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THE UK’S N O1PONYMAGAZINE

“My pony’s stable

is haunted!”“My pony’s stable

is haunted!”“My pony’s stable

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“I help at a horse charity!”

“I help at a

THE UK’STHE UK’SNN OO

PONY_cover_June_CMYK.indd 1 22/04/2013 16:17

6

The greatriding

quizHow’s your riding theory?

Test it with our quiz!

6

riding riding quiz

riding quiz

riding riding quiz

riding quiz

How’s your riding theory? Test it with our quiz!

6

riding quiz

riding quiz

riding quiz

How’s your riding theory? Test it with our quiz!

1 Which paces are each of these footfalls describing (left rein)?

A: Left hind, right fore together. Right hind, left fore together.

B: Left hind, right hind, left fore, right fore.

C: Right hind, left hind and right fore together, left fore.

D: Left hind, left fore, right hind, right fore.

2 Which of these are not lateral movements?

A: Shoulder-in B: Leg-yieldC: Side-on D: Half-passE: Full-pass F: Sideways-in

3 Which of these descriptions of the rider’s leg position is correct?

A: The heel should be forced down so that it is lower than the toe.B: The rider should drop their weight down through the leg into the heel.C: The rider’s heel should be touching the girth.

7

4 If a rider is in a school, and is riding clockwise, so that at every corner

they turn to the right, is the rider on...

A: ... the right rein.B: ... the left rein.C: ... the open rein.

5 A good rein contact is one where...

A: ... the rider rides without feeling the horse’s mouth with the reins.B: ... the rider’s hands move with the horse’s head and neck to maintain a constant contact.C: ... the rider’s hands do not move at all.

6 The rider’s elbows should...

A: ... stay at the rider’s side at all times.B: ... be supple to allow for the movement of the horse’s head and neck.C: ... should be so supple that they may move away from the rider’s sides.

7 Where should a rider look when he or she is schooling?

A: Down at the horse or pony he or she is riding.B: Down at their hands to check they aren’t moving.C: Up and between the horse’s ears.

8 Where should a rider look when riding a course of jumps?

A: Towards the next jump.B: At the jump they are jumping.C: It doesn’t matter.

9 What is meant by being on the corrrect diagonal at trot?

A: On the right rein, the rider sits as the left shoulder comes towards them.B: On the right rein, the rider sits as the right shoulder comes towards them.C: On the right rein, it doesn’t matter when you sit.

10 As the rider asks for an upward transition from walk to trot

should he or she...

A: ... shorten the reins to ensure rein contact is not lost on transition?B: ... loosen the reins to allow the pony to make the transition?C: ... do nothing different with the reins.

11 Which of these statements is true?

A: Spurs should be used by any rider on a lazy horse.B: Spurs should only be used by experienced riders to refi ne their aids.C: Spurs should be fi tted so that they stick up.

12 If a pony stops and refuses to move, despite his rider urging

him on, what is this called?

A: Sapping.B: Nipping.C: Napping.

13 What are the fi ve stages of jumping?

A: Approach, take-off, moment of stillness, freefall, landing.B: Take-off, leap, moment of suspension, landing, get away.C: Approach, take off, moment of suspension, landing, get away.

14 Which of these is the correct jumping position?

A: Folding the upper body forward, arms following the movement of the horse’s head and neck, keeping a line from hip to heel.B: Folding the upper body forward, arms on top of the horse’s neck, knees in.C: Standing in the stirrups, looking down at the jump, gripping with the knees.

15 What is meant by the term independent seat?

A: A rider who can ride without stirrups.B: A rider who does not depend on the reins for balance.C: A rider who can ride on their own.

Uh-oh, it’s time to fess up! Give yourself a point for each correct answer (maximum 19 points).1. A: Trot B: Gallop C: Canter D: Walk 2. C and F are not lateral movements! 3. B is correct. 4. A is correct. 5. B is correct. 6. B is correct.7. C is correct. 8. A is correct. 9. A is correct. 10. A is correct. 11. B is correct. 12. C is correct. 13. C is correct. 14. A is correct. 15. B is correct.

How did you do?0 – 8 points. Oh dear, not so hot. Never mind, think how much you’ve learned!9 – 14 points. Well, not bad. Could be worse – could be better. But next time it will be!15 – 19. Hey, you’re a Mastermind, get you! Brilliant result!

