DIGITAL ISSUE 41 | 2025
Welcome to the HQ Pony Confidence Issue!
Dear readers,
This issue of HQ Pony Magazine is all about one of the most important things you can have when around horses – confidence. Whether you’re learning to canter, jumping your first cross, or riding out at a show, having the courage to try is what makes every step an adventure.
Confidence doesn’t mean never feeling nervous – even the best riders in the world sometimes get butterflies before a big round. What matters is learning how to turn those nerves into excitement and trusting yourself and your pony as a team.
Inside these pages, you’ll find tips to help both you and your pony feel braver, and fun activities (like our Confidence Bingo!) to celebrate your small victories along the way.
Remember: every rider’s journey is different, and confidence grows one ride at a time. Sometimes the bravest choice is to push yourself to try something new. Other times, it’s knowing when to pause, ask for help, or simply dismount and try again another day.
We hope you enjoy this issue, and as a final note, we want to remind all of us that with a little practice, a lot of kindness to ourselves, and the support of our ponies, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.
Until next time!
Lizzie and
the HQ Pony team xxx
Dr Lizzie Harrison | Editor
DIGITAL ISSUE 41 | 2025
contents
Confidence on the Ground
Easy groundwork ideas to build your bond
Braver Together
How your pony feels your energy
Confidence Bingo
Can you get 4 in a row?
I Got Scared
And that's ok
Mini Mission
Teach your pony a confidence trick
Hobby Horsing
The sport you can do anywhere!
The Calm Pony Plan
Feeding and management for confidence
ASK Pony
All your questions answered
Confidence on the ground
Easy groundwork ideas to build your bond
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You don’t need to be in the saddle to grow your confidence. Some of the best trust-building (and bravery-boosting!) moments happen with your feet on the ground, just you and your pony, working together.
Groundwork isn’t just for big-time trainers. It’s for you. It’s fun, it’s safe, and it helps both of you feel calm, focused, and connected.
Let’s try a few simple activities to grow your pony superpowers, no riding required!
1. Follow my feet
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WHAT IT BUILDS: Focus and calm communication
This is a soft, low-pressure game where your pony learns to mirror you, like a pony dance partner! You’re helping them tune into your energy, without needing tools or touch.
Here’s how to try it:
- Stand beside your pony with the lead rope loose.
- Walk forward slowly and see if they follow.
- Stop after a few steps. Do they stop with you?
- Try turning, backing up, or moving sideways.
- Reward them with a scratch or soft voice when they copy you.
Top tip: If they’re distracted, gently wiggle the rope or make a kiss sound, but stay calm and kind. This is about connection, not control.
This game helps both of you feel more tuned-in, and it’s a great warm-up before trick training or obstacle courses.
2. Leading like a pro
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WHAT IT BUILDS: Focus and teamwork
Pop on a headcollar and lead rope, and walk your pony around like you’re heading to the Olympics! Keep their nose by your shoulder, stop and start together, and try walking in zigzags or around cones.
- Mix it up with halts, slow steps, and quick steps
- Can you stop together without tugging the rope?
This helps your pony learn to listen to your body language, which also helps when riding!
3. Obstacle fun
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WHAT IT BUILDS: Bravery and curiosity
Make a mini obstacle course using things you already have at the yard. Try leading your pony over:
- A tarp or towel on the ground
- A line of poles
- Empty feed bags
- Cones or buckets to weave through
Let them sniff each obstacle. Some ponies might step over bravely, while others may need a few sessions to even go near to an obstacle! Both are okay! Just give your pony lots of praise and let them figure it out at their own pace.
Want to level up? Try walking the course backwards or in-hand trotting through it.
4. Teach a simple trick
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WHAT IT BUILDS: Fun and feel-good vibes
Try teaching your pony a trick like:
- Target touch: Let them touch their nose to a cone or tennis ball
- Give a hoof: Gently lift a front foot when you tap their leg
- Smile: Use treats to encourage a lip lift
Always use calm voice cues, be kind, praise even the smallest try and keep sessions short (5–10 minutes is perfect).
Groundwork tips
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- Always work in a safe area (no loose ponies!)
- Wear a helmet, gloves and boots
- Take breaks and end on a good note
- Give lots of praise, even for small tries
- If your pony seems unsure, go slower and reward more often
Why it matters
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When you do groundwork, your pony learns to trust you, and you learn to trust yourself. You start to understand how your pony thinks, how he feels, and how to help him feel safe.
