PONY MAGAZINE
AUSTRALIA
November/December 2017
www.ponymagazineaustralia.com
PONY MAGAZINE
AUSTRALIA
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 OWNER/EDITOR B.M. Williams Ba. Eq. Science bpurcellequine@hotmail.com WEB http://www.ponymagazineaustralia.com ABN: 87 845 173 370
DISCLAIMER All rights reserved. All material appearing in Pony Magazine Australia is subject to copyright and remains the property of Pony Magazine Australia, or the individual contributors. No material may be reproduced or reprinted in any manner, way or form without prior permission from the publisher. Any opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of Pony Magazine Australia, and while all effort is made to ensure that all facts are correct and up to date, to the extent permitted by law, Pony Magazine Australia accepts no responsibility whatsoever in relation to any advice, representation, statement, opinion or other matter expressed in the magazine. Pony Magazine Australia does not accept responsibility for any errors in advertisements, articles, unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations. we recommend seeking veterinary advice, or the appropriate health care professional, prior to giving your pony any treatment or change of diet. PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA
ON THE COVER: Our Christmas edition Cover Pony is the gorgeous Costalot Jiminy Cricket with Sam Stenzel. Jiminy Cricket is a purebred Connemara bred by his grandmother Lynda Robinson and campaigned by Sam’s sister Ellie, competing at both the Pony Club and Interschool States this year. A big thank you to Sam and Ellie’s mum Kelly for sending in the photo. This gorgeous photo was taken by the talented Jessica Barlow Photography.
NOVEMBER?DECEMBER 2017
PONY MAGAZINE
AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 IN THIS ISSUE: FROM THE EDITOR PONIES OUT AND ABOUT -Martin Collins Australian Dressage Championships -Edward’s Saddleworld Queensland Pony Dressage Championships -Pryde’s EasiFeed Australian Show Jumping Championships Pony Show Jumping AUSTRALIAN DOCUMENTARY WINS TOP AWARDS SWEATING IT OUT PEGASUS PARK PONIES SUPPORT OUR AGRICULTURAL SHOWS CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FEATURE
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MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM
PONY MAGAZINE
AUSTRALIA PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA
NOVEMBER?DECEMBER 2017
FROM THE EDITOR
What a year it has been! I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our loyal readers. There is a huge amount of research, writing, designing and work that goes into producing every issue of this magazine and it is all for you, the readers! We have had a highly successful comeback with the new look issues and we hope to continue this throughout the new year. This issue our feature looks at the horse’s sweating mechanism and explores methods to make sure your ponies don’t overheat this summer. Temperatures here in Australia in summer can be absolutely sweltering and we all know a pony that tends to carry extra weight. Unfortunately the characteristics that make ponies so well adapted to surviving in a cold climate are a bit of a bother in the heat. Ponies have been out flying the flag these past few months at a number of high end events . It is so great to see the bigger competitions running the events for the ponies, and them being well supported. I hope this continues and we can keep showing the rest of the equestrian community what the ponies can do! On the topic of supporting competitions I have also ran an article about agricultural shows. Unfortunately the future of a number of our agricultural shows is in doubt, they just aren’t the family friendly, grand affairs that they once were. With rising insurance costs and it becoming ever-increasingly hard to find volunteers and sponsorship to keep these shows going, it has never been more important to support your local shows than now, or they may not be around for future generations to enjoy. And last but definitely not least, on behalf of Pony Magazine Australia I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year. May the new year bring plenty of enjoyment with those beautiful ponies!
Brooke OWNER/EDITOR PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA
NOVEMBER?DECEMBER 2017
Ponies Out and About October was a busy month for the ponies with a number of big competitions allowing owners and riders to showcase the talents of their ponies. Victoria saw the inaugral Pony Show Jumping being included at the Australian Show Jumping Championships, as well as the Australian Dressage Championships at Boneo Park which also ran pony classes. In Queensland, Toowoomba hosted the Queensland State Dressage Championships, which were well supported despite inclement weather.
