PONY
MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 4 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014
FEEDING THE PONY
Stallions at Stud
KEEPING PONIES ON SMALL PROPERTIES
FEATURE: SANDBOURNE ROYAL ENSIGN: THE AUSTRALIAN INFLUENCE Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 2
Pony Magazine Australia October/November 2014 Editor Brooke Purcell bpurcellequine@hotmail.com
PONY
MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA
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Stallion Profiles
Layout and Design Brooke Purcell
ABN: 87 845 173 370 Pony Profiles
COVER PHOTO: The lovely Makayla Bizzie Bee, owned and bred by Garry and Julie Casson, who was recently named Supreme Led Part Welsh at the Northern NSW Welsh Show 2014. Photo by Thelabella Images.
Copyright and Disclaimer
All rights reserved.All material appearing in Pony Magazine Australia is subject to copyright laws 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 approval from the publishers. The opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of Pony Magazine Australia, and while all effort is made to ensure that facts are correct and up to date, to the extent permitted by law, Pony Magazine Australia accepts no liability 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 specialist, prior to giving your pony any treatment or change in diet.
Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 2
FEATURE: Sandbourne Royal Ensign* The Australian Influence
CONTENTS Editorial Keeping Ponies on Small Properties FEATURE: Sandbourne Royal Ensign* Part II: The Australian Influence Ponies out and About: APSBS Qld Branch Youngstock Show Feeding The Pony Pony Profile: Woranora Sovereign
Keeping Ponies on Small Properties
Makayla Bizzie Bee Advertising Your Pony: Getting the Most From Your Advert HOOVES IN HISTORY Volume 4 Bwlch Valentino
Bwlch Valentino and his influence
Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 2
Welcome to the October/November issue of Pony Magazine Australia! This month we have some great informative articles about pony keeping, including keeping ponies on small properties as well as looking at the factors needed to be considered when feeding the pony, as opposed to a horse.
PONY
MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA
We also conclude our Sandbourne Royal Ensign* feature with his influence on Australia. This lovely stallioin has been so instrumental in producing our modern Riding Ponies and show ponies and I hope that you enjoy this tribute. And his legacy lives on in the numerous progeny and descendants who continue to excel in the showring and other disciplines. I would like to thank the many owners and breeders who helped contribute to this piece, amongst them Sandra Donovan (Astral Park), Amanda Hewitt (Thorwood) and of course Robert Cockram (Deanhills Stud Australia and UK). As we are nearing the end of the year we would like to thank all of our loyal readers and advertisers. Without you this magazine would not be the success that it is. We will be running a December issue, and then starting fresh in the new year with lots of new features and specials. I will shortly be putting together the editorial calender for the new year and planning future features and articles and welcome any suggestions or information for upcoming articles. As we venture into the new year we welcome any enquiries from pony societies, promotional groups and show societies in regards to promotional opportunities. We aim to provide a platform for you to send through press releases, promote shows and events and promote your resective breeds or disciplines. We hope that more organisations will take advantage of this unique pony publication and spread the word so that others may also utilise us. In our December issue we are offering all of our adverts half price, plus giving you the opportunity to try our Ponies for Sale Section for free! We will also be running a pony-related christmas girft special. If you stock a potential christmas gift that is pony-related, simply purchase a quarter page advert (at our already discounted prices), and be upgraded to a half page for free! There is no better time to try out our magazine to promote your goods and services. Please enjoy this issue of Pony Magazine Australia!.
Brooke Purcell Owner/Editor Pony Magazine Australia
Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 4
~PONY KEEPING~
A Look At Keeping Ponies on Small Properties Because ponies are smaller and require less feed than larger horses, they are considerably easier to keep when space is limited. Doing your research and thinking through how you are going to set out your land will make pony keeping on limited holdings much more successful than going in blind. STOCKING RATES Stocking rates will be determined by the quality and type of pasture, size of paddocks, whether or not you are hard feeding, as well as the type of pony, size and his or her workload. KEEPING PONIES ON While in smaller properies it may not be possible SMALL PROPERTIES to give ponies the space required to enable them to get all of their nutritional needs from pasture, it is still important to look after your land. StockKeep stocking rates low so as ing rates should be low enough so that the pasture and soil is not becoming overly eroded due not to damage soil and pasture to excess pressure from hooves as well as grazing.
Allow room for rotational grazing If smaller yards or stables are available, it may so paddocks can be rested be more beneficial to stable or yard ponies and provide them with turnout time as opposed to keeping them on the pasture permanently. Consider having yards adjoining the larger padAppropriate weed management docks and perhaps feeding the ponies their hay in these yards, or keeping them in overnight, to limit their time on the pasture. This will orevent Manure and parasite control your paddocks from becoming eroded and losing most of your pasture. This can also be beneficial, particularly in the instance of ponies, when pasture is in its high growth stages to be able to Pasture quality improvement limit their consumption in order to prevent obesity measures and laminitis. It is of great importance that your stocking rates are low enough so that you can rest paddocks alternatingly to allow them to regenerate. This is particularly important during times when the pasture is under particular stress, such as when it is
Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 4
Re-sowing Irrigation Fertilizer
~PONY KEEPING~ waterlogged from rain, or the grass has dried out in summer.
