DIGITAL ISSUE 45 | 2026
Welcome to Issue 45 of HQ Pony Mag!
Can you believe we’re already at Issue 45?! We are SO excited about this one, and we think you will be too.
This issue is packed with stories and people that we just know are going to inspire you. We sit down with the incredible Layla Hunter – a young rider who proves that it is never too late to follow your horse-mad heart – and we also celebrate Oliver Neill and his superstar pony Laddie, who took the Toyota Pony Rider Outdoor Grand Prix by storm. These two riders remind us why we love this sport so much.
Beyond the incredible people in our community, we have some fantastic practical content for you this month. Whether you are just finding your feet in the canter (we see you, and we’ve got a whole guide just for you!), wondering if your pony is drinking enough water, or curious about why they spook at that same dustbin every single day, we have the answers.
As always, this magazine is made for YOU – young riders who love their ponies. We love hearing from you, so please keep those messages, photos, and drawings coming.
Happy reading, and happy riding!
Lizzie and
the HQ Pony team xxx
Dr Lizzie Harrison | Editor
Cover | Ashleigh Kane Photograph
Designer | Mauray Wolff
DIGITAL ISSUE 45 | 2026
contents
Oliver Neill and My Irish Boy
Toyota Pony Rider Outdoor Grand Prix Champions of 2026
Meet Layla Hunter
An inspiration to young riders across the country
Learning to canter
Finding your balance and building confidence in this exciting gait
Make your own fly spray
A fun summer project for you and your pony
Understanding hydration
Why water is so important for your pony
AskPONY
Your questions answered
PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN WRIGHT MEDIA
Oliver Neill and My Irish Boy
Toyota Pony Rider Outdoor Grand Prix Champions of 2026
Imagine winning one of the biggest pony showjumping competitions in South Africa. Now imagine your dad winning the Grand Prix the next day. AND your sister winning her class too. That’s exactly what happened to Oliver Neill at the Toyota Easter Festival!
Oliver and his superstar pony My Irish Boy (everyone calls him Laddie) jumped an incredible triple clear to win the Toyota Pony Rider Outdoor Grand Prix. That means no faults in three tough rounds – absolutely amazing!
We chatted to Oliver about his epic win, what makes Laddie so special, and what it felt like to share the win with his whole family!
HQPony: Congratulations on winning the Toyota Pony Rider Outdoor Grand Prix! Can you tell us how you felt when you knew you’d won?
Oliver: I didn’t know that I had won when I finished my jump off, as there were 2 very competitive riders still to come, but I was over the moon with a triple clear!
HQPony: Had you ever imagined winning the Pony Rider Grand Prix at Easter Festival? What does this win mean to you?
Oliver: I have always wanted to win this prestigious title and I was definitely a goal of mine, but the feeling of winning it with so much support from everyone felt better than I could have dreamed.
HQPony: Can you describe your rounds? Were there any tricky moments, or did everything go to plan?
Oliver: I think there were definitely some tricky moments. The 334 double was particularly hard to ride and the last fence in the jump off, where I had to risk it with the first stride that I saw. But Laddie was INCREDIBLE and gave it his all.
HQPony: The course was big and technical. What was the most challenging part or jump, in your opinion?
Oliver: The first round was easier than the second round, which was big! The Winx oxer was particularly big, and the 334 double caught a lot of people out. The jump off was exciting as we had some difficult turn backs and a gallop to the last, which all made it technical but really fun!
HQPony: Tell us all about My Irish Boy. How did you find him, and how long have you two been partners?
Oliver: My Irish Boy, aka Laddie, is owned by Jade Anderson and Charley Barford, who told my mom that he was looking for a lease rider back in May 2023. My mom approached Sandra Anderson, and we tried Laddie out, and he was the best pony I had ever sat on. I feel so lucky to ride him, and he is my best friend.
HQPony: What’s his personality like? Does he have any quirks?
Oliver: Laddie has the BIGGEST personality!! He is very funny, he will do anything for a carrot and has a party trick where he shows off by eating the biggest carrot there is in the fridge in one go. He absolutely loves to be at a show and in the arena, he is truly magical and I’m so lucky to be able to ride him.
HQPony: What makes him such a good showjumper? Is there something special about the way he jumps?
Oliver: Laddie gets very pumped up especially in the Bob Charter. He is so intelligent, he knows when he is plaited that it’s the big day, and I can feel him fighting for it as much as I am. He is scopey and careful and super competitive. When we go for a hack, Laddie hates to be at the back; he loves to win even if it’s a walking race!
HQPony: How do you prepare him for a big show like Easter Festival?
Oliver: Usually we jump a gymnastic the week of the show and a course about five days before the show. Other than that, I try to give Laddie lots of different types of work without jumping. I trot him out on the track, work him on the grass arena and take him for a gallop once a week.
HQPony: Who is your coach, and how did they help you prepare for the show?
Oliver: Joanne van Achterbergh from Kincardine Equestrian is my coach. Jo has been with me since my first ride on Laddie, and we have been together for three years now. Jo helps to keep me calm and focused. She gives me a plan, and I try to stick to it. My mom and dad help me to plan my training and work schedule with Jo.
HQPony: Tell us about your other ponies.
Oliver: I have two other ponies and one horse. I am very lucky to ride for the 334 Stud, on their super young pony stallion called 334 Expelliarmus. We have been to two small shows, and I’m enjoying producing such an amazing pony. I also have a pony called Sillogue Tally who is a 15 year old Connemara who is my mom’s third child. Tally is a real gentleman, and he’s as safe as houses as well as being scopey and brave. Tally loves the Derby stuff, so I can’t wait for Derby on him later this year. I have a Junior horse that my parents bought for me at the end of last year. He is a 16-year-old OTTB called I am Will, and he is teaching me the ropes of how to ride a horse. We will just take it slowly with him as I start to ride in a few Junior classes.