That means when you hop back in the saddle, you’re not just sitting on a pony… you’re riding a partner.
You don’t need to be perfect when doing these exercises. You just need to be present.
Try one of these exercises this week and see what magic happens!
Have you ever noticed that your pony seems to know how you’re feeling, even when you haven’t said a word? Maybe they get fidgety and start to jog when you’re nervous. Or they stop calmly grazing when you’re holding your breath. That’s because ponies are amazing at reading body language and energy, especially yours!
But don’t worry; this isn’t a bad thing. It’s actually a bit of a superpower. Because when you learn how to calm yourself, you can help your pony feel calm too. And when you show confidence, they feel it, and start to believe in themselves and what you are asking them to do.
Let’s learn how to help each other feel braver!
WHY PONIES PICK UP ON FEELINGS
Ponies don’t speak with words; they speak with energy.
And they’re really good at reading it. Why? Because they’re prey animals – animals that are hunted in the wild. That means they’ve survived for thousands of years by being super-sensitive to what’s going on around them.
Even though your pony isn’t running from lions or wolves today, they still have the same instincts. They’re always asking:
- Is there danger nearby?
- Is everything calm and safe?
- What are the other herd members feeling?
And guess what? You are part of their herd. So they pay close attention to your breathing, your body language, your energy, and even your thoughts. If you walk up feeling worried, they worry too. But if you show up soft, steady, and calm, they’re much more likely to relax.
They notice:
- How tight or soft your muscles are
- Whether your breath is slow or fast
- If your steps are heavy or quiet
- If your heart is racing or calm
Ponies feel all of this, sometimes before you even notice it yourself! That’s why learning to calm your own body and mind is one of the best gifts you can give your pony.
At a show
Show day nerves? That’s normal! But remember, your pony doesn’t know it’s a competition. They just know you’re feeling different.
Try this:
- Breathe before you ride. Inhale for four seconds, exhale for six. Do it three times.
- Speak to your pony. Use a soft voice. Even just saying ‘Good boy’ helps you both.
- Walk them around by hand before your class to help them feel relaxed.
- Visualise a calm, smooth round – picture it going well before you enter the arena.
Out on a hack
Hacking out can feel exciting, but also a little scary sometimes. If your pony sees a scary log or hears a weird sound, they’ll look to you to know if it’s okay.
Try this:
- Talk to your pony. Say ‘Let’s go together’ or ‘You’re okay’ in a relaxed tone.
- Hum a tune! It helps you breathe, and the sound is soothing.
- Let them stop and look at spooky things. Rushing them forward makes it worse.
- Keep your legs light. Gripping legs = stressed pony. Soft legs = relaxed ride.
Brave together = stronger together
You don’t have to be a superhero. You just have to try.
Confidence is something you build, one small try at a time. The more you and your pony listen to each other, the stronger your bond becomes. You’ll both learn what makes the other feel safe, and that’s when the real magic happens.
So next time your tummy has butterflies, or your pony gets a little spooky, just remember:
- You’re a team.
- You can believe in each other even when you’re both just learning.
- And you can be scared and still be brave.
Confidence Bingo
Can you get 4 in a row? Or tick them all?
Tick off a square each time you try one of these brave, pony-powered challenges!
Bingo! Got a row? That’s a sign of a confident horse person.
Whole board? You’re a confidence champion!
>> Send us a photo to feature in the next issue! <<
I got scared
And that’s okay
Have you ever felt your tummy twist before a jumping round? Or your hands go sweaty just thinking about cantering? Maybe you’ve even said, ‘I don’t want to ride today,’ even though you love your pony. Guess what? That’s not just normal, it’s something every rider feels sometimes.
This is our Confidence Issue, and we’re starting right here: with fear. Because bravery doesn’t mean you never get scared. It means you keep showing up, even when it’s hard.
Fear can feel huge and overwhelming, but it’s really just your body trying to protect you, even if there’s nothing dangerous going on. Maybe you once fell off. Or your pony spooked. Or you just saw someone else have a scary moment and thought: ‘That could be me!’
When that happens, your brain hits the panic button. Your heart races. Your muscles tighten. You might want to run away, cry, or freeze. That’s called a fight-flight-freeze response — and it’s totally natural.
Even top riders feel it. They just learn how to work with it instead of letting it stop them.