WEED MANAGEMENT A weed management program is of great importance if you want to get the most out of a limited space. Weeds will take precious nutrients from your soil as well as decrease the amount of useful area you have for pasture. They are also unsightly and spread quickly. Many weeds can also be harmful to horses and these in particular need to be addressed. Weed management is relatively simple, particularly on small properties where selective or non-selective herbicides can be sprayed to eliminate the problem, or they can be dug or pulled out by hand while the problem is only minimal. It is imprtant to read the instructions and warnings on the bottle and be wary that some sprays can make the weeds more palatable to livestock so it may be essential to remove any stock prior to spraying (particularly if pasture is limited). Due to being hindgut fermenters, which is not as efficient as foregut fermentation (i.e. found in sheep, cattle etc.), horses are notoriously bad for spreading weeds, as up to 90% of weed seeds can survive the digestion process. It is important to check your hay for weeds and to avoid any overly weedy hay, as these will be transferred to your pasture and pose a big problem.
MANURE AND PARASITE MANAGEMENT Particularly in smaller holdings, manure management needs to be addressed. It is suggested that regular removal of manure from paddocks can be just as, if not more, effective than anthelmintic control of parasites. This method, along with selective treatment (i.e. treating only those animals who require it, as shown by Faecal Egg Counts (FEC)) also helps in preventing resistance to anthelmintics in worms. Manure can be picked up the old-fashioned way (wheelbarrow and pitchfork), or via a paddock vac, and put in a designated pit, bagged up and sold, or put on the garden. It can also be mulched and spread back out over the pastures as fertilizer (it is recommended that this is done to pastures which are not currently stocked (i.e. those that are being rested) as this method will spread any worm eggs and larvae over the pasture and these are only killed in extreme conditions.
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF YOUR PASTURE There are a number of ways that you can improve the quality and productivity of your pasture. This will decrease the need for supplementary feeding and save you money in the long run. You can regularly sow your paddocks with an appropriate horse pasture, which will improve the nutritional content (as opposed to having native species, which are of lower nutritional value). This will encourage a good ground cover. You should also check the quality of your soil, which can be done through an Agronomist, to determine which nutrients and minerals your soil is Ponies require less space lacking in and which you should focus on in a fertiliser prothan larger horses gram. Watering your pasture during times of low rainfall will ensure that you have pasture growth throughout the year and will decrease the need for hard feeding. Depending on the size of your holdings, it may
Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 4
~PONY KEEPING~ KEEPING PONIES ON SMALL PROPERTIES Safe fencing
be worthwhile to purchase an irrigator, or using a simple sprinkler may be an option. It is important to ensure that pastures are not eaten down too far before they are rested, or regeneration will not be as successful.
OTHER FACTORS
Consider putting in yards or Other factors to consider when keeping ponies stables to rest pasture if small on small properties include ensuring you provide area them with all of the basic necessities. Your pad-
docks should provide some form of shelter from the elements. This can be in the form of trees, Fresh water or sheds/stables, dependig on personal preferShade/shelter from the elements ence and budget. Each paddock also needs to provide access to fresh, clean water, options for which include automatic troughs, baths, or a Consider putting aside an area dam. Your water source will determine which of to ride in to prevent extra these is most suitable. Your choice of fencing will be determined by personal choice and budstress on pastures get. Ponies can be harder to keep in than larger horses due to not only their small size but also their predisposition towards miscief. A fence that will reliably keep in a horse may not necessarily keep in a pony, particularly the smaller ones. If you are wanting to ride on your property, you may want to consider putting aside a yard or paddock to ride and work in as if you are riding on the surface regularly this will expose it to extra stress and may make it unsuitable for grazing.
Just because you have limited space does not mean that you can not keep a pony, thinking the process through and planning ahead can mean that you can provide everything your pony will need, even on a smaller property.
Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 4
~FEATURE~
Sandbourne Royal Ensign* (Keston Royal Occasion* x Cusop Anita) 1981-2009
The Australian Influence By the time Sandbourne Royal Ensign* arrived in Australia in 2006, he had already made his mark via a number of imports whom had preceded him to this country. Sandbourne Royal Ensign* contributed to Australia a number of superb sires, broodmares and show ponies, galloways and hacks, and his legacy continues to be highly prolific. The early 1990s saw the arrival of the striking young chestnut Syon Royal Portrait*. This pony was a Supreme Champion in hand and under saddle and produced a new generation of beautiful refined show ponies, as well as some handy galloways. Such names as Oakvale Serenade, Furzey Kit-Cat, Harrington Park State Affair and Royalwood Boy Soprano made him well known as a producer of sires, while Oakvale Songster, Royalwood Boy Soprano, Regalbrook Royal Edition, Harrington Park Lotus and KT Madigan amongst others made him a highly sought after sire of ridden ponies, galloways and hacks. His daughters also produced on well, Furzey Mostly Mink being the dam of Maximus of Astral, while Oakvale Songster produced the successful Royalwood Songbird. Syon Royal Portrait* is currently with Lesley Paxton of Raleigh Riding Ponies in New South Wales. Another stallion whose first Australian stock appeared around this same time was Radway Right Royal* (from Tarantella). Raleigh Polly Flinders This lovely bay stallion produced a number (Syon Royal Portrait* x Balagomy of top stock for Rathowen Stud and later Peioni) is beginning her career in Pony on Thorwood Stud. Amanda Hewitt of Dressage Thorwood Stud bred some lovely Royal EnPhoto: Still Free Photography
Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 4
~FEATURE~ Sandbourne Royal Ensign* The Australian Influence sign* progeny, including Thorwood Prince Charming and Thorwood King’s Gold. Also among the Thorwood stallion line up stands the divine little import Bradmore Toy Soldier*, who had a stellar career in the UK prior to being imported to Australia in 2004. He carries two lines to Sandbourne Royal Ensign*, being by Deanhills Royal Portrait and from Brandmore Catkin. He was unbeaten as a yearling, his wins including Supreme at National Pony Society Show and also Ponies The double Sandbourne Royal Ensign* stallion UK, and since coming to AusBradmore Toy Soldier* tralia he has won numerous (Deanhills Royal Portrait x Bradmore Catkin) high level awards including Photo: Julie Wilson http:// www.jwep.com.au/ Supreme at Melbourne Summer Royal and Champion Show Pony Exhibit at the Horse of the Year Riding Pony Feature Show. His stock are proving to be exceptional.