Martin Collins Australian Dressage Championships 2017
The National Dressage Championships at Boneo Park, running from October 18th to 22nd, saw classes from Novice to Grand Prix being offered for the ponies. Numbers were not particularly high, but the quality of ponies competing was exceptional. The Pony Novice Championship was won by the imported German Riding Pony mare SPB Diva Toscana (Dimension AT x Top Nonstop), ridden by Amanda Shoobridge, and this pair also took out the Elementary Championship. SPB Diva Toscana was NSW State Novice Pony Champion earlier in the year. Reserve in the Pony Novice Championship was Miss Divine M ridden by Susan Elekessy, also from New South Wales. The FEI Pony Prix St Georges was won by the lovely imported German Riding Pony stallion Cheval De Luxe (FS Champion De Luxe x Dancing Flower) ridden by Sara Price. The pair also won the FEI Pony Intermediate I with the talented Welsh B Mithril Vagabond (Owendale Brandyman x Mithril Valerie) and Louise Maguire
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in second place. Cheval De Luxe also won the Pony Small Tour, with Mithril Vagabond in Reserve. Another imported German Riding Pony stallion, Noble Dancer (Heidburgs Nancho Nova x Immenmoor Crisby), ridden by Amanda Shoobridge, was second in the FEI Pony Prix St Georges and won the Pony Advanced Championship, winning both Advanced tests. Reserve in the Pony Advanced was the buckskin part Welsh Heritage Park Charteuse (Stanton Park Lemon Ruski x Heritage Park Lesmis)and Amy Bachmann from Victoria. Charteuse and Amy also won the Pony Medium Championship, with FS Carry Gold (FS Coco Jambo x FS Donna Dora) in Reserve. FS Carry Gold is another lovely imported German Riding Pony. Her sire is by the same sire as Cheval De Luxe. The Welsh Section D gelding Kamber Pryderi (Burrowa Sportsman’s Last x Imperial Martha) ridden by Fern Wright won the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle Under 25 years and was a close second in the FEI Grand Prix CDI Under 25.
Left: Mithril Vagabond and Louise Maguire Right: Barringa Alexander and Sarah French Photo credits: Margie Kuiper
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Edward’s Saddleworld Queensland Pony Dressage Championships 2017 The Queensland State Pony Dressage Championships were hosted by Toowoomba Dressage was held on October 14th and 15th. Classes were well supported with some truly lovely ponies out showcasing their talents. Winner of the Preliminary Championship was Summer Chaseling with Aspen Way Power Pony (Power Boy x Penny Lane of Astral), a lovely pony who combines German Riding Pony bloodlines with the best of Australian and British Welsh and Riding Pony lines. They also won Reserve in the Novice Championship. Reserve was Toni Webb and the Welsh D Salient Park Bouncer (Abergavenny Achilles (imp UK) x Burrowa Betrys). Salient Park Bouncer and Toni were third in the Novice Championship and won the Queensland RPG WPCSA Hi Point Award. The Novice Championship was won by Cheraton Cabaret, a part Welsh daughter of the lovely Kirreway Rialto, ridden by Belle Edwards. Toni Webb had a highly successful competition, winning the Elementary Championship with Salient Park Prince (CWMKaren Tywysog Harri x Burrowa Ladylight Express), another Welsh Section D. This combination also won the Six Year Old Young Dressage Pony class. With his younger full brother, Salient Park Telynor, Toni won the Four Year Old Young Dressage Pony class. Reserve in the Elementary Championship was Lisel Dingley with Carousel Finnel The Fearless. Rubern Landy Star and rider Alisha Griffiths were another combination to have a successful competition. The pair took out both Medium tests to be named Medium Champion, and also won both Advanced Tests and won Advanced Champion. Alisha and Rubern Landy Star have had great succes together, being members of the Queensland Young Rider Squad and also having recently won at Open Medium level. This stunning and talented palomino was actually found through the Rockhampton Sales and a lot of dedication has seen the combination get to where they are today. Cleopatra Hope (Jaybee Leuwin x Prima Bella Hope) and Belinda Russo won both the Prix St Georges and Intermediate I classes. Rahane Patches (Rahane Caleb x Rahane Petula), a striking Section B who had a very successful career in harness with Team Van Den Berg, and Lisel Dingley won the Preliminary Freestyle, while the Section C Glengarry Eclipse (London Park Warragul x Pennant Evening Star)ridden by Linda Shore won the Novice Freestyle as well as the Five Year Old Young Dressage Pony class. Nicola Brown rode Memphis Cloud to a win in the Medium Freestyle, as well as being named Reserve Medium Champion and third in the Elementary Championship. Hightop Park Pzazz, a Part Welsh son of Bevanlee After Dark, was ridden by Allissia Curry to a third in the Medium Championship and a second in the Advanced Championship. PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA
