Venue: Well Cottage, Cholsey, OX10 9HQ
Contacts: Laura van Tongeren
Contact email: woodland@pcuk.org
Event time: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Who can book: This Branch/Centre Members Only
Entry limit: 12
Service fee: £1.50
Description: A practical and informative rally looking at how our ponies’ needs change throughout the summer and winter months. Members will explore how weather, temperature, turnout and seasonal conditions affect pony care, and how we can adapt our routines to keep our ponies healthy, comfortable and happy all year round.
Topics covered...
• E - D Level - Understand that ponies have different needs in summer and winter. Recognise the importance of fresh water, food, shelter and appropriate turnout.
Understand why ponies need protection from hot sun, cold, wind and rain. Identify simple ways we can help keep a pony comfortable in different weather. Understand the importance of checking a pony regularly, particularly in extreme weather.
• D+ - C Level - Members will build on their knowledge by... Understanding how temperature and weather conditions affect a pony. Discussing summer care, including water, shade, fly protection and managing turnout. Discussing winter care, including rugs, shelter, feeding and maintaining condition. Understanding the importance of checking hooves, skin, weight and general wellbeing throughout the seasons. Recognising signs that a pony may be too hot, too cold or struggling with the weather. Understanding how management routines may need to change as the seasons change.
• C+ - B Level - Members will develop a deeper understanding of... How seasonal changes affect a pony’s health, welfare, nutrition and management. Assessing individual pony needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. Understanding the risks associated with heat, dehydration, cold, wet weather and changes in grazing. Discussing appropriate management of turnout, stabling, rugs, forage, water and exercise throughout the year. Understanding how to monitor body condition, hydration and overall wellbeing in different weather conditions. Considering how to adapt a care plan for different types of ponies, workloads and living arrangements. Applying knowledge to real-life scenarios and explaining why particular management choices may be appropriate.