Victoria Tower Moonlight (Thorwood King’s Gold x Levens Just An Angel)
Thorwood King’s Gold (Sandbourne Royal Ensign* x Belaradah Spun Sugar)
Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 4
~FEATURE~ Sandbourne Royal Ensign* The Australian Influence Radway Royal Sonnet* (ex. Brights Merry Music) was imported to Australia and spent her life at Rathowen Stud, where she produced some excellent foals. Rathowen Saxony was Supreme Riding Pony Exhibit at Canberra Royal, as well as being named Runner Up Large Pony of the Year at the NSW Riding Pony State Show, and NSW Show Horse Council Large Pony of the Year. Roathowen So What was Led Pony of the Year and Grand Champion Led Gelding at the NSW Riding Pony State Show, while her last foal Rathowen Sorcery was also a multi Champion including being awarded Champion Pony Hack at Melbourne Royal. Astral Park ponies have taken their fair share of big awards. This stud also introdiuced the use of artificial insemination in ponies into Australia (and in fact the world, their program being the first to use AI in ponies). Michael and Sandra Above: In Your Dreams of Astral (AI), Donovan sourced the best stallions in the born in October 1999 was among the United Kingdom to contribute to their first of the Sandbourne Royal Ensign* program and among these was Sandbourne AI progeny born in Australia Royal Ensign*. The first of the Australian Photo: Sandy Morphett AI Sandbourne Royal Ensign* progeny were born in the late 1990s. A number of Below: The most recent of the exceptional ponies were produced that Sandbourne Royal Ensign* foals born took the show ring by storm, amongst at Astral Park, a 2014 colt, born five these Talk the Talk of Astral and National years after his sire’s death. Flag of Astral. Astral Park continue to produce Royal Ensign* stock to this day via AI, the latest being a a colt born this year. Robert Cockram produced a number of fantastic ponies of Sandbourne Royal Ensign* breeding at his Deanhills Stud, both in the UK and Australia. Deanhills Benjamin* (from Bradmore Nutkin) sired some exceptional stock for Falconhurst and Silkwood Studs establishing himself as a leading sire of small ponies. As fillies, the Royal Ensign* daughters Deanhills Royal Show (ex. Fairlight Acres Style Pattern) and Deanhill Spring Carnival (ex. Blaircourt Crystal Rose*) were prolific winners in the foal rings and are now also winners under saddle, while Deanhills Royal Crystal (ex. Blaircourt Crystal Rose*) is a multi Supreme Champion, includ-
Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 4
~FEATURE~ Sandbourne Royal Ensign* The Australian Influence ing Supreme Part Welsh Exhibit at Melbourne Royal. Robert recently brought into Australia the divine stallion Deanhills Revolution who is by Lechlade Quince and from the Sandbourne Royal Ensign* daughter Bradmore Lalique. Revolution arrived in Australia in September and already has some promising mares coming his way. He is a most exciting acquisition for Australia.
Deanhills Benjamin* (Sandbourne Royal Ensign* x Bradmore Nutkin) as a yearling
The striking Janinos Little Joker* (Sandbourne Royal Ensign* x Bladdon Little Dorrit) proved a highly successful sire in Australia. He was imported as a youngster by King Lodge Stud and sired some great ponies and galloways. Dresden Ace of Spades, out of
Photo courtesy of Robert Cockram
the Thoroughbred Escaro, has proved a very successful sire of show galloways, as well as being a multi champion himself. Another son producing winning stock is King Lodge Remember Me, who is with Yanjarra Park Show Horses, while King Lodge Jeremy Fisher produced some lovely stock for Farleigh Stud.