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Pryde’s EasiFeed Australian Show Jumping Championships Pony Show Jumping 2017
2017 saw the inaugural inclusion of pony show jumping classes at the Australian Dressage Championships. The opportunity to compete with the best was taken by many riders and their ponies. There were both open and under 16 year old classes, giving everyone an opportunity to compete. The Overall High Point Pony was the New Zealand bred Mai Tai, ridden by Hannah Young, while the Best Performed Pony Under 128cm was Fiery Flicka, ridden by Hayden Parker. Petite Performance Ponies sponsored an award for the combination showing presentation, performance, professionalism and potenital and this was won by Gabriella Officer on Bubble Gum. The 80cm Final was won by Georgia Michael on Mingara Lucy with Neve Bailey and Shalida Park Chevron runners up. In the Under 14 years 80cm Final the winners were La’moza Velisha on Farleigh Tobermory with Indi Officer and Berridale Skye Blue. Winners of the Open 90cm Final were Viewmont Buster and Sian Jehu, who had a super successful weekend with her ponies, placing first, second and fourth on the Pony Challenge 80cm Leaderboard with Viewmont Buster, Viewmont Mongomery and Brumbles, respectively. Second in the Open 90cm Final was Mai Tai and Hannah Young. The Under 16 Years Final was won by Keeli Spoore and Viewmont Arni, with Bridget Mouat and Sweet Carnival in second. Winner of the 1.04cm Final was Hayden Parker with Fat Boy Slim, with Kahean Trooper Diamond and Sarah Weiss in second. Sarah and Kahean Trooper Diamond were also awarded the High Point Connemara award, sponsored by the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society of Australia.
Have an event you’d like to promote or see featured? Please contact us.
PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017
B.M. WILLIAMS
ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY
Give them something truly special this Christmas
~ Custom equine and pet portraits ~Colour and high detail monochrome ~Gift vouchers available Taking Christmas Orders now! Click here to visit the website.
Australian Equestrian Documentary Taking Top Awards at Film Festivals Australian documentary ‘Steve Halfpenny’ has won top honours at a number of prestigious film festivals, including the Best Documentary Gold Award at the Los Angeles Shorts International Film Festival in Canada. For filmmaker and director Elaine Heney it was quite a journey, having had minimal video production experience prior to filming the short. She watched four online cinematography courses over four days before spending a few days filming her own horses and then off to the UK she went to film the short movie, which took around three weeks. “It was an honour to be able to tell the story of such a remarkable horseman,” says Elaine, “I believe Steve Halfpenny’s Light Hands Equitation approach is missing in many areas of the horse world today. Steve works with feel, timing, balance and relaxation. It’s amazing to see how fast a horse can change when you connect with their mind.” Steve Halfpenny moved from the UK to Australia in the early 1980s and conducts clinics in Australia, New Zealand, UK and Germany. The documentary was filmed in the UK and Ireland. ‘Steve Halfpenny’ has won top honours at a number of film festivals. In October 2017 it was awarded Best Documentary Gold Award at the Los Angeles Shorts International Film Festival and Best Equestrian Documentary at the Irish International Film Festival. In November 2017 it won Best Equestrian Mini Award at the EQUUS Film Festival, and won Best Documentary Gold Award and Best Director Diamond Award at the NYC Indie Film Awards. You can watch the film here:
‘Steve Halfpenny’ PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA
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SWEATING IT OUT
PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017
SWEATING IT OUT Horses and ponies are unique among
mammals, along with humans and primates, in their ability to produce sweat over most of their body. This enables them to cool quite effficiently under most circumstances, but at the expense of lost fluids and important minerals. Horses are able to dissipate excess body heat quite well under ideal conditions. Much of their body is covered in apocrine sweat glands, which are sweat glands associated with a hair follicle. In response to hormone signals and increases in body temperature, these glands will release sweat onto the hair which will allow excess tissue heat to be transferred from the body to the sweat, where it can be lost via evaporation. It is very important to note that for this to be effective the air moving over the body must be cooler than the horse. Thermoregulation in response to high body temperature is not as effective where ambient temperatures reach greater than 25 ° C and/or humidity is high (i.e. 70-90%). This is particularly important to consider when working horses and ponies on hot days and in high humidity.
