Buying a Horse or Pony with Confidence: Introducing the Horse Buyer Guide
Finding the right pony or horse to buy should be an exciting milestone — but for many, it can quickly turn into a stressful and costly experience. An inexperienced buyer may not know the right questions to ask, or may assume the seller will disclose all relevant details. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case, and […]
Older Horses Can Do it All: Feeding and Care
By Dr Jennifer Helen Stewart Equine Veterinarian & Consultant Nutritionist – CEO Jenquine The oldest horse recorded in the Guiness Book of Records was ‘Old Billy’ who pulled boats along English canals until he was 59yo and died at the age of 62. The oldest Thoroughbred was a 42 year old gelding named ‘Tango Duke’ […]
Welfare Wednesday: Clean Feed and Water for Happy, Healthy Horses
When it comes to horse care, nutrition isn’t just about what goes into the feed bin. It’s also about how that feed and water is delivered. In Domain 1: Nutrition of the Pony Club Australia Horse Welfare Policy, we remind all members to: Feed from clean, suitable, non-spillable containers Check the water supply at least […]
Welfare Wednesday: Is Your Horse Trying to Tell You Something?
Understanding behaviour during tacking-up and mounting In Pony Club, we believe that welfare is not just about the basics—like food, water, and shelter—but about recognising and responding to the emotional and physical experiences of our horses. That includes listening to the subtle messages they may be sending during everyday routines, like tacking-up and mounting. A […]
Is Your Horse at Risk This Spring? Understanding Equine Metabolic Syndrome
As the weather warms and the paddocks turn green, many of us welcome spring with open arms — and our horses do too. But behind the beauty of fresh pasture lies a hidden risk for some horses and ponies: Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). Spring is a high-risk period for horses with EMS due to the […]
Welfare Wednesday: What a Whip Is—and What It Isn’t
Understanding the purpose of the whip through science and good horsemanship In Pony Club, we’re here to learn, grow, and ride with kindness. That applies to how we use our voice, our legs—and our equipment. Let’s talk about the whip. What the whip is for: The whip is a training aid, not a punishment tool. […]
Equine First Aid Kit Essentials & Emergency Bandaging
Every Pony Club member should have a well-stocked horse first aid kit—whether at home, at Pony Club, or while travelling. It’s not only about managing minor wounds, but being ready to act confidently and calmly in more serious situations while waiting for the vet. To make it easy, we’ve created a downloadable checklist to help […]
Balancing Control and Softness in Jumping: Part 2
By Fiona Dearing, Bit Right Equine bitting specialist Last month we spoke about assessing some of the reasons behind wanting to move up to a bit with a stronger action for showjumping and cross country. Read last month’s article This month we’ll have a look at how some of these cheekpieces work. I’m just going […]
Social Media at Pony Club: Respect, Responsibility & Representation
Social media is a fantastic way to share the joy of Pony Club — from competition highlights to training wins, community moments and club achievements. But with this comes a responsibility to use these platforms in a way that reflects the values of Pony Club Australia. Why it matters Pony Club is built on respect, […]
Warm Up Arena Etiquette
Good etiquette is key to a safe and smooth warm-up for everyone in the arena! It’s essential to follow these rules to keep your horse, yourself, and others safe. Whether you’re competing or just practising, understanding arena etiquette makes all the difference. Here are some important tips to keep in mind: Check the Gateway: Always […]