How to Let a Horse Down for a Spell — and Bring Them Back Safely
What is Spelling? In equestrian circles, particularly in Australia, spelling refers to giving a horse an extended break from work. This rest period allows horses to recover both physically and mentally — whether they’re recovering from an intense competition season, early training, injury, or illness. Spelling typically involves turning the horse out to pasture with […]
Steps to Saddling: Essential Skills for Young Riders
Is your young rider ready to saddle up with confidence? At Pony Club, our D Certificate members start learning how to saddle their horses independently, under a coach’s watchful eye. Knowing the basics of saddling is a crucial part of safe and responsible riding—and we’re here to guide them every step of the way! Here’s […]
Grooming for Good Horse Welfare: A Step-by-Step Guide
Grooming isn’t just about making your horse look clean and polished; it’s a vital part of their daily welfare. Through grooming, you can check for injuries, support coat health, and even strengthen your bond. Done regularly and correctly, grooming will keep your horse feeling comfortable and help you spot any changes in their health early […]
Bitting: A Tool for Communication, Not a Shortcut for Training
By Fiona Dearing, Bit Right Equine Bit Fitting*. People often book a bitting consult because they’ve come up against a training challenge, and they’re keen to see if a change in their bit will assist them through it. I’m always quick to let them know that a bit—or any other piece of equipment, for […]
Off the Track Horses: A Guide for Pony Club Members
Many experienced Pony Club members eventually consider purchasing an off-the-track (OTT) horse, with many Thoroughbreds finding post-racing careers as eventers, show jumpers, and show horses. But it’s not just competitive disciplines that OTT horses can excel in. They are often versatile enough to make excellent Pony Club mounts and can be commonly seen in […]
Preparing Your Horse for Winter: Rugs and Shelter
Although winter is still a few months away, now is a great time to start preparing your horse for the colder weather ahead. Early preparation will ensure your horse stays comfortable and healthy when the temperatures drop. A little effort now can go a long way in making the winter months smoother for both you […]
How Often Should You have a Bit Fitting?
By Fiona Dearing, Bit Right Equine Bit Fitting. One of the questions I ask when I’m presenting at Pony Clubs is how often should a horse and rider combination have a bit fitting. The most common answer I receive is every twelve months, which really isn’t the case at all. You can see how members […]
Bit Advice: Is a Thicker Bit Really Kinder?
By Fiona Dearing, Bit Right Equine Bit Fitting Welcome to 2025! I’m looking forward to sharing more information about bitting with you this year. This month we’re going to look at a very commonly believed bitting myth. This is information we may have heard over a long period of time and have accepted as […]
Easy Horse Gingerbread Treats
Get your ponies in on the festive fun with these simple and safe gingerbread treats! Ingredients 2 cups of rolled oats 1 cup of whole wheat flour 1 teaspoon of ground ginger 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon 1/4 cup of molasses 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce 1/4 cup of water (add more if needed) Optional […]
Safeguarding Horses and Riders in Hot Weather
This week’s Welfare Wednesday focuses on a critical and timely topic: protecting the welfare of horses, riders, and all participants during hot weather conditions. Extreme heat can have serious impacts on performance, health, and safety, so it is essential to understand the risks and implement strategies to mitigate them. Key Resources: Hot Weather Policy: […]