A number of daughters of Royal Ensign* were also imported. Amongst these was the well known Westacre Coppelia*, whose dam Twylands Crescendo was out of Bwlch Valentino’s full sister. Westacre Coppelia* produced foals for King Lodge, including King Lodge Pomme Noisettes (by Right: Wesswoods Justacaste Janinos Little Joker*). Another Royal (Sandbourne Royal Ensign* x Wesswoods Ensign* daughter, Fleetcroft Royal Supacaste) has a bright future in the show Whisper*, produced stock for Kolbeach world Stud, amongst these the successful KolPhoto: Angie Rickard Photography
Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 4
~FEATURE~ Sandbourne Royal Ensign* The Australian Influence beach Class. Sandbourne Royal Ensgn* progeny are still out winning and proving they are amongst the best. Falconhurst First Dance (from Rosslyn Riverdance*) was recently awarded SA Show Horse Council Champion Saddle Pony 12.2hh and under, and had previously been Melbourne Royal Champion Child’s Pony as well as a National Champion Youngstock of the Year. The lovely Wesswoods Justacaste, from the beautiful and successful Wesswoods Supacaste, has just begun her show career and is showing immense promise as a ridden pony, having won ESA Graduate Garland Pony of the Year 2014 at the ESA Horse of the Year Show. Penmain Heir Apparent, from the imported Sufton Wild Rose, is also still successfully being shown in hand and under saddle. While not an extensive report on the Sandbourne Royal Ensign* legacy, this gives an idea of the influence this unforgettable stallion has had on Australian breeding and showing.
Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 4
~FEATURE~
Downland Chevalier Downland Mandarin Coed Coch Gold Mair Keston Royal Occasion* Solway Master Bronze Clyphada Periwinkle Kirby Cane Plume
Sandbourne Royal Ensign* Bwlch Valentino Cusop Dignity Norwood Delilah Cusop Anita Bwlch Valentino Cusop Actress Criban Activity
Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 4
PONIES OUT & ABOUT
PONY
MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA
APSBS Queensland Branch
Youngstock Show Beaudesert Queensland
The Queensland Branch of the Australian Pony Stud Book Society held their Youngstock Show on the 5th of October at the Beaudesert Showgrounds. The day provided a great relaxing atmosphere for exhibitors to get their youngsters out and about. Three rings ran throughout the morning with the formal classes, followed by novelites in the afternoon. Breeds represented included Shetland, Dartmoor, Gypsy Cobs, Miniature ponies and horses, Welsh breeds and Riding Ponies.
~NUTRITION~
Feeding the Pony: Factors to Consider
It is well accepted that when it comes to feeding, ponies are not just small horses. Their requirements are slightly different, particularly when it comes to energy consumption. They are, in general, much more prone to a number of nutritional problems such as laminitis, insulin resistance, obesity and metabolic syndromes. A ration that may cause a larger horse to lose weight, may cause a pony to founder. When it comes to developing a ration for your pony, there are a number of factors you need to consider. Native ponies evolved in harsh conditions and cold climates. They developed eating poor quality forage, which was often sparse. The majority of their time was generally spent searching for food, which accounts for their obsession with eating. Domesticated ponies do not usually have to spend their time searching for their food, however that inbuilt obsession with eating anything in sight is still deeply ingrained. Despite what anybody might say, your pony will not stop eating when it has consumed a suitable daily intake, he or she will continue to eat… and eat… and eat. This is part of the reason why ponies are so prone to energy and carbohydrate-related nutritional problems. A pony can consume half of his or her energy requirements after just three or so hours at pasture! When it comes to determining a suitable ration for your pony, there are two major factors that will dictate this. The first is your pony’s body condition: are they in an ideal body condition or do they need to gain or lose weight? The second is your pony’s body weight. This is a very important one, as feed rations should be developing by weight, not by “scoops” or “biscuits” or “handfuls.” The most accurate way of determining your pony’s weight is to use a weighbridge, however not everyone has one of these at hand. There are a number of weight tapes that are available commercially (with worm pastes), Pony Club ponies generally only require a maintenance or light work ration unless being worked regularly
Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 4
~NUTRITION~ and though these are highly variable depending on brand, they will give you an idea of weight. Just be sure to use the same one if you are trying to compare weight loss or gain. Once you have determined your pony’s weight and body condition score, you will be able to determine how much you should be feeding. A pony’s daily intake should be around 2% of body weight (or you can drop to 1.5-1.7% for a pony that needs to lose weight, or up to 2.5% for a pony that needs to gain weight). The majority of this should be provided in the form of roughage, of this 2%, at least 1.5% should be roughage. Depending on his or her workload, stage of life and condition, your pony may not require concentrate at all. A good quality pasture and/or a good quality hay is quite capable of meeting all of your pony’s nutritional requirements. The exceptions tend to be when a pony is in hard work (which does not include the typical recreational/show or pony club pony), certain stages of growth where it may be necessary to supplement certain nutrients, and late stages of pregnancy, where the size of the foal makes it difficult for the mare to physically fit in enough forage food to meet her energy requirements. As far as the mature, good-doing type of pony at maintenance or light work goes, generally pasture, supplemented with hay when quality is poor or when dry matter levels are low is adequate. It is of course important to ensure that the hay you are feeding