember and keep track of.

3. Progress and achievements:

• Skills learned: Write about new skills you’ve learned and how you improved.

• Achievements: Celebrate your achievements, such as winning a rosette at a show or mastering a new groundwork technique.

• Challenges: Reflect on any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

4. Special moments:

• Fun memories: Describe fun rides, shows, or special times you spent with your pony and friends.

• Photos and drawings: Include photos of your pony or drawings you’ve made to capture those moments.

5. Goals and plans:

• Short-term goals: Set goals for the next week or month, like improving your canter or learning a new exercise on the ground.

• Long-term goals: Think about what you want to achieve over the next year, such as participating in a horse show or mastering a difficult skill.

Awesome ride with my pony!

Horse and rider

TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR HORSE JOURNAL

• Be consistent: Try to write in your journal regularly, even if it’s just a few sentences each time.

• Be honest: Write about the good days and the not-sogood days. It’s all part of your journey.

• Be creative: Use colours, drawings, and stickers to make your journal fun and lively.

• Reflect: Look back at your previous entries to see how much you’ve grown and what you’ve accomplished.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Starting a pony journal is a wonderful way to document your equestrian adventures and cherish the special moments you share with your pony. It helps you track your progress, remember important details, and reflect on your journey. So grab a notebook or open your computer, and start your pony journal today. Happy journaling!

Zebras are closely related to horses but are not the same species. did you know?

LEARNING THE GAITS

Walk, trot, canter, and gallop

One of the most exciting things when we are learning to ride ponies is getting to go ‘up’ a gait. Each gait feels different and requires you to ride in a different way. Whilst many of you may now be proficient in all gaits, it’s still good to have a refresher on how each gait works, as the more you understand the gaits, the better you can ride them. We hope you enjoy this ‘revision’ session.

Horse and rider

THE WALK

• The walk is the slowest gait. Ponies typically walk at a speed of about six kilometres per hour.

• The walk is a four-beat gait, meaning each of the pony’s four hooves hits the ground one at a time. The sequence typically goes: left hind, left front, right hind, right front.

• The walk is a symmetrical gait, meaning the movement on one side of the pony’s body mirrors the movement on the other side. This balance makes it an excellent gait for assessing and improving a pony’s overall symmetry and soundness.

• While walking, ponies engage their core muscles, which helps improve their overall strength and posture.

• Walk is essential for warming up and cooling down ponies before and after more intense activities.

• Because it’s a low-impact gait, the walk is perfect for rest and recovery periods. It helps keep the pony’s joints and muscles loose without putting too much strain on them so it is the first gait you will use when rehabbing a pony after injury.

Horse and rider

The trot is a two-beat gait where the pony’s legs move in diagonal pairs (right front and left hind together, left front and right hind together).

Unlike the walk, the trot includes a moment of suspension where all four hooves are off the ground. This gives the trot a slightly bouncy feel.

Ponies typically trot at speeds ranging from 13 to 19

Trotting engages a variety of muscle groups in the pony, promoting flexibility and strength. It is particularly effective for strengthening the pony's hindquarters and

Trotting is an excellent aerobic exercise for ponies, helping to build cardiovascular endurance, muscle tone, and overall fitness. It's commonly used in conditioning

The trot has several variations, including the working trot, collected trot, medium trot, and extended trot. Each variation serves different purposes in training and

In dressage, the trot is essential for many movements and transitions. Mastery of the trot forms the foundation for more advanced dressage manoeuvres, such as the

The trot's symmetrical, repetitive nature makes it an ideal gait for assessing a pony’s balance and soundness. Vets and trainers often use the trot to diagnose lameness or other movement issues.

THE CANTER

• The canter is a three-beat gait. In a right lead canter, the sequence is left hind leg, right hind leg and left front leg together, and then the right front leg. The left lead canter is the mirror image, starting with the right hind leg.

• The canter includes a moment of suspension where all four hooves are off the ground. This adds to the smooth, flowing nature of the gait.

• Ponies can canter on either the right or left lead, depending on which front leg reaches forward more prominently. Correct leads are essential for balance, especially when riding in circles or making turns.

• Ponies canter at speeds ranging from 16 to 27 kilometres per hour.

• In dressage, the canter can be collected, with shorter strides and a more elevated frame, or extended, with longer strides covering more ground. These variations demonstrate the pony’s flexibility and training.

• The transition into the canter, known as the canter depart, is an important skill. A correct canter depart involves the pony stepping smoothly into the gait from a walk or trot, often in response to a rider’s specific cues.

• The counter-canter is an advanced manoeuvre where the pony canters on the outside lead. It’s used in dressage to improve balance and coordination.

THE GALLOP

• The gallop is a four-beat gait. In a right lead gallop, the sequence is left hind leg, right hind leg, left front leg, and right front leg. There is a similar sequence for the left lead gallop with the opposite legs leading.