Fear doesn’t mean you’re weak or bad at riding. It means you care. You care about doing well. About staying safe. About your pony. That’s a good thing.
You can feel scared and be a great rider. You can feel unsure and get back in the saddle.
One feeling doesn’t define you. You are braver than you think.
Here are a few confidence-boosting ideas that many riders find helpful:
Talk about it: Tell your instructor, your parents, your friends, even your pony! Saying ‘I’m feeling a bit nervous today’ is a strength, not a weakness. You don’t have to hide it.
Start small: If jumping feels scary, try poles. If cantering feels too fast, trot without stirrups to build strength. You don’t have to do everything today. Tiny steps = big wins over time.
Breathe: Before you ride, take five deep breaths. Picture your favourite ride. It might be a fun trail or a great lesson. Feel that calm and confidence come back.
Remember your wins: Keep a journal or notebook with things you’ve achieved, even small ones! ‘I stayed calm when my pony spooked.’ ‘I asked a question in my lesson.’ Those count!
This whole magazine is filled with ways to grow your confidence, from groundwork games to calming hacks to words of wisdom from coaches. You’ll learn that it’s okay to wobble, and that every rider (yes, every one) has had moments where they felt scared.
Sometimes all it takes is a nudge, a friend, or a reminder that it’s okay to feel nervous, and it’s even more okay to keep going anyway.
This whole magazine is filled with ways to grow your confidence, from groundwork games to calming hacks to words of wisdom from coaches. You’ll learn that it’s okay to wobble, and that every rider (yes, every one) has had moments where they felt scared.
Sometimes all it takes is a nudge, a friend, or a reminder that it’s okay to feel nervous, and it’s even more okay to keep going anyway.
Top 5 confidence reminders
Cut this out, copy it down, or stick it on your tack box!
- It’s okay to feel nervous.
Even brave riders get wobbles. You’re not alone. - Start small.
Tiny steps forward still count as progress. - You’ve done hard things before.
Think of something you were scared of once, and how you did it anyway! - Your pony doesn’t care if you’re perfect.
They just want to spend time with you.
You’re braver than you believe.
Confidence grows every time you show up and try.
Mini mission
--- Teach your pony a confidence trick ---
Does your pony ever spook at ‘silly’ things, like puddles, plastic bags, or jump fillers? Don’t worry, that’s all part of being a prey animal, and they just need a bit of help getting used to our human world.
One of the best ways to help your pony feel braver is to teach them this confidence trick. It’s a fun, low-pressure challenge that helps them learn to trust you, solve problems, and approach scary things.
--- The target touch trick ---
Teach your pony to touch something with their nose – like a cone, a ball, or even your hand. This might seem small, but it’s a great way to help your pony explore new things without fear.
--- How to start ---
1. Hold something safe and interesting (like a soft cone or an empty feed scoop).
2. Let your pony sniff it, and the second they reach toward it and touch it, say ‘yes!’ and give a tiny treat or a scratch.
3. Repeat this, moving the object around.
4. Keep sessions short and happy – just 5 minutes is enough!
Once your pony gets the hang of it, you can ask them to touch scarier things like a plastic bag on a stick or a colourful box. Suddenly, scary stuff becomes a fun game!
--- Why this helps ---
It teaches your pony that:
>> New things aren’t always scary
>> You’re someone who makes tricky things feel safe
If you try the trick, send us your photos; we’d love to feature your brave pony in our next issue.
The sport you can do anywhere!
When you think of equestrian sport, you probably picture ponies, a riding arena, and a tack room full of saddles and bridles. But there’s another sport sweeping the globe that’s just as fun, totally safe, and perfect for improving your riding skills, even when you’re nowhere near a stable. Welcome to the world of hobby horsing!
What is hobby horsing?
Hobby horsing is exactly what it sounds like, riding and jumping with a toy horse head (usually on a stick) instead of a real pony. Riders ‘ride’ their hobby horse through showjumping courses, dressage tests, and even cross-country tracks, using their own legs to gallop, canter, and jump. The sport originated in Finland, but it has now become a worldwide phenomenon, with competitions, clubs, and even championships!
Why it’s perfect for building confidence
Hobby horsing isn’t just fun; it can also help you become a better rider.