HQPony: Your dad won the Grand Prix, and your sister Sarah won the 1m Championship – all on the same weekend! What was that like?
Oliver: Truly unbelievable!! It was a dream come true for us all, and I am SO proud of my family!
HQPony: What have been the proudest moments of your horse-riding career so far?
Oliver: Winning the Indoor GP last year, jumping a triple clear in the PR SA Champs last year, as well as coming 2nd and 3rd in the SA Derby last year. This win of the Outdoor GP was the biggest win for me by far though!
HQPony: What are your goals for the rest of the season?
Oliver: I would like to try and make the 1.10m PR Gauteng Team on Tally; I would like to ride well at SA Champs and try and get a triple clear again, and then obviously Derby is my favourite show of the year, so I’m excited for that!
HQPony: What are your big dreams for the future?
Oliver: I would like to ride overseas – that’s my long-term goal, but my biggest dream is to one day win the SA Derby.
HQPony: Is there anyone you’d like us to thank for you in the magazine?
Oliver: My parents, my coach Jo, my mentor and groom, Thomas Mcoco, everyone at home who helps keep Laddie so happy and healthy, Toyota for the incredible sponsorship, Jade Anderson for allowing me to lease Laddie, and of course, Laddie!!
WRAP-UP
What an incredible story! And the best part? Oliver’s just getting started!
With the SA Derby coming up (Oliver’s favourite show of the year!), plus dreams of riding overseas one day, we know we’ll be seeing a lot more of Olly in the future.
So next time you’re at a show, remember Oliver’s story: what matters is the partnership you build and the hard work you put in!
Oh, and maybe keep some extra-large carrots handy if you want to be friends with Laddie!
Huge congratulations, Oliver; you’re officially the Toyota Pony Rider Outdoor Grand Prix Champion, and we’re SO proud of you!
PHOTOGRAPHY: MERLYNN TRICHARDT
Meet
Layla Hunter
An inspiration to young riders across the country
What does it take to go from a bored kid at a pony camp to competing at 1.35m Junior Open level in just four years? Meet Layla Hunter, a 17-year-old showjumper who proves that passion, hard work, and the right support system can fast-track even the latest of starters. Layla didn’t grow up in the saddle; she found her love for horses in the middle of a pandemic and hasn’t looked back since. With two remarkable mares by her side – the fiery Nikita and the brave Monsaka – she’s already ranked nationally and has her sights set on representing her country. We sat down with Layla to find out how she did it, what she’s learned, and what she’d say to every young rider who thinks it might be too late to start.
HQPONY: How old are you, and when did you first start riding?
LH: I turn 17 this year. I started riding in September 2020 at the age of 11, and a year later, in September 2021, we bought my pony, Butter Bean Ivoor. That’s also when I started training with Claire Webb, and when everything truly began to take shape.
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HQPONY: What made you start riding during COVID? Had you always loved horses, or was it something new for you?
LH: I’m naturally a very busy person, and during COVID I was bored out of my mind. One day, my mom sent my sister and me to a pony camp, and I instantly fell in love. A pony camp is really all it takes for the bug to bite; it became the starting point of something so much bigger.
Having said this, horses have always been part of my life. My mom was an incredibly competitive A-grade rider as a junior and rode as an adult when I was very young. My grandmother and aunts have also always been involved in the horse industry. So, although horses were always around me, it wasn’t until COVID that I grabbed the opportunity to truly become part of the riding world myself.
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HQPONY: Tell us about your horses, Monsaka and Nikita.
LH: In November 2022, I was fortunate enough to call Diamonds Nikita my own. Born in September 2015 (Numero Uno x Carrick), she had an instant wow factor we simply couldn’t deny and I fell in love immediately. At the time, Nikita was quite green as a seven-year-old, and I produced her as a green rider myself. I tear up with pride when I think about how we’ve grown together and now operate as an inseparable team in the Junior Open classes.
Nikita is like a rubber ball – bouncy, reactive, and absolutely in love with her job. She’s fast, careful, and always gives her best in the show ring. We call her my diva because she has personality in abundance and loves to have a little play. In 2025, we ranked second nationally in the Junior 1.30m division – proof that hard work and consistency truly pay off.
In June 2024, Seeis Monsaka, also known as Smudge, entered the picture. I believe the right horse finds you, and Monsaka definitely found me. Born in 2017 (Catoki x Consuelo), she has an abundance of talent and technique, but also the biggest heart imaginable.
Smudge was a joy to produce and moved up the grades quickly. She is definitely a Derby horse – brave as a lion. At the end of 2025, we ranked third nationally in the Junior 1.30m division. She has progressed at an exponential rate, and I’m bubbling with excitement to see just how high she can go.
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HQPONY: What has each horse taught you?
LH: Nikita has taught me trust. She is incredibly reliable; I can ask her almost anything, and she delivers. She’s taught me the importance of rhythm, precision, and giving the correct aids at the right moment.
Monsaka has developed me technically as a rider. She has taught me adjustability and flexibility; the ability to step off one horse and onto another who needs to be ridden completely differently. She has rounded my riding and stretched my abilities in the best way possible.
HQPONY: Who do you train with?
LH: I train with Claire Webb and Dominey Alexander.
HQPONY: What level do you compete at currently and in which disciplines?
LH: I currently compete in the Junior Open Showjumping division (1.35m) and also in Open Equitation.
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HQPONY: What does a normal week look like for you in terms of your riding?
LH: I ride four to five times a week. I have one jumping session with Claire and one with Dominey (either Tuesday or Thursday). I normally include two flatwork days where I ride both horses in a snaffle bridle, focusing on basics and balance. I also spend one day in the cross-country arena, doing plenty of uphill canter work to improve fitness. I structure my week according to what each horse specifically needs.
HQPONY: Looking back, what do you think helped you improve so quickly?