is good quality hay. It should be dust and mould free, relatively free from weeds, a good colour, and not damp. It is of great benefit to have handy a set of scales so that you can determine how much weight you should be feeding in regards to hay. Not all hays are made equal, and there can be a significant weight difference between biscuits of hay. Feeding a ‘biscuit’ of hay is not particularly accurate, as your ‘biscuit’ could be one kilogram one day and three kilograms the next depending on the hay density and size. So if, for example, you have a 350kg pony who is on pasture and supplemented with grassy hay and gets a biscuit morning and night, if the morning biscuit is 1.5kg and your night biscuit is 2.5kg, you have already fed your pony 1.0% of bodyweight. Add on top of this his or her pasture consumption and you are most likely to have exceeded their daily recommendation. Your number one guide to whether you are feeding not enough or too much will be your pony’s body condition. There are a number of great books and online sites which show the scale of body condition score, and what you should aim for. Feeding for body condition ensures that you are meeting a pony’s individuality, as a ration that one pony thrives on another may not do so well with. Your pony’s chosen discipline will also determine this, for example the show pony requires The show pony requires a “finish” which may that ‘finish’ that is not needed in the mean a concentrate or supplement needs to be pleasure pony, or a pony competing in fed eventing will require more energy than
Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 4
~NUTRITION~ the trail riding pony. CLASSIFICATIONS FOR Pony club and recreational poWORKLOAD nies are amongst the most overfed equines in the industry. This is mostly due to a lack of education, and also due to an overestimation Maintenance: Zero weight gain, normal of workload. A pony that is ridden activity of the non-working horse at pony club once a month and then maybe pulled out and ridden Light: 1-3 hours per week (i.e. recreational, for an hour or two a week on the show riding) weekends is not in moderate or 40% walk, 50% trot, 10% canter heavy work! Yet, some will be receiving the ration for a pony doing such. If feeding a commercial feed, Moderate: 3-5 hours per week (i.e. show, it is important to read the sugschool horses, breakers) gested rate of feeding on the bag 30% walk, 55% trot, 10% canter and follow it, along with watching your pony’s condition and behavHeavy: 4-5 hours per week (stock work, iour. If your pony is becoming hot and hard to handle, chances are polo, race training) you are feeding energy in excess 20% walk, 50% trot, 15% canter, 15 gallop, of their needs. This is where having jump etc. an idea of your pony’s body weight is important (as rations are stated Intense/very heavy: 6-12 hours per week by weight, not by scoops), as well slow work, 1 hour per week speed work as having handy a pair of kitchen scales. You can determine how (i.e. racing, three day eventing) much in weight a certain scoop holds so that you know for future reference but making sure you have the right weight in the first place is important. It is important to estimate the workload of your pony relatively accurately. If your pony is not doing very much at all, he or she may even be classed as at maintenance. Maintenance is classified as a mature horse or pony requiring zero weight gain with the normal activity of a non-working horse. This would be inclusive of ponies sitting in the paddock not in work, pets, and most children’s ponies that are ridden at the walk with minimal trotting. Recommendations for concentrate levels in ponies and horses at maintenance is 0.0 to 0.5% of body weight. Workload is categorised into four sections, light, moderate, heavy and very heavy/intense, and the specifications for these can be seen to the right. Most recreational ponies will fit into either the light or moderate categories, in general, only those competing at higher levels will really justify getting a heavy ration. The feeding recommendations on feed bags are generally based on the requirements of horses, and in many cases these may not be suitable for ponies, even when percentage of body weight is used. Again, this is where it is important to keep an eye on body condition and behaviour, if your pony is losing weight with the workload, you should increase their energy levels, whereas if they are gaining weight when they don’t need to be and are uncharacteristically fractious chances are you need to decrease the energy levels in their ration.
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~NUTRITION~ Another important aspect of ration evaluation is choosing the right food. There are an increasingly large number and variety of concentrates on the market today, all claiming to be for a different purpose. Some companies are making it easier for the average owner by compiling tables showing what classes of horses these feeds are suitable for. Being particularly prone to such conditions as laminitis, insulin resistance etc. it is important that you are feeding the right type of energy. Nonstructural carbohydrates (simple sugars) should be avoided as much as possible in ponies, particularly those that are only worked lightly. Such high fibre, low sugar feeds as sugar beet pulp are ideal for ponies as they meet energy requirements with highly digestible fibre and so provide a medium between hays and concentrates such as grains and commercial grain mixes (in relation to energy content). Such feeds as Speedi-Beet, Maxisoy, Micrbeet, Fibressential etc. are developed with the obesity, laminitis, metabolic syndrome, insulin-resistant prone horse or pony in mind and can be fed safely to ponies. Feeding your pony correctly will save you money and also the hassle of having an uncontrollable pony. Please note that this article is intended to serve as a guide only, if you are at all unsure, or if your pony is still not gaining or losing weight, consult your veterinarian or equine nutritionist, who will be able to direct you to a diet that is suitable for your pony’s individual needs.