COOLING DOWN IN HOT WEATHER
When working, muscles produce a significant amount of heat as a waste product of energy metabolism. If the horse was unable to remove this excess heat from the body it would become quite problematic very quickly, particularly considering how much of the body is composed of muscle. Fortunately, the horse can sweat and release much of this excess heat into the environment. A small amount in also lost via respiration. The ‘blow’ PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA
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SWEATING IT OUT that horses exhibit following hard exercise is actually in response to raised internal temperature rather than oxygen defecit. When working horses and ponies in less than ideal conditions (i.e. high temperatures and/or humidity) effective cooling off afterwards is imperative. Recovery from exercise of all body systems is much quicker once the core temperature is brought back down. A horse should be fully recovered and cooled down before being put away, particularly if he is to go into a stable where airflow is compromised. Cool or ice water should be used to facilitate cooling but must be scraped off, rather than left on the horse, or evaporation will be
hindered. When it comes to working ponies in warm weather there are additional factors to consider. Ponies, in particular native breeds, have evolved with adaptations to cold temperatures. Thick insulating coats, predisposed to laying down fat deposits, low surface area to weight ratio etc. are just a few characteristics that can hinder the cooling process. Fitness levels should also be taken into account. A fit pony will sweat much more efficiently than a fat, unfit pony, and excess sweating is wasteful and results in the loss of valuable fluids and minerals. Older ponies also tend to have less efficient thermoregulation. Their body temperature rises more quickly
Ponies, in particular native breeds and types, have adaptations to cold temperatures which can become problematic when working in hot and humid conditions.
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SWEATING IT OUT during exercise and takes longer to return to resting rates post exercise. The main issue where horses and ponies are sweating is the risk of dehydration. At peak exercise, sweating rates can reach as much as ten to 15 litres per hour. Horses are able to produce large amounts of sweat in response to exercise and this also results in significant fluid loss. Equine sweat is more concentrated than the tissues, which also means considerable amounts of minerals are lost in sweat. These minerals are known as electrolytes and play a number of very important roles in the body. These electrolytes include potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium and chloride. While exact composition of sweat varies depending on a number of factors (i.e. fitness, ambient conditions and exercise intensity), as an example such a sample of sweat (from Marlin and Nankervis, Equine Exercise Physoilogy, p137) may contain 6 grams per litre (g/L) of chloride, 3.5 g/L of sodium, 1.2 g/L of potassium and 0.1 g/L of calcium. A protein called latherin is also present in small quantities and this acts as a surfactant, helping spread the sweat along the hair for better evaporation. As well as replacing fluids lost through sweat, it is imperative that these minerals are also replenished. Electrolytes have many important roles in the body, including maintaining the balance between intercellular and extracellular environments. While forages and hays are rich in potassium, they are a poor source of sodium and chloride, as are cereal grains. PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA
While some premixes may have added salt included, it is generally not enough to meet requirements when horses are working. A balanced diet, with the addition of salt (sodium chloride, in the form of table salt) should meet the electrolyte requirements of most horses. One to two tablespoons is generally sufficient, depending on whether there is added salt in any premixed feeds being fed, and also work level. Adding salt to the feed, rather than offering it free choice, ensures that the horse or pony is taking in sufficient amounts to replenish any salt lost. Salt level should be increased in hot weather. Where work is more intense, prolonged, weather conditions are extreme, or the horse is required to compete or work hard again for multiple days (e.g. eventing, endurance), an electrolyte supplement may be beneficial to rehydrate and recover fluid levels more rapidly. While balance will eventually be
SYMPTOMS OF HEAT STROKE RAPID BREATHING/PANTING RAPID HEART RATE PROFUSE SWEATING OR NO SWEATING DRY, HOT SKIN HIGH TEMPERATURE
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SWEATING IT OUT