LH: There are several factors. First and foremost: hard work. I committed to my horses fully and made them my priority, even with a busy schedule outside of riding. I didn’t have the easiest pony as a pony rider, but Butter Bean made my transition into juniors much smoother because of his way of going.
Beyond my own effort, my coaches have made the biggest difference. A coach can make or break a rider, and I’ve truly been blessed – not only with my two incredible coaches, but also with my mom as my third coach, always standing by my side. My grandmother also played a big role in my riding career; she is a vet and is permanently on speed dial. Lastly, I’ve been fortunate to have exceptionally talented horses who have played a crucial role in my progress.
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HQPONY: What has been your biggest challenge in your riding journey so far?
LH: My biggest challenge has been producing my horses myself. Although they are excelling now, we had to go through every ‘first’ together, without either of us having prior experience at the next level.
While this has been my biggest challenge, it’s also one of my greatest rewards. I take immense pride in the fact that I’ve helped shape my horses into what they are today. I have the privilege of saying I built them from the ground up.
HQPONY: Starting during COVID means you didn’t grow up riding from a tiny age like some riders. Do you think that has been a challenge?
LH: Starting later meant I had to play catch-up with riders my age. But that became one of my greatest motivations. It was challenging because I had to gain experience and skill rapidly, and experience takes time and patience. It was frustrating at times, but my support structure made it possible for me to eventually close the gap.
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HQPONY: What would your advice be to a rider who feels it is too late to start?
LH: If your heart beats for horses, it is never too late to start. Surround yourself with the right support system and the right coaches; it truly takes a village. Starting later doesn’t disqualify you; it simply means you must chase your dream with everything you have.
HQPONY: What are your goals for the future?
LH: My goal this year is to achieve consistent results in the 1.35m classes and hopefully secure a few national titles along the way. The plan is to build a strong, consistent record so that I can confidently step up to the 1.40m classes next year. As a rider, my aim is always to improve on my most recent results, constantly raising the bar.
HQPONY: What is your ultimate dream in the sport?
LH: My ultimate dream is to compete in the 1.50m classes and eventually represent my country internationally. Like every ambitious rider, I dream of one day competing on the biggest stages in the world.
HQPONY: What is your ultimate dream career-wise?
LH: After school, I plan to study medicine and ultimately become a surgeon with my own practice. That career path would give me the flexibility to pursue both my professional ambitions and my passion for horses.
Quick Fire Round
HQPONY: Early mornings or afternoon classes?
LH: Early mornings.
HQPONY: Plaits or natural mane?
LH: Natural mane.
HQPONY: Equitation or showjumping?
LH: Showjumping.
HQPONY: Favourite show venue?
LH: KPC.
HQPONY: Dream horse (alive currently, or not)?
LH: United Touch S.
HQPONY: One word that describes Monsaka?
LH: Kind.
HQPONY: One word that describes Nikita?
LH: Fiery.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Layla Hunter is living proof that it’s never about when you start; it’s about how hard you’re willing to work once you do. From that very first pony camp to the national rankings, her journey is a reminder that horses don’t care about your head start; they care about your heart. Whether you’re just finding your feet in the saddle or chasing your next personal best, let Layla’s story be the nudge you need. Your dream is still very much within reach, so saddle up, surround yourself with the right people, and go after it with everything you’ve got.
Learning to canter
Finding your balance and building confidence in this exciting gait
Learning to canter is one of the most exciting – and nerve–wracking – moments in your riding journey! Canter feels completely different from walk and trot: it’s faster and has a smooth rocking motion that takes getting used to. The great news? Once you find the rhythm, many riders actually find canter more comfortable than sitting trot. But getting from ‘I’ve never cantered’ to ‘canter feels natural’ takes time, practice, and a little bit of bravery. But, we’re backing you – you’ve got this!
WHAT IS CANTER?
Canter is a three-beat gait. For reference, a walk has four beats, a trot has two, and a gallop has four very fast beats.
The key thing to know is that a canter rocks forward and back (towards your pony’s ears, then towards their tail) rather than bouncing up and down like a trot. Your job is to move WITH that rocking, not fight against it.
You might also hear about left lead and right lead. This just means which front leg reaches furthest forward – left lead when going left, right lead when going right. As a beginner, don’t worry about this yet. Your instructor will look at that for you for now! You can just focus on staying balanced!
ARE YOU READY TO CANTER?
Before your first canter, make sure you can tick off these basics:
- You have a balanced, secure seat at walk and trot.
- You can steer and stop.
- You feel relaxed at walk and trot.
- You are a bit nervous but not terrified.
- Your instructor says you are ready.
If you’re still working on some of these – that’s okay! Keep building your basics. Rushing into canter before you’re ready just makes it scarier, so be patient if you need to. Your instructor will let you know when the time is right.
GETTING YOUR POSITION RIGHT
A good position makes cantering SO much easier. Here’s what to aim for:
- Sit DEEP in the saddle – imagine your bottom is glued in.
- Keep your lower back soft and flexible so it can follow the rocking motion. Tense = bouncy!
- Legs should be long and relaxed against your pony’s sides with heels down. Don’t grip with your knees as this actually pushes you UP out of the saddle, which makes things worse.
- Keep your upper body upright, shoulders back, and look ahead – not down at your pony.
- And breathe! Holding your breath makes you tense all over.
YOUR FIRST CANTER
Your instructor will carefully set up your first canter – probably along a long side of the arena or on the lunge so you can focus just on balance. They’ll remind you to breathe and stay relaxed. Here’s what to expect:
What it will feel like:
- Faster than expected
- A rocking motion
- A bit bouncy at first (that’s totally normal)
- Like a lot is happening at once (also totally normal!)
- EXCITING!
What to do
- Breathe deeply and keep on breathing
- Sit deep and let your lower back move
- Look ahead not down
- Relax your knees and thighs
- Trust your pony and your instructor!