Making your own hobby horse
You can buy beautifully crafted hobby horses online, but it’s just as fun to make one yourself. All you need is:
- A stick or broom handle (smooth and splinter-free)
- A soft horse head (sewn from fabric, or repurposed from an old toy)
- Buttons or fabric for eyes
- Wool or ribbon for the mane
Decorate it to look like your real pony, or create a completely new ‘fantasy horse’ in your favourite colours.
Setting up a course
One of the best things about hobby horsing is that you can set it up anywhere including your garden, school field, local park, or even indoors if you’ve got the space.
- Use flowerpots and broom handles for jump wings.
- Add a pole (or even a pool noodle) for the jump rail.
- For dressage, mark out a rectangle with cones or chalk and practise your movements.
Join the fun
In South Africa, hobby horsing is growing fast thanks to the SA Hobby Horse Association (www.sahobbyhorse.co.za). They host events and competitions all over the country, so no matter where you live, there’s a good chance there’s a show near you, or one coming soon! The association welcomes riders of all ages and abilities, and you don’t even need your own hobby horse to take part in many events. By joining, you can meet other hobby horsing fans, take part in fun classes, and even compete for ribbons just like at a real horse show.
Why we love it
Hobby horsing is all about fun, friendship, and creativity. Whether you’re a confident rider or still finding your feet, it’s a brilliant way to keep your skills sharp, your body moving, and your love for horses alive, no matter where you are. And who knows? You might even discover you’re a hobby horse champion in the making!
CONFIDENCE TIP
Remember: Confidence grows when you try new things in a safe, supportive environment. Hobby horsing gives you the chance to do just that… and have a laugh while you’re at it!
The Calm
Pony Plan
FEEDING AND MANAGEMENT FOR CONFIDENCE
Have you ever climbed into the saddle, only to feel your pony jigging on the spot, spooking at every leaf, or charging off with far more energy than you expected? It can feel scary, and often, it’s not you doing something wrong. Sometimes, ponies act this way because of how they’re fed or managed. The good news? With a few smart choices, you can help your pony stay calmer and feel more confident together.
WHY FEED AND MANAGEMENT MATTER
Ponies are designed to eat little and often, grazing for most of the day. When their diets or routines don’t match this natural pattern, they can become uncomfortable, restless, or just have way too much energy. And a fizzy pony can make a rider nervous, too.
Here are some common causes of ‘over-excited’ ponies:
- Sugar-rich feeds: Molasses, sweet mixes, and some treats give ponies a sudden burst of energy (like a sugar rush!)
- Too much hard feed: Giving buckets of concentrate when your pony doesn’t need it can make them sharp and spicy!
- Lack of turnout or exercise: Ponies stuck in stables for too long often come out fresh, spooky, and full of beans. They need an opportunity to run off their energy – just like us!
FEEDING FOR CALM CONFIDENCE
The right diet helps ponies feel steady, focused, and healthy. Try these top tips:
- Forage first (and always!): Ponies need access to forage – hay or grass – around the clock. Their digestive system is designed to keep moving, and long gaps without food can cause stress, tummy pain, or even ulcers. Some riders think cutting back what a pony eats will make them quieter, but it actually makes them more anxious and uncomfortable. A pony with steady access to forage 24/7 is calmer, healthier, and happier to ride.
- Low-sugar choices: Look for chaffs and feeds marked ‘low starch’ or ‘low sugar.’ These give energy without the fizzy side effects.
- Only as much as they need: Match your pony’s feed to their work. A pony ridden three times a week doesn’t need the same energy as a competition horse! Chat to your equine nutritionist to come up with a diet tailored to your pony and their workload.
- Smart snacking: Carrots and apples are fine in small amounts, but remember they have natural sugars. You can also use fibre cubes as treats.
MANAGEMENT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
What you do outside of feeding is just as important:
- Turnout time: Ponies are calmer when they can move, graze, and socialise. The more turnout, the better.
- Regular exercise: Even a hand walk on non-riding days helps use up extra energy.
- Routine is reassuring: Ponies feel confident when their days follow a predictable pattern. Try to feed, ride, and turn out at regular times.
WHEN TO ASK FOR HELP
If your pony feels too fizzy, spooky, or difficult to manage, talk to your instructor or a vet. Sometimes health issues (like ulcers, pain, or even too much weight) can play a role. Never be afraid to ask for advice!