where horses and ponies are required to do prolonged work or back up the again for multiple days in hot weather, and electrolyte supplement may be required to ensure adequate hydration. restored providing the horse is provided a balanced diet with additional salt, horses with even minor dehydration have reduced performance. Sodium will trigger the thirst reflex, and so will encourage the horse to drink and replace lost fluids. Commercial electrolyte preparations are available as pastes, powders or liquids and can be syringed directly into the mouth, added to food or added to water. Be sure to acclimatise horses to the taste of electrolytes if they are to be used while travelling or at competitions as some can be quite fussy when it comes to new tastes and you may find they will not touch any water that has a new taste to it. Dehydration becomes a majoy problem at just six to seven per cent loss of body mass. PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA
Dehydrated hores sweat less in an effort to prevent precious fluid being lost and this can be to the detriment of body temperature. Where core temperature can no longer be maintained, the horse can go downhill very quickly. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of dehydration and heat stroke and be able to rectify the situation quickly to prevent internal damage. While it is better to work horses in the morning or evening, when conditions are not quite so extreme, sometimes working in hot or humid conditions can not be avoided. While there are risks involved, as long as these are addressed and the fluid electrolyte balance is restored horse and ponies should recover quickly and effectively. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017
How Much Should You Pony Be Drinking? Water consumption of horses and
ponies varies considerably depending on a number of factors. These include:
Weight of pony Heat/humidity Diet Exercise level/intensity Health Status Water requirements depend on weight and dry matter intake and can be anywhere between 13 and 60 litres per day. Horse and ponies should always have access to cool, clean water. Factors that increase consumption include heat and humidity, workload, such life stages as lactation, and also a number of health conditions such as insulin resistance. Diet can also affect how much water a horse will drink. In winter we feed fibrous hay in order to provide extra heat (which is derived from the breakdown of the hard to digest fibres) and so it would make sense to feed hay of higher quality in the warmer months to prevent some of this excess heat being produced. Rather than stalky and dry, hay should be soft to touch, slightly green and smell sweet. However, if your pony is on a PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA
special diet due to any health conditions, such as insulin resistance or prone to founder, check with your veterinarian or nutritionist prior to making any dietary changes. The forage in the diet also influences water requirements in other ways. Ponies that are on a hay only diet (i.e. no pasture) will require more water as there is considerably less water in hay than pasture. Some foods increase water consumption by requiring soaking (such as beet pulp, soy hulls, copra etc. ) and the water added to these feeds also counts towards the overall daily water intake. Generally speaking, water requirements increase during hot and humid weather, particularly with exercise, and it is of great importance that ponies have access to cool, clean water at all times. If your pony is not drinking enough then the risk of such complications as colic, heat stress and dehydration is increased. It is important to monitor water intake as increased or decreased intake can be an indication of a number of health problems such as kidney problems or insulin resistance, just to name a few. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017
PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL OF THEIR READERS A VERY HAPPY 2018. Run a stud? Compete on a pony? Stand a stallion? Own a pony-related business? We are looking for our 2018 feature articles and welcome expressions of interest on advertising for our upcoming issues. We also welcome any write ups from events and competitions. Please contact Brooke bpurcellequine@hotmail.com
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PEGASUS PARK PONIES Pegasus Park Ponies was established in 2008 and is situated at
Southbrook in picturesque South East Queensland. Owned and operated by Christine and Catherine Wise, the focus of the stud was originally on Welsh Mountain Ponies and Welsh Part breds. The stud has since evolved and changed direction, producing quality welsh ponies of cob type with exceptional temperaments and conformation suitable for a variety of pursuits.