Your first canter doesn’t need to be perfect (and it won’t be!) so just enjoy the experience. You’ll get better and better from here!
COMMON CHALLENGES AND HOW TO FIX THEM
Challenge 1
Bouncing is the most common problem, and it’s very fixable. The culprit is almost always tension – when you’re nervous, your muscles tighten up, and you bounce. Try to relax your lower back, soften your knees, and breathe deeply. Drop your weight into the saddle and let your hips follow the rhythm.
Challenge 2
Feeling out of control is also very normal. Canter IS faster than what you’re used to. Start with very short canters – just a few strides – on a calm, steady pony. Practice canter-to-trot transitions so you always know you can come back to trot when you need to. With each canter, your brain adjusts, and it stops feeling so fast.
Challenge 3
Feeling scared is completely okay! But if fear feels overwhelming, tell your instructor. You might benefit from more lunge work, a different pony, or simply a bit more time before you canter again. There’s absolutely no shame in saying ‘I’m not ready yet.’ Pushing through panic makes things worse – not better.
YOU’VE GOT THIS
There will be a moment – maybe your fifth canter, maybe your twentieth – when suddenly it just clicks. The rocking feels natural. You stop bouncing. You realise, ‘I can actually DO this!’ That moment makes every nervous attempt completely worth it.
Every confident rider you’ve ever admired had those same wobbly, bouncy first canters. Be patient with yourself, listen to your instructor, and remember: canter should ultimately be FUN. When it clicks, you’ll understand exactly why riders love it so much. Now get out there and give it a go!
Have you ever wondered what is actually IN that bottle of fly spray? Making your own fly spray is like being a scientist in your own stable! You get to mix ingredients, learn about how plants keep insects away, and create something useful for your pony. Plus, it smells WAY better than the chemical stuff.
Summer flies drive ponies crazy – buzzing around their eyes and ears, landing on their legs, biting their bellies. Your homemade spray will help keep these annoying pests away using the power of plants and essential oils.
IMPORTANT NOTE
In South Africa, we have tiny biting insects called Culicoides midges that can carry African Horse Sickness. These midges are too small and determined for natural fly sprays to stop them. During AHS season (usually October to May), you will still need to use commercial fly spray to protect against midges, especially at dawn and dusk. But your homemade spray is perfect for dealing with regular annoying flies during the day!
HOW IT WORKS
THE SCIENCE BEHIND FLY SPRAY
Flies have an incredibly strong sense of smell – much better than ours. Certain scents make them think ‘Yuck, I don’t want to land there!’ That is how our spray works – we are creating a smell force field of smells flies don’t like around your pony.
The essential oils – Nature's fly fighters
Citronella oil: This is the superstar fly fighter! Citronella comes from a type of grass and has a strong lemony smell. Flies absolutely hate it. It confuses their sense of smell, so they cannot find your pony to land on.
Eucalyptus oil: Made from eucalyptus tree leaves, this oil has a fresh, minty smell. It irritates flies’ breathing tubes, making them want to fly away quickly. Bonus: it also smells lovely and fresh.
Lavender oil: You might have lavender in your garden! The oil from lavender flowers is calming for ponies but annoying for flies. It disrupts how flies use their antennae to find places to land.
Tea tree oil: This powerful oil comes from an Australian tree. It is a natural antiseptic (kills germs) and also repels insects. Be careful with this one – it is strong! A little goes a long way.
THE OTHER INGREDIENTS
Vinegar (white or apple cider): Flies dislike acidic smells. Vinegar also helps clean your pony’s coat and makes it shiny. Apple cider vinegar is gentler and smells a bit nicer.
Water: The base that carries everything else. Boiled and cooled water is best because it is cleaner.
Vegetable oil or glycerin (optional): This helps the spray stick to your pony’s coat longer, like how sunscreen sticks to your skin. It also moisturises their coat.
Dish soap (optional): A tiny bit helps all the ingredients mix together and stay mixed.
SAFETY FIRST
Essential oils are amazing but powerful. Always have an adult help you. Never get essential oils in your eyes – they sting like crazy! And never spray fly spray directly at your pony’s face.
Some ponies have sensitive skin and might react to certain oils. Before using your spray all over, test a small patch on your pony’s shoulder and wait 24 hours to make sure no redness or itching appears.
HOW TO USE YOUR FLY SPRAY
Always shake the bottle really well first – count to ten while you shake.
Spray your pony’s body, neck, legs, and belly. Hold the bottle about 20-30cm away. Never spray directly at the face! Instead, spray some of your fly spray on a cloth and wipe gently around your pony’s face, being super careful near eyes.
Your natural spray will not last as long as chemical sprays – plan to reapply every three to four hours on hot days, or after your pony gets sweaty from riding.
EXPERIMENTS TO TRY
Once you have made the basic recipe, you can experiment like a real scientist!
The comparison experiment
Make two bottles – one with all the oils, and one with just citronella. Spray one side of your pony with each spray. Which works better? Count how many flies land on each side in 10 minutes. This should show you how well the oils work together, rather than just the one oil on its own.
Fresh herb version
If you have fresh mint, lavender, or rosemary in the garden, you can make an herbal tea version! Boil water, add a big handful of herbs, let it cool completely, strain out the herbs, then add your essential oils. Does fresh or dried work better? Experiment and find out!
Make it stronger or gentler
If your pony has sensitive skin, try using only half the amount of essential oils. If the flies are really bad, you can add five more drops of citronella. Keep notes about what works best!
FLY OBSERVATION CHALLENGE
After you have been using your spray for a week, try this observation experiment:
On a day when flies are bad, do not spray your pony immediately. Instead, count how many flies land on your pony’s shoulder in two minutes. Write it down.
Now apply your spray. Wait 10 minutes, then count flies again for two minutes. How many fewer flies do you see? This shows you whether your spray is working!
