Saturday 19 November 2011

Pony care in winter 3



Well this weather is really most weird-this time last year we were taking my daughter to her birthday party at water world nr Stoke and it was so snowy we weren't sure we'd make it. Even our dog had to wear a coat (see pic left!) This year, apparently, November has been the warmest in 350 years. So how's this affecting the ponies?



By now the grass has usually stopped growing and so the quantity and nutritional value both drop. The ponies get fed up as there's not much grass and what there is isn't very tasty!! Normally by this time they're having hay in the field to supplement the grass AND they're in at night to try and keep them off the grass to make it last a little longer!



So far, the ponies have had hay on 2 days-that was only because it was pretty chilly and they were looking a bit bored. By giving them hay they have something different to focus on, and it stops them finding other things to do, like trying to push through the now bare hedges trying to find something succulent to eat! (Oh the mind games!) Equines stomachs are designed to process food 24 hours a day which means they need to be at least picking all day and all night-really difficult in the summer when I'd really like to stop them eating at night and lock them in the stable with NO hay BUT I've found Demi really struggles with that regime-so they HAVE to have a little something!



As it's been much warmer than usual (apart from a couple of days and nights), I've been happy for the ponies to stay out ie not be stabled at night-it's more natural for them, far cheaper for me as no bedding or hay to provide AND it's far less time consuming!! A win win situation!



Now I'm a believer in leaving them as natural as possible, given the very unnatural environment we keep our equines in in the modern world. The native Shetland and Welsh Mountain ponies I have are built to withstand tough weather conditions. However nobody told Poppy or Demi that and they do actually shiver when they get chilly!! They can usually cope with cold air but they really suffer if it's raining heavily and there's a wind-it just pushes the rain through their coat and onto their skin-THAT's when they start shivering.



So far this year none of the ponies have had rugs on. In nature there would be some shelter-small wood, overhanging hedge etc, however, again in the modern world we have our hedges neat and most horses are kept on neat handkerchief patches of grass with few trees for protection. Ideally I'd like the ponies to have some shelter to hide in if necessary. Both the fields we use do have good hedges, however when the weather does turn I'll move them to a different field where they can go in to the stables if they want to.



Jinny and Maisie have a double coat-they have shorter hairs plus really long hairs that keep them super toasty-I had to drag Jinny into her stable last year when it was -17' outside-she wasn't bothered at all-neither of them wear rugs-I do keep checking to make sure they're not shivering under all that hair but they're quite happy outside!



We've also managed to keep the horses out 24/7 so far-they feel the cold far more than the ponies as they're not built to withstand harsh weather, however they've all had rugs on for about 4 weeks AND they've had hay in the field day and night to keep them busy and full! They'll come in at night now to preserve what's left of the grass to try and make it last as long as possible!



Oh, and my old lady, Katie, who's a real foodie started leaving her hay towards the end of the winter-it's pretty dry, not very tasty by then and I guess not really very palatable, especially if you're an old lady! This winter I'm going to try her on a bit of haylage-just as hay it's dried grass, but not left to dry out as much before being baled so it's more juicy and I think holds more nutrients-hopefully she'll eat it and the extra nutrients will help to keep the weight on her (a particular problem with older horses).



Oh and my big girl, Kandi who's in foal has to be fed to keep the weight on and let the foal grow but NOT let her get too fat-if you over-fuel the foal it can cause real problems with their joints when they've popped out-so she's the only one getting 'hard' feed ie feed in a bucket-I've just started giving her a specially formulated mix for broodmares as I thought she was losing a bit of condition.



Ahh-so how do you tell if they need more food?



Well I'll leave that to another post!



Anyone got any questions?

If you'd like to know more about caring for ponies-perhaps your a new owner (horse OR pony) or you'd like a refresher please take a look at my 'keeping ponies happy and healthy' course which also covers safety of children around ponies!






Friday 18 November 2011

Now you can learn to run your own pony party business

With the ponies being a little quieter now we're into Autumn, I've finally had time to create some courses to show others how I operate my pony party business-what works for me, what others do, how I price products, how I entertain the children, how I manage to get such wonderful testimonials and referrals from parents, how I care for the ponies etc.
My experience is available in short courses, one 'everything you need to know' 'ultimate pony party training course' or in electronic versions (well they will be shortly!).
I'm also working on a really easy franchising option ,where the office here does all the 'office stuff' for you, leaving you to concentrate on delivering fantastic experiences, parties and activities for the children.
You can contact me or find out more at the link below .
http://www.cheshireponyparties.co.uk/businessopportunity.php
If you'd like to listen to my story it's here;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zn9Ssx0m2G8&feature=player_detailpage

Monday 22 August 2011

School trips with a difference!


We're bringing learning to life!

Imagine your child applying classroom lessons in Maths and English to real life aspects of pony care .....
Well now they can, with the help of our miniature ponies as the subject!

Measuring, placing them in size order, multiplying, ratios, comprehensions, listening, reports and more.

Our outdoor workshops have been designed by a primary school teacher and are very closely linked to the national curriculum.

Learning couldn't be more fun!

School visits for September and October 2011 now being taken with introductory offer available

Find out more here


Contact us

Tuesday 9 August 2011

First miniature pony centre in Cheshire

It seems that Cheshire Pony Parties is the only miniature pony centre in Cheshire!

Your child will enjoy lots of hands on pony activities whilst they're here including grooming a pony PLUS he/she will get to ride one of our very gentle, child friendly ponies around our delightful orchard.

There's plenty more too with an educational orchard walk to learn about some of our trees including why we've got pears on our pear tree this year for the first time in 7 years-do you know why??? Sometimes we even try and find the fairies at the bottom of the orchard!