burrowa apollo and catherine at the queensland state pony dressage championships photo: christine wise PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA
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“Temperament was always and still is, a major focus with performance ponies that have a
The stallion Talsarn Miracle
(Glynyarra Kristian x Talsarn Old Mystery) was purchased for the stud and has bred some lovely stock for Christine. The direction of the stud changed from breeding the smaller part Welsh ponies to aiming for larger Welsh Ponies of Cob Type. The first Section C mare was purchased in 2013. Talsarn Miracle continued to be used over larger mares and the Section C stallion Burrowa Apollo (Abergavenny Achilles (imp UK) x Burrowa Bannods Gem) was added to the stud in 2014. “Temperament was always and still is, a major focus with my breeding stock,” says Christine, “The aim is to breed sensible, trainable performance ponies that have a willingness to work with people.” Christine has found the move to the larger Cob Type ponies most satisfying. “These Cobs have an amazing temperament and athletic ability,” she explains, “They are of a size where they suit both child and adult riders.” “Conformation is important and additions to the stud have brought a number of bloodlines with proven credentials in the show ring and performance disciplines.” Christine also believes that the Welsh Cs also have a real ability to connect with their riders.” PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA
CHRISTINE’S FIRST HOMEBRED PONY, PEGASUS BRED WELSH YOUNSTOCK AT THE QUEENSLAND GO-TO RIDING photo: Diane chambers It was an interest in riding and competitions such as dressage, show jumping and eventing at Pony Club that led Christine to the Welsh breeds, “A suitable mount with the right temperament and ability was highly sought after; thus, I decided to breed my own.” With the rise in popularity NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017
h my breeding stock.The aim is to breed sensible, trainable willingness to work with people.” named Supreme Champion Part Welsh Youngstock at the Queensland All Welsh Show as a three year old. “She is a sensible mare under saddle and my favourite as a ‘go to’ when I need some de-stress time in the saddle,” Christine says fondly. Christine has all of her breeding stock broken-in. This is both for the purpose of ease of handling and also so that they can have another direction in life on top of breeding. The youngstock are all wellhandled and spend their growing years in a herd environment so that they can learn how to be ponies. She finds that they are all easy to catch and great to break in when their time comes.
PEGASUS PARK VERITY WAS SUPREME CHAMPION PART QUEENSLAND ALL WELSH SHOW AND IS HER FAVOURITE RIDING PONY. s creative photography of Pony Dressage, these ponies are really getting a chance to show what they can do. “Welshies are proving themselves in Dressage competitions, excelling in Pony Dressage, showing just how trainable they are,” Christine says.
The stud stallion Burrowa Apollo, affectionately known as Barney, has just started a career in dressage and is taking it all in his stride. “His temperament is fabulous,” says Christine, “He loves human interaction and is a real gentleman with impeccable behaviour.” When out and about, many fellow competitors are not aware that he is a stallion, a testament to his fabulous nature, and he is regularly floated with and stabled beside mares with no problems. Christine adds, “His foals all seem to have his kind, willing nature and athleticism, so will hold the stud in good stead for the future.”