You can also observe: Which essential oil smell is strongest? Does the smell change during the day as it evaporates? Do certain flies seem more bothered by the spray than others? Being a good observer makes you a good horse person.
LOOKING AFTER YOUR SPRAY
Keep your spray in a cool, dark place – not in direct sunlight. The cupboard in your tack room is perfect.
After two to four weeks, your spray might start to smell different or look cloudy. This means it is time to make a fresh batch! Tip the old spray out and make some more.
YOUR ARE NOW AN OFFICIAL FLY SPRAY SCIENTIST!
Every time you make a batch of fly spray, you are learning about chemistry (mixing ingredients), biology (how insects behave), and aromatherapy (how smells affect creatures). Plus, you are helping your pony stay comfortable on hot summer days.
Your pony might not understand that you made this spray yourself, but they will definitely appreciate fewer flies buzzing around their ears. And every time someone says “Mmm, your pony smells nice!” you can say proudly, “Thanks! I made the fly spray myself!”
Keep experimenting, keep observing, and enjoy your summer science project!
Water seems simple – just something to drink when thirsty, right? But for ponies (and us as well!), water is actually one of the most important things for staying healthy. In fact, water is WAY more important than most people realise.
Understanding why water matters so much, how much your pony needs, and how to make sure they drink enough is an essential part of being a good pony owner. This knowledge becomes especially important in hot weather, after exercise, or if your pony becomes ill.
This guide explains what water does in your pony’s body, how to tell if your pony is drinking enough, what to do if they are not drinking, and lots of practical tips for keeping water available and appealing.
What water does in your pony body
Water is not just for quenching thirst.
It does many important jobs inside your pony’s body.
Carrying important stuff
Water in your pony’s blood carries nutrients from food to every part of their body. When your pony eats hay or feed, digestion breaks food down into tiny pieces. These pieces need to travel through the body to reach muscles, organs, and cells. Water in the bloodstream is the transport system, making this possible.
Water also carries away waste. When cells do their work, they create waste products that need to be removed. Water in the blood picks up this waste and carries it to the kidneys and gut, where it leaves the body as pee and poo.
Controlling temperature
When your pony gets hot from exercise or the weather, they sweat. Sweat is mostly water that comes from inside the body to the skin surface. When sweat evaporates (dries), it cools your pony down. Without enough water, your pony cannot sweat properly and will overheat, which is dangerous.
Helping digestion
Your pony’s gut needs water to digest food properly. Some parts of the gut function like a big fermentation tank where friendly bacteria break down hay and grass. These bacteria need a moist environment to work. Water also serves to soften food and help it move through the gut smoothly. Without enough water, food can get stuck or compacted, causing serious problems like colic (a tummy ache that can be life-threatening).
Making up most of the body
About 60-70 per cent of your pony’s body weight is water. A 300kg pony is carrying about 180-210 litres of water in their body at any time. This water is in blood, muscle, organs, and even bones. Every cell in your pony’s body contains water and needs it to function.
How much water does your pony need?
On a normal day, a pony needs approximately 20-40 litres of water
(roughly 2-4 buckets). But this varies based on:
Size
Bigger ponies need more water than small ponies.
Weather
Hot weather increases water needs – ponies might drink 50 litres or more on very hot days.
Exercise
Working ponies sweat and need more water to replace what they lose.
Diet
Ponies eating dry hay need more drinking water than those eating fresh grass (which contains water).
Lactation
Mares with foals need extra water to make milk.
As a baseline, ponies need roughly 60-100ml per kg body weight per day. So, a 300kg pony needs 18-30 litres normally, and more in hot weather or with exercise.
How to tell if your pony is drinking enough
The skin pinch test
This is the easiest way to check hydration at home.
How to do it:
1. Choose a spot on your pony neck or shoulder
2. Gently pinch a fold of skin between your thumb and finger
3. Pull the skin up slightly then release
4. Watch how fast the skin returns to normal
What it means:
Skin snaps back immediately (less than 1 second): Well hydrated.
Skin takes 2-3 seconds to flatten: Mildly dehydrated. Tell an adult.
Skin takes 4+ seconds or stays tented: Seriously dehydrated. Tell an adult immediately.
Checking gums
Healthy, hydrated gums are pink and moist (slightly wet).
Dehydrated gums look tacky (sticky), dry, or darker than normal.
Capillary refill test:
Press firmly on the gum with your finger for 2 seconds, release, and watch the white spot you made.
Normal colour returns in 1-2 seconds.
Slow return (3+ seconds) can indicate dehydration – tell an adult.
Watch for behaviour changes
Dehydrated ponies often show: less energy than normal, not interested in food, standing quietly without interacting much, eyes seem sunken, or not producing normal amounts of pee and poo.
Changes in drinking patterns often indicate problems before other symptoms appear.
Making sure water is available
How often to check
Check and refill water minimum twice daily (morning and evening), three to four times in summer, and more often if your pony is sick, working hard, or in very hot weather. Buckets should never be allowed to empty completely.
Keeping water clean
Ponies are picky about water. Dirty water discourages drinking.
Daily: Dump old water, rinse the bucket to remove dirt and slime, scrub if needed, refill with fresh water.
Weekly: Scrub thoroughly with brush and mild detergent, rinse very well (soap residue tastes bad), check for cracks where algae can grow.
Water temperature
Very cold or very hot water discourages drinking. Room temperature water (about 15-20 degrees C) is most appealing.
Summer: Position buckets in shade. Add ice cubes on very hot days to keep water cool.
Winter: Break ice on troughs or buckets. Some barns have heated buckets to prevent freezing.
What to do if your pony isn't drinking enough
Common reasons ponies stop drinking
Dirty water, water tastes different (travelling), bucket problems (too high/low, unstable), illness, pain, or stress.
Encouraging drinking
Try these strategies:
• Add a splash of apple juice or molasses to flavour water.