DECEMBER ISSUE SPECIALS Don’t miss out! To celebrate the close of our first year of publication we are offering a number of very special advertising opportunities Ponies for Sale Adverts: We are inviting you to try our Ponies for Sale Section for FREE!! All General Adverts Half price!! See the website for more details
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www.ponymagazineaustralia.com Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 4
~PONY PROFILE~
Woranora Sovereign Even though only a two year old, the lovely Woranora Sovereign has taken everything in his stride. Following in the footsteps of his well-performed family, ‘Ben,’ as he is known at home, has big things to come. Woranora Sovereign is a Welsh Pony Section B, Riding Pony and Arabian Pony by Supreme Champion Bamborough Paramount. His dam is the Trentlyn Aramis daughter Woranora Crystal, who was a highly successful mare with wins at Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra Royals, as well as being a winner under saddle and in pony dressage. Woranora Sovereign’s full siblings include the Supreme Champion Woranora Sapphire. Jessica, Woranora Sovereign’s owner, purchased the colt when he was just three weeks old. She had previously owned Woranora Cascade, who was Woranora Crystal’s full brother, and was looking for something along the same lines. Although Jessica was not after a grey pony, she went and looked at him anyway at the suggestion of Helen Dohan of Woranora Stud. “As soon as I saw him I knew he had to come home with me, so I bought him and in April 2013 he came home to our place and the rest is history,” says Jessica. Since being with Jessica, Sovereign has been shown extensively with much success. “He is just so easy to do anything with,” she says, “he is a true childs pony. After his class at Sydney Royal there were about 20 kids that wanted a cuddle and he did Woranora Sovereign
Photo: Allira Fontana Photography
Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 4
~PONY PROFILE~ not move a muscle untill all the children had left. He just wanted to pat and talk to the kids, who thought he was pretty cool in return.� In their first year of showing together Sovereign was named Runner Up Youngstock Show Hunter Pony Gelding at the Riding Pony State Titles and also Show Horse Magazine Youngstock Show Supreme Yearling Exhibit and Grand Champion Youngstock Exhibit, just to name a few. This year he was placed fourth in his Welsh Section B gelding class at Sydney Royal (as a yearling) and was also Champion Welsh B at Hawkesbury Show in a strong line up.
Woranora Sovereign
Photo: Allira Fontana Photography
And this is only the beginning for this talented pony. He has a bright future ahead of him, which he will no doubt take in his stride.
December Christmas Gift Specials! Do you sell pony-related gifts or merchandise? Purchase a 1/4 page advert (at our already half price cost) and be upgraded to a 1/2 page for free! Our christmas gift to you! Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 4
~PONY PROFILE~
Makayla Bizzie Bee Garry and Julie Casson of Makayla Pony Stud in Inverell, New South Wales could not be more pleased with their homebred gelding Makayla Bizzie Bee. At the recent Northern New South Wales Welsh Show at Tamworth, Bizzie Bee was named Champion Led Junior Part Welsh Gelding and followed this up with Supreme Led Part Welsh. He was also named Champion Led Show Hunter Pony. Bizzie Bee is a two year old gelding by Langtree Footloose and from Beecroft Francis (by Calypso Candyman). His full sister Makayla Honey Bee has also been shown with success. Right: Makayla Bizzie Bee Photo: Thelabella Images
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caps Christmas special $15 each
Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 4
DECEMBER ISSUE SPECIALS Don’t miss out!
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Christmas gift specials! Purchase a 1/4 page advert in our December issue and be upgraded to a half page for no extra cost!! All General Adverts are half price! Trial our services while this very special offer lasts! Advertising material will be taken until the 12th of December so book your spot now. Also to be included: Stud Directory Ponies for Sale (Free for the December issue) More great articles!
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~ADVICE~
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PONY
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A successful advert is all about including the right information, as well as including an eye-catching and appropriate photograph. MAIN HEADING The main heading should reflect the buyers you are trying to attract. Whether the pony is an alrounder, children’s mount, or show pony, your heading should in some way indicate what type of buyer the pony is suitable for. As well as giving an idea of the suitability of the pony, the heading should aim to attract (the right) attention. Some advertisers will choose to use the pony’s name as the main heading, which is fine, particularly if the pony is from a reputable stud. In the case of using a name as your main heading, you might want to use a sub-heading that is more descriptive and gives potential buyers more specific information. BASIC INFORMATION All adverts should include the pony’s basic information, this is of great importance to potential buyers. In most cases they will want to know height, age, breed (registrations), rider suitability (if applicable), temperament and price. The advert should include as much of this basic information as possible. Most buyers want to know the age and height of the pony as this will reflect whether or not the pony is suitable for them or their child. Rider suitability is of great importance as it can save a great deal of wasted phone calls and trials. It pays to be very honest in this respect. The same goes for pony’s which may have some form of injury which limits them in some way, it is of utmost importance to be honest about this. While some people choose to omit the price from the advert, this can turn some buyers away. Lets face it, most of us when we are looking for a new mount do have a budget in mind and if the price is not included in the advert buyers will not know Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 4
~ADVICE~ whether or not the pony is within their budget. This will save you a lot in wasted phone calls. You should also include a location, as some buyers may not be willing to travel far. EXTRA INFORMATION If room permits, you may want to include extra information in your advert. This may include the pony’s breeding (i.e. sire and dam, perhaps even a pedigree in breeding stock), any awards or competitions the pony may have won (particularly if you are looking for a competition home), what they have done in their careers, as well as what discipline the pony would be suitable for. It is worthwhile to include as much relevant information as room permits so that your potential buyers can get as much of an idea as possible as to whether this pony may be suitable for them before they make the call. In saying this, you only want to include relevant information, you do not need to include everything. PHOTOGRAPHS The photo or photos that you include with your advert can be the difference between receiving one or two calls for your pony, or getting a whole lot of calls. The photos you include must do the pony justice, as well as being relevant. If possible do not include photos of the pony grazing or looking shabby in the paddock, a well-stood up pony, showing off his or her conformation will give the buyers much more incentive to take a second look. If the pony is a ridden prospect, have a nice photo of the pony being ridden, preferable with nice clean tack and a well dressed rider on board. The photo should show off the pony’s movement. If you are advertising a show prospect, have a photo of it in the show ring, relevance is also important. Professional photographs are not essential (although are in most cases better), as long as the photos are clear, show off the pony at his or her best and preferably have a nice clean background with no distractions from the main subject. Try our Ponies for Sale Section for free! For our December issue only you can try our Ponies for Sale Section for free! You get a 1/4 advert with one photo and basic information Send in submissions to australianponymagazine@gmail.com Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 4
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Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 4
~HOOVES IN HISTORY~Volume 4
PONY
MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA
Presents...