TAKE HOME MESSAGE
A pony who feels comfortable, well-fed, and well-managed is much easier (and more fun!) to ride. By keeping their diet simple, their routine steady, and their forage available 24/7, you’ll both feel calmer, braver, and more confident together.
ASKPONY: I'm scared of my pony. I love him, but I don't want to ride anymore because I keep falling off. What can I do?
A: First of all, it’s important to know that you’re not alone; lots of riders, including the top professionals, feel scared at some point, especially after a fall. It doesn’t mean you don’t love your pony or that you aren’t a good rider.
Here are some things that might help:
- Spend time on the ground. Grooming, walking in-hand, or just hanging out with your pony can rebuild your confidence and remind you why you love to be around him. It’s also worth noting that you don’t HAVE to ride just because you have a pony. Your pony doesn’t care what you do together, as long as you both have fun.
- Take small steps. You don’t ever have to get back on your pony, but if you do, start with baby steps. You certainly don’t have to be cantering or jumping anytime soon. For example, you could start by leading your pony, then sitting on your pony while someone leads, then walking quietly. Little wins add up!
- Get support. Ask your instructor or a trusted adult to help you. Sometimes just having someone you trust by your side makes a huge difference.
- Talk it through. Talking to friends about feeling nervous can really help. Sometimes just saying your fears out loud and hearing your friends say they have the same anxieties is enough to make you feel a LOT better!
Remember, it’s okay to take a break. Riding is supposed to be fun. If you need time off to feel ready again, that’s fine. Even the bravest riders in the world have had wobbly moments.
The most important thing? Don’t be hard on yourself. Confidence can take time to rebuild, but with patience and support, you’ll get to where you want to go!
>> Confidence tip!
Sometimes the bravest choice isn’t pushing through. Rather, it’s knowing when to ask for help or when to hop off. That doesn’t make you less of a rider; it makes you wise and kind to yourself (and your pony!)
ASKPONY: Is it better to ride just one pony all the time and get really good at riding them, or should I be trying to ride lots of different ponies?
A: Great question! The answer is… both are really useful, but in different ways.
- Riding one pony a lot helps you build a strong partnership. You’ll learn how they think, what they find easy or tricky, and you’ll improve as a team. It can also give you lots of confidence because you know what to expect.
- Riding different ponies makes you a more adaptable rider. Every pony feels and reacts differently, so swapping now and then teaches you new skills, sharpens your balance, and helps you learn how to ‘read’ each pony more quickly.
Many top riders started out with a special pony they bonded with, but also made the most of opportunities to hop on others when they could. If you have your own pony, enjoy that bond, but if you get the chance to ride a friend’s or a school pony too, give it a go!
The most important thing? Keep learning and having fun. Every ride, whether it’s on your best buddy or a new pony, teaches you something valuable.
ASKPONY: I'd like to be a professional rider one day. Does it matter that I don't have my own pony yet?
A: Not at all! Many professional riders started out without their own pony. What matters most is that you take every chance to learn, ride, and spend time around horses. Riding school ponies, helping friends, volunteering at a yard, or even just grooming and leading ponies can teach you heaps.
Owning a pony can give you more time in the saddle, but it’s not the only path. In fact, learning on lots of different ponies can make you a more skilled and adaptable rider, something professionals really need. Many of today’s top riders worked their way up by showing dedication, being willing to muck in, and taking every opportunity that came their way.
So don’t worry! Focus on building your knowledge, practising whenever you can, and showing your love for horses. If you keep learning and working hard, you’ll be building the foundations for a professional future, pony or no pony right now.
>> Did you know?
The best riders aren’t just good in the saddle; they’re great horse people. Every time you learn about feeding, grooming, or handling ponies, you’re training for your future career!
ASKPONY: My mom and dad say that I need a bombproof pony. What does this mean?
A: When people say a pony is ‘bombproof,’ they mean he is calm, steady, and not easily scared, even if something unexpected happens, like a loud noise, a dog running past, or a plastic bag blowing in the wind. Of course, no pony is truly unspookable (they’re still ponies, after all!), but a ‘bombproof’ pony will usually stay relaxed and safe for their rider instead of panicking.
Bombproof ponies are often chosen for new or nervous riders because they help build confidence. They don’t mind if you make mistakes while learning, and they’re happy to plod along even if things don’t go quite to plan.
So when your parents say you need a bombproof pony, they’re really saying they want you to have a safe, kind pony who will look after you while you grow in confidence and skill.