• Offer very fresh, clean water.
• Try different bucket locations.
• Soak hay cubes or pellets in water.
• Make bran mash with lots of water.
• Offer small amounts by hand.
When to get help
Call an adult or vet immediately if: your pony has not drunk for six to eight hours, they show signs of dehydration, they seem sick or in pain, they are sweating heavily but not drinking, or it is very hot weather, and they refuse water.
Dehydration becomes dangerous quickly.
Special water situations
After exercise
Hot ponies must be allowed to drink when they have finished exercising but avoid letting them drink huge volumes at once. Rather, let them have some water and walk them for a few minutes before offering more water. Then repeat the walking and offer more water. Keep up with this until your pony’s breathing rate has returned to normal. Once fully cooled, they can drink as much as they want.
Travelling
Ensure your pony drinks well before loading. Offer water every two to three hours on long trips. Bring water from home if possible. At the destination, offer water immediately and flavour it with apple juice if they seem reluctant to drink.
Hot weather
Check buckets more frequently, provide multiple water sources, keep water in shade, add ice cubes, and never let buckets run dry.
Sick ponies
Monitor water intake very carefully. Offer water by hand frequently. Provide sloppy feeds to get water into them. Report reduced drinking to the vet immediately.
Your responsibility
Of all the things you do to care for your pony, providing clean, fresh water is the most important.
Daily water care routine
Morning: Check level, dump old water, rinse bucket, refill with fresh water, position in shade for summer.
Midday (summer): Check level, top up if needed, add ice cubes if very hot.
Evening: Check level, provide fresh water for night, ensure bucket is stable.
This routine takes only 5-10 minutes total per day but is absolutely essential.
Water might seem boring compared to exciting topics like jumping, but it is literally life for your pony. The wonderful thing is that water care is simple: clean buckets, a water source, commitment to check regularly, and attention to drinking habits. That is it.
––– QUICK HYDRATION CHECK –––
Every time you visit your pony, do a quick 30-second check: Is water available? Is it clean? Is the bucket at least half full? If no to any question, fix it immediately.
Emergency reminder
If your pony will not drink, seems dehydrated, or you cannot provide water for any reason, tell an adult immediately. Dehydration can become life-threatening.
Pony Behaviour
Why does my pony spook at things they have seen a hundred times before? Why do they whinny when their friend leaves? Why do they sometimes refuse to go through puddles? Why do they roll right after I have brushed them? These questions fill our inbox every month.
Ponies sometimes seem mysterious (even to us). They do things that seem to make no sense – getting frightened of a plastic bag one day when they ignored it yesterday, refusing to walk past a scary-looking bush, or suddenly galloping away when a friend leaves the field. It can feel like ponies are being naughty or difficult on purpose.
But here’s the secret: ponies are not trying to be difficult. They are just being ponies and behaving in ways that make sense to them (even if not to us)! Understanding why ponies behave the way they do and why they evolved certain instincts and reactions, helps everything make sense. When you understand that your pony is not being silly when they spook at that flapping tarp but is actually following ancient survival instincts, you can be more patient and help them learn to be braver.
This article answers the most common behaviour questions we receive at HQ Pony Mag. Each question comes from a real reader wondering about their pony. The answers explain not just what ponies do, but why, helping you understand the amazing animals you ride and care for.
Questions about fear
ASKPONY: Why does my pony spook at random things? Yesterday they walked past a dustbin fine, today they jumped sideways when they saw it!
A: Great question, as this one confuses lots of riders, including PLENTY of adults.
The answer lies in how ponies see and process the world. Ponies are prey animals meaning that in the wild, bigger predators like wolves or lions would hunt them. This means ponies evolved to be very cautious and quick to run from anything potentially dangerous. Their survival depended on spotting threats early and running first, asking questions later.
Because of this, ponies notice tiny changes in familiar things. That dustbin looks different today – maybe the lid is slightly open, maybe it is in a different position, maybe the wind is making it rattle. To us, it is just the same dustbin. To your pony, these changes might signal danger.
Also, ponies have incredible vision; they can see almost all the way around their bodies! But their eyes work differently than ours. They are brilliant at spotting movement but not as good at seeing fine details. So that flapping plastic bag your pony saw from the corner of their eye might have looked like a dangerous animal moving quickly.
What to do: Be patient when your pony spooks. Let them look at the scary thing from a safe distance. Speak calmly. As they learn that dustbins and plastic bags are not actually dangerous, they will spook less. But understand that this cautious nature kept wild ponies alive for thousands of years; it is built into them!
ASKPONY: My pony is fine with some things but terrified of others. Why is she brave about tractors but scared of umbrellas?
A: Ponies, like people, have different fears based on their experiences. Maybe your pony has been around tractors since she was young, so she learned they are safe. But perhaps she had a scary experience with an umbrella once – maybe one opened suddenly near her head and frightened her.
Every pony has their own fear list based on what they have learned. One pony might not care about dogs but hate bicycles. Another might be fine with bicycles but terrified of goats. These fears often come from bad experiences, lack of experience (they simply have never seen this thing before), or sometimes from their personality, with some ponies being naturally braver than others.
What to do: Help your pony gradually get used to things that scare them. Let them see the umbrella from far away. Give treats when they look at it calmly. Slowly let them approach it over days or weeks. Never force them to face something they are terrified of, as this makes fear worse. Patient, gradual exposure at their own pace, and allowing them to approach and retreat as they need to, builds confidence.
ASKPONY: Why does my pony spook more on windy days?
A: Wind makes everything harder for ponies! First, wind carries lots of unfamiliar smells that put ponies on alert – they smell things from far away and cannot see what is making those smells, which worries them.
Second, wind makes everything move: trees wave, plastic bags fly around, gates bang. All this movement triggers ponies’ natural wariness about things that move quickly.