HOOVES IN HISTORY Documenting the history of ponies in Australia.
Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 4
~HOOVES IN HISTORY~ Volume 4
HOOVES IN HISTORY THE IMMORTAL BWLCH VALENTINO Bwlch Valentino was born at a time when the British Riding Pony was establishing itself as a popular show pony. This new improved type was taking the show rings by storm and becoming a popular choice for children’s show ponies, as opposed to the traditional native breeds. The combination of native pony blood to maintain the pony characteristics, and Thoroughbred and/or Arabian blood to refine the type and perhaps add some extra height was proving to be elegant and charismatic Bwlch Valentino was the only son of the grey Valentine, so named because he was born on St. Valentines Day. Valentine was awarded a second and the Howard Taylor Cup for two or three year old Entire Colts at the 1936 National Pony Society London Spring Show and was said to be a good mover with perfect manners. He was by the Polo Pony Malice, of Thoroughbred ancestory, who was imported to the UK from Argentina as an outcross. Valentine was from a Part Arabian mare Silver Spray. It was said that Valentine was always ridden to and from shows. He unfortunately died at an early age, leaving Bwlch Valentino as his only son. The dam of Bwlch Valentino was Bwlch Goldflake, who was by the Thoroughbred Meteoric and from a pony named Cigarette. Cigarette was believed to have been a Thoroughbred cross Welsh, and was a superstar racing pony after the First World War. Even though Goldflake carried the Bwlch prefix, she was not bred by Mrs. Nell Pennell, but purchased as a four year old after she spotted her grazing in a paddock near Oxford. She was sold on to Mrs. Cyril Darby and became a most successful show pony, amongst her many accolades the Belvoir Cup at the International Horse Show in Olympia in 1934. Goldflake was sold on and eventually ended up back at Bwlch Stud when Mrs. Pennell purchased her back for her daughter Mary. The mare gave Mary her first win, and was a favourite of Mrs. Pennell, whom wrote in her private stud book, “The best pony I shall ever have and was the most wonderful mother.” She produced a number of foals at Bwlch, Bwlch Valentino being her last. She died the year after he was born, 1951. Bwlch Valentino was born in 1950 and made his first show ring appearance that same year when he won at the National Pony Society Show in Roehampton. The next year he also won at the Great Yorkshire Show. As a youngster Valentino was perhaps a little plain and gangly, but it was his movement and exceptional nature that still put him at the top of his class. As a three year old, he was leased to Llewellyn Richards of Criban Stud, where he covered a number of mares. When the lease on Bwlch Valentino was up and Mrs. Pennell had acquired him back, she was at a bit of a loss as to what to do with him as she did not have mares for him to cover. He was sent to Mrs. Moyra Martin for backing with the intention of
Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 4
~HOOVES IN HISTORY~Volume 4 him being a future as a child’s mount. He was actually booked in to be gelded, and the father of the modern Riding Pony was almost lost to the breed. However as fate would have it, Mrs. Pennell cancelled at the last minute as she wanted to show him two weeks later.
ceptional Bwlch Zephyr, from Mrs. Pennell’s Miss Minette. Like his sire, Bwlch Zephyr’s stud career almost ended before it began. As a youngster he had an intolerable habit of chasing Mrs. Pennell’s sheep and prize Guernsey heifers and being at her wits end with him, she booked him in to be gelded. Miss FerguAnd so Valentino kept his manhood and son of Rosevean Stud had at some stage was eventually sold to Mrs. Vivienne been promised a foal from Mrs. Pennell’s Eckley of the Cusop Stud as a four year favourite mare Miss Minette and so as old entire, on the condition that Mrs. Bwlch Zephyr was booked to be gelded, Pennell could send her mare Miss Mishe offered the colt to her on the condinette to him annually. Bwlch Valentino tion that he had to be removed prior to happily lived his life out at the Cusop the vet arriving. Stud, where he was adored by the Eckley family. He was regularly ridden by Fortunately for the Riding Pony fraterVivienne, as well as the children who nity, Miss Ferguson took up the opporoccassionally hunted him and also used tunity to purchase Zephyr and he went him as a shepherding pony once the cov- to her Rosevean Stud, where he would ering season was over. serve up to 100 mares a season in his prime. Bwlch Valentino was invited to appear in the prestigious Personality Parade at Zephyr, alongside his famous sire, would the Horse of the Year Show in 1968 (at have to be the most influential Riding 18 years of age), where he was ridden Pony in the history of the breed. His by the youngest of the Eckley children, progeny demonstrated all of the qualSue. Bwlch Zephyr (Bwlch Valentino x Miss Minette) pictured in Bwlch Valentino was laid to his later years at Rosevean Stud rest in 1974 at the ripe age Photo © Linden Pony Stud of 24, his final resting place being his home paddock at Cusop. His headstone reads “Bwlch Valentino, age 24 years, One we will never forget.”