What’s your score?

Next, it’s Louise and Ruby’s turn...

3 Ruby spooks at the fi lm equipment and Louise nearly takes a tumble...fi lm equipment and Louise fi lm equipment and Louise fi lm equipment and Louise fi lm equipment and Louise fi lm equipment and Louise fi lm equipment and Louise nearly takes a tumble...nearly takes a tumble...nearly takes a tumble...nearly takes a tumble...nearly takes a tumble...nearly takes a tumble...nearly takes a tumble...nearly takes a tumble...

2

1“When Ruby softens, don’t throw the reins to her, she needs the consistency in the

contact.”

“Y ou need to try to get Ruby a bit rounder. I know she is very sensitive in her mouth but she must settle into a contact. The most important thing for

you to focus on right now is keeping your hands still so that she can settle into a consistent contact. Slow the trot down,

don’t tip forward and keep your leg there.”

consistency in the

22

consistency in the contact.”

“Now that was naughty. Ruby isn’t a baby and she should

know better. If you want to compete her at Novice level she needs to accept your aids, trot forwards and not spook!Okay, when you ’re ready, trot over the water tray but be prepared! She might take a big leap. Try to stay in balance

and let the reins slip if you need to.”you need to.”you need to.”

10

4 Ruby takes a huge leap, just as JoJo did...

5 After working on the fl at for several minutes, Ruby starts to soften and collect...

NEXT MONTH:How to tackle a skinny!

“Louise, you ’re doing well and it’s great that you don’t

interfere or f iddle too much. Ruby has the jump, you just need a bit more control! I know jumping is

fun but I’d advise more f latwork. Well done.”

“Well done Louise. She’s obviously naturally talented. Y ou just need to work on the

consistency with your rein contact. Be careful that Ruby doesn’t get too fast. She is starting to f latten out a bit and is

only just skimming these fences. Sit up and ask for more collection. This is why it’s so important for her to accept the contact. Y ou can’t just let her get on with it and rely on her talent. That will

become too dangerous over big fences and you ’ ll never have the control or collection for show jumping.”

Click on toponymag.com for some cool video

footage of this exercise

11

Attack

D

efen

d!

22

Attack Defend!Flies – who needs ‘em?! Sadly, it is impossible to make your pony’s life fl y-free. Fact. But you can make life much more pleasant for him if YOU are fl y-focused!

Why, fly? Flies exist to clean up nature’s rubbish – waste products and anything that is decaying. So basically poo and dead bodies! Yep, gross right? But if there weren’t creatures that did this the world would be covered in poo and dead things, so they play an important role.

However, fl ies like to hang around and feed off things that radiate warmth and nourishment, and horses and ponies are their ideal choice. These buzzing, sometimes biting, insects that can makeyour fave pony’s life a misery between April and October.

So, what can we do? Well, lots actually!

Body armourKit your pony out in the best fl y protection gear.❀ Fly rugs come in different shapes, sizes and fabrics to suit different horses and ponies. Some people like to use white or lighter colours as they are cooler and may help deter fl ies.❀ Fly masks are pretty important during summer months and there are loads of different types to choose from. Some offer protection for the eyes, some for the ears, some for the face and muzzle, and some will do all three! Think about what your pony really needs from his face mask. If his ears aren’t troubled by fl ies and midges, don’t get him a mask with ears.

Masks on, these

ponies aren’t at all

bothered by fl ies!

Save it!

Zebra stripe fl y rug from Bucas www.bucas.com

Attack

D

efen

d!

Attack Defend!

23

Attack Defend!

Sweet itch sufferersThe culicoides midge, part of the mosquito family,

is the critter that causes sweet itch. When they bite, they inject an anticoagulant (prevents the blood

from clotting) which makes ponies itch like crazy. Midges breed around the edges of water and damp

areas and are mostly active at dawn and dusk. If your fave pony suffers from sweet itch he

defi nitely needs a sweet itch rug for all-over body protection. These are tight-fi tting and pretty full on so only use one of these if your pony really needs it!