Pegasus Park’s first homebred pony was the lovely Pegasus Park Verity, who was PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA
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Support Our Agricultural Shows Agricultural shows are a part of our great history and tradition. They have always provided an opportunity for producers to showcase their livestock, produce and handywork. The smaller local agricultural shows provide an opportunity for those new to showing to get out there and experience the show scene on a smaller scale, while the larger shows such as the Royal Shows are where the country meets the city and provides an opportunity for the city-dwellers to get a taste of the country and all it has to offer. There is something for everyone. From photography and art, to cooking and embroidery, and all kinds of livestock and animals. The essence of the country show is the fact that everybody in the community can be involved. However, the tradition of the local Agricultural Show appears to be slowly disappearing. Increasing insurance costs mean gate and entry fees are having to be raised. Volunteers are becoming harder to find and entries are dwindling down to the point where classes are cut or merged and shows are shutting down for the final time. The future of a number of small agricultural shows is looking grim, with some of them already packing it in. So what can we do about it to ensure that these shows are there for future generations to enjoy? How can we make sure that these shows that introduced us to showing horses and ponies continue to operate? They require volunteers to offer their time to help run, organise and promote, sponsors to keep costs down, amusements to keep the children happy, and most of all they need entries and people coming through the gate. Pull those ponies out of the paddock come show season and have a go, there is usually something for everyone, from led, ridden, and leading rein, to show jumping and pony club events. And if there aren’t classes that you’d like to compete in, offer to sponsor them so that they can be included. If you have a spare spot in the float, invite that friend that has never shown before, or bring them along as a strapper if they don’t want to ride. So many peoples’ first showing experience was at the local Agricultural show and we would hate to not have this opportunity available for future PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA
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generations. Dust off the kids’ hairy Shetland too, they will have a ball. Invite every relative you can think of to come and cheer them on, the more the merrier. Don’t ride anymore? Volunteer to help with entries, or steward for the day. You will be amazed at how much you can learn. Rally the local pony club, a number of pony clubs and other community groups are already using the local shows as a major fundraising event, and very successfully at that. If you have other talents, don’t leave them out either, support the other sections such as art, photography, needlework or cooking. The fashion of the day seems to be leaning more towards everyone not having a go anymore, and entries in a number of sections are reflecting this. There used to be a huge range of talents on show. The important thing is that we do not lose our valuable local agricultural shows. The biggest hurdles faced by the Agricultural Societies these days seems to be a lack of manpower, and a lack of funds to cover the event. These shows can be costly to run, and require many hours of hard work by not only the committee but the community. So if you would like to see our local agricultural shows continue to be a part of country life, please support them. Whether it be in the form of volunteering to help run the shows, volunteering on the day, sponsoring classes or participating, every little bit helps.
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CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS 2017
Gifts Just For Them In addition to all their great gift range, Filly and Co Horse Gifts now bring you a growing range of personalised gifts from hoodies, bags, mugs, clocks, puzzles and much more.
See them all at www.fillyandco.com.au The Adventures of Bella and Emily Michelle Holland
Lovingly handcrafted from her studio in North Yorkshire, England Sally Florence creates bespoke characterful mosaics and cookie cutters. Christmas decorations are also available of your beloved pet. New for this year have a name included. Perfect personal gifts or treat for yourself. Email at sallyflorencedesigns@yahoo.co.uk or see our website
www.sallyflorencedesigns.bigcartel.com for more details.
B.M. WILLIAMS
ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY Give them something truly special this Christmas ~ Custom equine and pet portraits ~Colour and high detail monochrome ~Gift vouchers available
Available now in paperback and Kindle Order from Amazon.com.au www.michelleholland.co.uk
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CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS 2017 By Snuggle-Bub
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Purchase a Santa Sack plus ANY other Thelwell product to receive a 10% discount on your total invoice. Just use the discount code ‘Christmas’. And don’t forget... free postage within Australia! Go to www.snuggle-bub.com or email sales.snugglebub@activ8.net.au to place your order. Snuggle-Bub 265 Gembrook Rd Launching Place Vic 3139 mob. 0417 396 381 ph/fax 03 5964 6802
Merry Christmas to all of our readers.
We wish you a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the new year! We hope to see you all again in 2018!
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