Third, wind is noisy! It rustles leaves, whistles through buildings, and generally makes it harder for ponies to hear properly. Since ponies rely heavily on hearing to detect danger, not being able to hear well makes them nervous.
Finally, wind feels weird – it blows in their faces, pushes against their bodies, and generally makes the world feel unpredictable. Ponies like predictable, calm environments where they can spot danger easily.
What to do: Expect your pony to be more alert and spooky on windy days. This is normal! Ride more carefully, maybe avoid the scariest areas, and give your pony extra reassurance. Choose calmer days for trying new things or going to new places.
Questions about friends
ASKPONY: Why does my pony whinny and get upset when their friend leaves?
A: Ponies are herd animals, which means they feel safest in groups. In the wild, a pony alone is in serious danger – predators target lone animals – so ponies are hard-wired to want to stay with their herd. Being separated from the group triggers anxiety because their instincts are screaming ‘Danger! You are alone! You might get eaten!’
When your pony whinnies as their friend leaves, they are calling ‘Where are you going? Come back! I do not want to be alone!’ This is not naughtiness; it is genuine worry.
Some ponies are more herd-bound than others. A very confident, independent pony might not mind being separated from friends, whereas a more anxious pony might get very upset, pacing, whinnying, and refusing to focus on riding.
What to do: Help your pony learn that being separated is okay. Start with short separations – walk just around the corner where they can still see their friend, then come back immediately. Gradually increase distance and time as your pony seems better able to cope. Reward calm behaviour with treats and praise. Over time, most ponies learn that their friends always come back and being alone temporarily is safe.
ASKPONY: Why do ponies groom each other, and can I groom my pony like another pony would?
A: Mutual grooming – when two pony friends stand side by side and nibble each other’s withers, necks, or backs – serves multiple purposes. It helps them scratch itchy spots they cannot reach themselves. It strengthens their friendship bond. And it feels lovely (to them)!
You can mimic this by finding your pony’s favourite scratching spots and giving firm (but gentle) scratches with your fingernails. Most ponies love scratches on their withers and chests, so start there and try and find their favourite spot. If you find the perfect scratchy spot, your pony might wiggle their lips in pleasure, just like they do when a friend grooms them!
What to do: During grooming, try scratching instead of just brushing. Watch your pony’s reaction – do they lean into it? Wiggle their lip? Close their eyes? These signs tell you they are enjoying it. Finding these special spots strengthens your bond and makes grooming time even more enjoyable for your pony.
Questions about eating
ASKPONY: Why does my pony always seem hungry? They act like they are starving even though they just ate!
A: Ponies evolved to eat almost constantly. Wild ponies spend about 16-18 hours every day grazing! Their digestive systems are designed for this – small amounts of food constantly passing through rather than large meals with long gaps.
So your pony is not actually starving, but their instincts tell them to eat whenever food is available. In the wild, ponies never knew when food might become scarce, so eating while food was available made sense.
This is why many ponies seem obsessed with food, mug you for treats, or try to grab grass during rides. They are just following powerful instincts to eat, eat, eat!
What to do: Understand this is normal pony behaviour, not greed or bad manners. However, you should teach good ground manners so your pony does not mug you dangerously. Keep treats in pockets where ponies cannot reach them. Only give treats when your pony is calm and respectful, never when they are pushing or grabbing. This teaches them to be polite around food.
ASKPONY: Why do some ponies get aggressive at feeding time?
A: Food aggression comes from competition in the herd. In wild pony groups, there were more dominant ponies that got the first access to the food, and then lower-ranking ponies who had to wait their turn or risk being kicked or bitten.
Domestic ponies remember these instincts. Some ponies become protective of their food, pinning ears or threatening to kick anyone (pony or human) who gets too close. They are worried someone will steal their dinner!
What to do: Never approach a pony showing aggressive body language at feeding time as this is dangerous. Give food-aggressive ponies space while eating. In group situations, feed ponies far apart so there is no competition. If your own pony is food-aggressive toward you, work with an instructor on safe training to improve their manners. Never punish food aggression as this can make it worse – instead, teach the pony that people near food means good things happen, using careful training.
Questions about grooming
ASKPONY: Why does my pony roll right after I have spent ages brushing them clean?
A: This is SO frustrating for riders! But ponies roll for several important reasons, and they are not doing it to annoy you (even though it feels that way!).
Rolling helps ponies scratch their backs, which they cannot reach any other way. After being ridden with a saddle, their back might be itchy from sweat, so rolling feels wonderful to them. Rolling also helps ponies coat their skin with a layer of dirt which actually protects them from insects and sun. In their minds, rolling until they are dusty is like putting on sunscreen and bug spray!
Additionally, rolling helps ponies mark their territory with their scent and can be a way to dry off if they are sweaty. Some ponies also roll simply because it feels good – have you ever stretched really hard and it felt amazing? Rolling is like a full-body stretch for ponies.
What to do: Accept that rolling is natural, healthy behaviour. If you need your pony to stay clean for a show, keep them in a stable or on hard ground until competition time. Otherwise, let them enjoy their roll – it makes them happy even if it makes more grooming work for you!
Questions about movement
ASKPONY: Why does my pony buck when first turned out?
A: If you have seen this, you probably laughed! Many ponies charge around bucking, and kicking, when first turned out in the field. This looks crazy but is completely normal.
After being in a stable, ponies have pent-up energy and need to move! The bucking and galloping releases this energy – it is like how you might run around shouting when let out to play after sitting in class all day. Pure joy and energy release!
What to do: This behaviour is normal and healthy. Just stay out of the way – turning out a fresh pony can be dangerous if you do not let go of them quickly and move clear. Never stand in front of a pony being turned out. Let go of the leadrope, step away, and let them have their mad gallop safely.
ASKPONY: Why do ponies sometimes refuse to go through puddles or over different surfaces?