As a sire, Bwlch Valentino passed on his exceptional temperament, that sweeping movement that the best of modern Riding Ponies are so well known for, and his superb front and shoulders. His best son was without a shadow of a doubt the ex-
Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 4
~HOOVES IN HISTORY~Volume 4 ity that the Valentino line was so much sought after for. He sired a number of sons and daughters to perpetuate the line. Of particular influence were Bwlch Hill Wind (ex. Criban Red Heather) and Solway North Wind (ex. Tara IV). Bwlch Zephyr sons imported to Australia include Aristocrat of Flawforth* (ex. Chirk Catmint), his full brother Carolina’s Cats Whiskers*, Rosevean Gale Force* Cusop Dignity (Bwlch Valentino x Norwood Delilah) Photo © Linden Pony Stud (ex. Eyebrook Marionette) and Sun Puff*(ex. Sunsail). Aristocrat of Flawforth* was the first Riding Pony imported to Australia, and met an untimely death. His full sister Contessa of Flawforth* was also imported here where she produced foals for Urubula Stud. She can be found in the pedigree of the beautiful Urubula Regal Promise. Bwlch Zephyr’s full sister Bwlch Minuet also produced some lovely and influential ponies. Her son Twyland’s Troubadour (by Solway North Wind) was the sire of the great Strinesdale Matador ( who has been made available to Australian breeders thanks to artificial insemination technology), while her daughter Twyland’s Crescendo (by Chirk Caradoc) produced Westacre Concerto (by Keston Royal Occasion* and also available to Australian breeders via artificial insemination) and also Westacre Coppelia* (by Sandbourne Royal Ensign*). The superstar show pony Pretty Polly produced a number of foals by Bwlch Valentino and his son Bwlch Zephyr. The blending of these lines produced a whole new generation of top show ponies. To Valentino, she produced Polly
Creden Valhallah (Bwlch Valentino x Langley Extravaganza) Photo © Linden Pony Stud Flinders, Polyanna and Polly’s Gem, while to Bwlch Zephyr she produced Pollyanthus and Polly’s Aster. Pretty Polly’d full sister, My Pretty Maid, also highly successful in the show ring, was also to produce on well and contribute to the Bwlch Valentino influence. From this line evolved some lovely ponies who were to change the face of the show pony. Amongst these were Gem’s Signet, Holly of Spring, Keston Tribune, Camargue Tribute* and Holly’s Gem. The imported Sarnau Victory* also descends from these lines, being a great
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~HOOVES IN HISTORY~Volume 4 grandson of My Pretty Maid. Cusop Diginity and his full sister Cusop Destiny were more Valentino progeny to combine his influence with Arabian blood. Their dam Norwood Delilah was by the purebred Arabian Samson, who carried lines to Count Dorsaz, Riffal* and Skowronek. She was a most prosperous producer and demonstrated the worth of the Arabian blood in the Riding Pony gene pool.
Norwood Delilah (Samson x Angela) was another Wingrove Minkino (Blwch Arabian bred mare to cross well with the Bwlch Valentino x Sarnau Miss Mink) Valentino lines was the leading sire of chilPhoto © Linden Pony Stud dren’s ponies in the 1980s and his influence is strong in both Britain and Australia. He stood at the famous Keston Stud of James and Janet Meyers, and later at Ninfield The crossing of Bwlch Valentino lines with those of the faStud. A number of his Pretty Polly produced such superstar ponies as Holly of progeny will be of inter- mous (Gems Cygnet x Pennhill Fenola ), who was the dam of est to Austraian readers. Spring Camargue Tribute* Keston Minetta* proPhoto © Linden Pony Stud duced the full siblings (by Rotherwood Acrobat*) Weston Model and Weston Mascot, as well as a number of well performed Kirreway ponies including Kirreway SaliA-Way, Kirreway Tranquility and Kirreway Yvita. Her full sister Keston Allouetta* produced foals for Mirinda Stud, including the chamring Mirinda Royal Emblem.
The Wingrove Minkino son Ninfield Minks Supreme* was imported and stood for a number
Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 4
~HOOVES IN HISTORY~Volume 4 of years at Mirinda Stud. He has some quite successful sibling in the UK including his full sister Ninfields Great Expectations who is a multi Champion and was Supreme at Ponies UK. The top pony sire Syon Royal Portrait* is out of a Wingrove Minkino daughter in Keston Fayleen. Two Bwlch Valentino sons were imported to Australia, Treharne Talisman*, a lovely chestnut who was to leave a number of good progeny, and The Liard*, who had a highly successful stud career at Willowcroft Stud. Amongst the Treharne Talisman* progeny to leave their mark on Australian stock were Chippenham Architect and Silkwood Maximillion. The Liard’s* sons Willowcroft Vagabond and Willowcroft Explorer both had prosperous stud careers. On top of this numerous influential descendants have been imported to Australia, many of them having an everlasting influence. As long as the Riding Pony breed continues to thrive, so will the Valentino line.
I would like to sincerely like to thank Adrienne at Linden Pony Stud, New Zealand for supplying the fantastic photographs that accompanied this article. Please note that these photos are copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without prior permission from Linden Pony Stud. Adrienne has exported a number of Australian-bred ponies for her stud, for more information please visit: http://www.lindenponystud.co.nz/
Pony Magazine Australia~Volume 1~Issue 4
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