• Like the canter, the gallop includes a moment of suspension where all four hooves are off the ground. This moment occurs between the propulsion of the hind legs and the contact of the front legs with the ground.

• Galloping ponies can reach speeds of 40 to 48 kilometres per hour and even faster in racing conditions. Thoroughbreds, for example, can achieve speeds up to 64 kilometres per hour.

• The gallop requires significant energy and stamina from the pony. It is usually maintained for short distances due to the intense physical exertion involved.

• The gallop is the primary gait used in horse racing. It is essential for racehorses to develop strength, speed, and endurance to compete effectively.

• The transition from canter to gallop involves an increase in speed and stride length. This transition is smooth and allows the pony to accelerate rapidly.

• The length of a pony's stride during the gallop is a clear indicator of its speed. Some racehorses can have stride lengths of over six metres.

• The gallop is a pony’s natural flight response. In the wild, ponies use the gallop to escape predators, showcasing their incredible speed and agility.

CONCLUSION

Understanding the footfalls of the gait makes you a better and more accurate rider. If you know how the gaits work, you can perform better transitions, ask for movements at the best moment and create a smoother ride.

PUZZLE FUN

BODY PARTS

CANON BONE | CHESTNUT | CROUP | ERGOT | EYES | FETLOCK | HOCK | HOOF | MANE | NECK PATELLA | POLL | SHOULDER | TAIL | WITHERS

NOTE: Spaces and any punctuation marks have been removed

PUZZLE FUN

Can you spot all 10 differences?

How should I store my new riding hat?

Caring for your riding hat is important not only for appearance but, more crucially, to allow it to continue providing the same high level of protection and standards.

After riding, you want to store your hat away from direct heat and in a place where it is not likely to be dropped or knocked off onto the floor. It is a good idea to keep it in a hat bag for added protection.

If your hat gets wet, dab it with a clean towel and leave it to dry. Never put it on a direct heat source like a radiator or in the sun to dry. Similarly, you must always store your hat at room temperature, as extremes of cold and especially heat can cause catastrophic damage to the essential safety features. This is because the inner shock absorbent section of the helmet is commonly made from expanded polystyrene, which is damaged not only by impact but also by exposure to heat. This damage inevitably reduces the shockabsorbing ability of the material and, thus, the helmet.

The inside of the hat can usually be refreshed with the manufacturer’s specified products, and removable liners can often be washed in a non-biological detergent and replaced when dry.

The best advice, however, is to keep the manufacturer’s care instructions and be sure to follow them.

How do I work out the size and shape of the saddlepad I need for my new saddle?

The most crucial factor when selecting your saddlepad is matching the cut to the shape of your saddle. Dressage saddles are cut with a straight seam at the front to follow the elongated line of the knee roll and panel. These saddlepads are often a little deeper to compensate for the additional length in saddle flap. For more general purpose (GP) and jumping saddles, you can look at discipline-specific saddlepads.

There are many saddlepad options available in a hybrid GP/jump cut. These are designed with a forward-cut seam that

Why are grey horses born darker?

Compared to white horses with pink skin, greys possess a modifying gene inherited from one or both parents. This gene causes the horse’s coat to turn grey with age even though he was born darker, usually chestnut or bay. The skin of grey horses is

follows the curvature of a typical knee roll on a jumping saddle but has enough depth to allow for the slightly longer flap of GP.

Most half pads are suitable for general purpose, jumping and dressage saddles.

Manufacturers tend to make saddlepads available in two or more sizes – small and large. Saddles with a 16-inch seat or smaller would usually require a pony-sized small pad, while those larger than 16 inches would be considered for a cob- or full-sized saddle pad.

not pink and will stay the same colour from birth (usually black).

The modifying gene affects the hair follicles’ ability to produce melanin that gives the coat its colour; hence, over time, as new hair grows, colour will appear to be lost. This can often be most apparent at the change of season when a new coat is grown.

The speed at which a horse goes grey varies between individuals, but in foals and yearlings, the first white hairs usually appear around the muzzle and eyes and on the flanks. Over time, his coat is likely to become dappled and eventually turn completely white, perhaps with flea-bitten markings.

PRODUCTS WE LOVE

Equiforce Funky Collection

Meet Dinos and Ducks!

Call it fashion! Horse and pony wear just got a whole lot more fun with the new Equiforce Funky Collection range of patterns, with this season being Dinos and Ducks.

For chilly days, choose the Funky Rug with a cozy 150g fill, ensuring warmth and protection against the cold. For those frosty mornings and chilly evenings, the matching neck warmers are a must-have accessory! Sold separately, they complete the look while keeping your pony snug as a bug.

And don’t forget the sunny days! Equiforce offers Dino and Duck Lycra Fly Masks too. The Fly Mask fits like a glove with its comfy stretch fabric and keeps those pesky flies away from the eyes.

Match to your pony’s personality! Dinos or Ducks?

Find Equiforce Funky Collection at Western Shoppe. www.westernshoppe.com

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