A: Remember that ponies’ vision works differently than ours. They are not great at judging depth or seeing what is under water. That puddle might look like a bottomless pit to your pony! They cannot tell if it is two centimetres deep or two metres deep.
Ponies also instinctively avoid uncertain footing. In the wild, stepping wrong could mean a broken leg, which would be fatal. So ponies evolved to be very careful about where they put their feet. That patch of different ground – maybe wet, maybe muddy, maybe just different coloured – worries them because they are not sure it is safe.
Some ponies are braver about this than others. A confident pony might splash through any puddle. A more cautious pony might refuse even small puddles at first.
What to do: Patience and gradual exposure help. Start with tiny puddles or different surfaces. Let your pony investigate – sniff it, look at it, maybe paw at it. Praise any bravery. If riding with friends, let a confident pony go first to show yours it is safe and never punish refusal as this creates more fear. Build confidence gradually through positive experiences and you’ll find puddles become much less scary over time!
ASKPONY: Why does my pony paw the ground when tied up or waiting?
A: Pawing usually means impatience or frustration. Your pony is bored, wants to get moving, or wants something they cannot have (maybe food or to join other ponies).
It is like when you tap your foot waiting for something – a way of expressing ‘I am ready to go!’ or ‘I do not want to stand here anymore!’ Some ponies paw more than others based on personality – patient ponies stand quietly, impatient ponies paw.
However, remember that pawing combined with other signs (looking at belly, lying down repeatedly, not eating) can indicate colic. Always check if pawing seems excessive or comes with other concerning symptoms and if you are worried, speak to an adult.
What to do: For normal impatience pawing, teaching patience is important. When your pony paws while tied, wait until they stand quietly for a moment, then reward that calm behaviour, rather than the pawing. Over time, they learn that patience works better than pawing.
Questions about communication
ASKPONY: Can my pony recognise me? Do they know I am their ‘person’?
A: Yes! Ponies absolutely can recognise individual people. They remember faces, voices, and even the way you walk. Research has shown that horses can identify people they know from photographs and can remember both positive and negative interactions with specific people for years.
Your pony probably knows you are coming before you even get to their stable – they recognise your footsteps, the sound of your voice, maybe even your smell (ponies have excellent noses!). Many ponies whinny when they see their favourite people or come to the gate when that special person arrives.
They also remember how people make them feel. If you are always kind, gentle, and bring treats, your pony looks forward to seeing you. If someone frightened them or was rough with them, they might be wary of that person.
What to do: Building a strong bond with your pony takes time and consistency. Spend quality time together – not just riding, but grooming, hand-grazing, just being together. Be patient and kind and over time, you become one of your pony’s favourite people!
ASKPONY: Are ponies smart? Sometimes mine seems to know what I am thinking!
A: Ponies are very intelligent, though differently smart than humans. They excel at reading body language and emotions; they notice tiny changes in your posture, breathing, or tension that tell them how you are feeling. This is why your pony seems to ‘know’ when you are nervous or excited.
Ponies are also brilliant at learning patterns and routines. They remember feeding times, which gate leads to their favourite field, and which behaviours get them treats. They can problem-solve – like figuring out how to open gates or reach treats placed just out of reach.
However, ponies do not think like humans. They cannot understand complex planning or abstract concepts. They live very much in the present moment, reacting to what they experience now rather than plotting long-term strategies.
What to do: Respect your pony’s intelligence by being a consistent, clear rider. Ponies learn best through repetition and consistency. Having said this, it is important to use their intelligence by making training interesting, as if things are too repetitive ponies get bored just like you do. It’s best to vary activities and make learning fun.
ASKPONY: Why does my pony sometimes ignore me when I call them in the paddock?
A: This frustrates many owners! You call your pony, they look right at you, then go back to grazing. It feels rude!
But ponies do not have the same concept of obedience that dogs do. They are thinking ‘Hmm, should I go to that person, or should I keep eating this delicious grass?’ If grass is more appealing than whatever they think you are offering, they might choose grass.
Also, some ponies have learned that being caught means work or leaving friends. If coming when called usually means leaving the field and friends behind, they might not be eager to respond.
What to do: Make being caught rewarding! Bring treats. Sometimes catch your pony just to give scratches and treats, then let them go again. This teaches them that being caught does not always mean leaving. It is also worth practising in small areas where catching is easier before expecting reliable response in huge fields. Finally, be patient – ponies learn through positive repetition.
In summary
The more you understand about why ponies behave the way they do, the more patient and effective you become as a rider and caretaker. When you know that spooking is not naughtiness but ancient survival instincts, you can be more understanding. When you realise that not eating might signal sickness rather than fussiness, you can respond appropriately. When you understand that whinnying for friends is due to genuine anxiety, you can help your pony build confidence more compassionately.
Every behaviour has a reason. Ponies do not act randomly or out of spite. They respond to instincts, past experiences, current feelings, and what they have learned works. Your job is to help them learn good behaviours, build confidence in scary situations, and understand what you are asking of them.
And finally, keep asking questions! Curiosity about why ponies do what they do makes you a better horseperson. Watch ponies carefully – not just your own but all ponies. Notice patterns. Ask instructors or experienced horse people about behaviours you do not understand. Read books about horse behaviour. The more you learn, the better you can communicate with and care for your pony.
NOTE
Remember that each pony is an individual. While this article explains common behaviours and general reasons behind them, your pony has their own personality, history, and quirks. Getting to know your specific pony including what they like and dislike, what frightens or excites them and how they communicate, is a lifelong journey that makes horse ownership so rewarding.
remember
- You have a balanced, secure seat at walk and trot.
- You can steer and stop.
- You feel relaxed at walk and trot.
- You are a bit nervous but not terrified.
- Your instructor says you are ready.
>>> GOT A QUESTION <<<
Email lizzie@hqmagazine.co.za and your question might be answered in the next issue!