RepellentsFly repellents are an absolute must for ponies during the summer months. They come in the form of sprays, wipes, roll-ons, gels and creams. However you choose to apply fl y repellent do it ALL OVER your pony. Pay particular attention to his face and under his tummy, but also remember that these are his most sensitive and delicate areas, so be gentle.

Natural ingredients found in most fl y repellents will include some of the following – citrus, mint, tea tree, eucalyptus, aniseed, cedar wood, clove, lavender oil, vinegar and tea. Don’t be afraid to reapply fl y repellent throughout the day – you can’t overdose! And remember that sweating will shorten the

effectiveness. You can also get fl y repelling collars and tags that ponies can wear in the fi eld, stable or when being ridden.

Fly catching strips can be useful hung in stables, fi eld shelters and around the yard. These attract fl ies which then get stuck fast. If you’re a bit squeamish these may not be for you. And do avoid walking into them – ewwww!

Finally, feeding supplements that boost the immune system can help in the war against fl ies, and garlic has long been associated with fl y protection. Whether it really helps we are still not certain but it won’t do your pony any harm as it’s great for general well being, the immune and respiratory system, too.

As nature intended!

Lots of us like ponies to be neat, tidy, trimmed. However, their natural fl y

protection (mane, tail and forelock) is mega important. Don’t over trim!

Fly-focus management tips!❀ Turnout at night when fl ies are less active❀ Provide a fi eld shelter, or shade, in the fi eld❀ Turnout in pairs or groups so ponies can swat fl ies off each other ❀ Try to avoid turning out near water, particularly if it is stagnant❀ Poo pick fi elds daily and keep stable bedding clean and fresh❀ There is some evidence to show that white-washed stable walls help deter fl ies❀ Muck heap should be as far away as possible from stables and fi elds❀ Immaculately kept fi elds and stables are less attractive breeding grounds for fl ies.

Pay attention to places where water may collect – drains and around taps – and sweep away the water and sludge, or cover with sand, to deter midges from breeding

❀ Always wash your pony down after riding as fl ies are attracted to sweat. Specially-designed lavender washes are refreshing for your pony and a deterrent to fl ies.

As nature As nature intended!

Lots of us like ponies to be neat, tidy, trimmed. However, their natural fl y

protection (mane, tail

mega important. Don’t over trim!

so only use one of these if your pony really needs it!

RepellentsFly repellents are an absolute must for ponies during the summer months. They come in the form of sprays, wipes, roll-ons, gels and creams. However you choose to apply fl y repellent do it ALL OVER your pony. Pay particular attention to his face and under his tummy, but also remember that these are his most sensitive and delicate areas, so be gentle.

Natural ingredients found in most fl y repellents will include some of the following – citrus, mint, tea tree, eucalyptus, aniseed, cedar wood, clove, lavender oil, vinegar and tea. Don’t be afraid to reapply fl y repellent throughout the day – you can’t overdose! And remember that sweating will shorten the

effectiveness. You can also get fl y repelling collars and tags that ponies can wear in the fi eld, stable or when being ridden.

Fly catching strips can be useful hung in stables, fi eld shelters and around the yard. These attract fl ies which then get stuck fast. If you’re a bit squeamish these may not be for you. And do avoid walking into them – ewwww!

system can help in the war against fl ies, and garlic has long been associated with fl y protection. Whether it really helps we are still not certain but it won’t do your pony any harm as it’s great for general well being, the immune and respiratory system, too.

so only use one of these if your pony really needs it!

RepellentsFly repellents are an absolute must for ponies during the summer months. They come in the form of sprays, wipes, roll-ons, gels and creams. However you choose to apply fl y repellent do it ALL OVER your pony. Pay particular attention to his face and under his tummy, but also remember that these are his most sensitive and delicate areas, so be gentle.

include some of the following – citrus, mint, tea tree,

effectiveness. You can also get fl y repelling collars and tags that ponies can wear in the fi eld, stable or when being ridden.

shelters and around the yard. These attract fl ies which then get stuck fast. If you’re a bit squeamish these may not be for you. And do avoid walking into them – ewwww!

As nature As nature intended!

Lots of us like ponies to be neat, tidy, trimmed. However, their natural fl y

protection (mane, tail and forelock) is mega important. Don’t over trim! It’s thought that zebra stripes may

confuse fl ies. We don’t know, but

they certainly look cool!

Stagnant water is party central for midges!