A visit here is very interactive-we don't just stand back in silence-I'm afraid I'm a bit of a talker and have LOTs of fascinating facts and pony tales to draw on from my life so far with horses and ponies, including some fascinating information about foals we've had-ask me!!I'm also quite happy to answer the many questions fired at me from inquiring minds!(young and not so young!)

So whether you're a native from Cheshire or just visiting Cheshire your child(ren) will thoroughly enjoy their private visit to meet the ponies. Just check out all the activities available on our website-
Cheshire Pony Parties

Pony experiences a popular summer holiday activity





Our miniature ponies are waiting to entertain your children this summer holiday!

We're the ONLY miniature pony centre in Cheshire!

Our hour long pony experiences are proving really popular - only £28.33 per child for 3 children, £32.50 per child for 2 children and £45 for 1 child. A wonderful hour of grooming, pampering, riding and answers for inquiring minds!

Alternatively gather a group of between 6 and 8 similar aged children for a private 90 minute session of grooming pampering riding plus orchard walk and pony quizz (if time permits!). Only £15.50 per child

Make a day of it by following on for a walk in Delamere Forest (only 10 mins away), a play down at Keslall play area (5 mins away) or a snack/lunch at Summertrees cafe at the top of the world (well the top of Kelsall Hill anyway!!)

Book into one of the times listed on the website (pony experience/90 minute session) or contact me to visit at another time.

Hope to see you soon!


Monday 1 August 2011

Kandi finally in foal

Kandi, my 'big' horse has finally been scanned 15 days in foal at the third AI attempt. She's on medication to try and support the pregnancy for 3 months and she'll probably stay at Leahurst's Equine reproduction unit on the wirral until she's around 40 days-she'll be scanned again at 30 days. At around this time the foal has a strong enough hearbeat to survive minor stress of the mum-it's travelling Kandi home that we think has been the problem as she sweats badly and the rise in temperature can be too much for the foal!
I'm trying not to get too excited as it's still very early days (they're pregnant for 11 months!) but I'll feel a bit more confident at the 30 day scan.
She has a lovely hedged grassy field to return to and will live out with Georgie, my rather lively pony who is too exhuberant for pony party visitors!!!
I have had a sneaky peak at potential stallions to use next year if all goes well this year.
I'm just hoping all the effort that's gone into this foal will pay off, though you can't force mother nature!

Kids activities for the school holidays

Pony rides are only one of the pony themed activities kids can do at Cheshire Pony Parties during the school holidays-they can also groom and decorate a pony, attempt our obstacle course or have a go at 'driving' a pony (depending on age).
Our hour long pony experience is proving popular this summer holiday offering up to 3 children the opportunity to spend an exclusive hour here in our delightful orchard, meeting the ponies and having a pony ride on one of the ponies.
Children as young as 2 can come and have a pony ride here and we can entertain children up to the age of 12.
Why not book your child(ren) in to one of our pony activities now at
www.cheshireponyparties.co.uk/ponyexperience.php

Friday 17 June 2011

Child care in the summer hols with our NEW pony days

Looking for a different activity your child can do in the summer holidays?
Drop them off here for 3 or 4 hours of pony fun - we provide a snack and can provide lunch too!
We've got 2 sessions each week during the school holidays-simply check out the events diary and book in online.
The pony days activities vary but include riding, quizz, obstacle course (yes with ponies!), scavenger hunt, orchard walk, pony care sessions, grooming, pampering ponies etc. We have restricted numbers for these sessions and at least 2 adults in attendance throughout.
Our obstacle course was a big hit with the children who came at half term! Have you had a go yet?
Book in online here 3 hour session, 4 hour session


or give me a call for further information 01829 741919

Monday 30 May 2011

Cheshire Miniature Pony Centre Open Day fully booked

So we've added Thurs 2nd June 10.00am til 12.00!
Come and be introduced to our miniature ponies, groom and ride one and have lots of pony fun with our pony colouring pictures and pony quiz (parents keep your ears open!)
Our ponies are a child's dream as they're tiny (between 29" and 44" to their shoulder) and are very gentle, as well as having lots of hair and mane for younger children to touch and feel.
The activities take place in our breathtaking orchard at the bottom of the garden and each child is treated individually and either encouraged or challenged accordingly.
A fabulous pony themed kids activity to occupy the children during the holidays!

Friday 27 May 2011

Pony rides for pre-schoolers


Riding schools aren't insured to take children under 5/6 for riding lesson.
Cheshire Pony Parties can offer children as young as 2 the opportunity to sit on a pony and become confident around a pony. It's a fantastic introduction to riding, the usual reaction from parents being
"I wish I'd found you earlier!"
Visitors travel from all around Cheshire, Flintshire, Lancashire and the Wirral to thoroughly enjoy an introduction to pony riding (and some far further than that!).
So if you're struggling to find a Cheshire Riding School to take your child, come and enjoy a tiny riders session here-you'll have a wonderful time!

Thursday 19 May 2011

Keep the kids entertained this holiday


NEW 4 hour 'pony day' - leave your 6-12 year old with us for a morning of fab pony fun. £27.50 including snack and light lunch.

As well as our events and our ever popular hour long pony experience (can be booked at any time) we can also create a bespoke, exclusive visit-just let us know the number and ages of the children and your preferred duration and we'll come up with an unforgettable experience.

Tues 31st May open afternoon £5.50 per child ages 2-12
Wed 1st June fully booked
Thurs 2nd June am pony day £27.50 per child ages 6-12 (discounts for siblings/multiple bookings)
Thurs 2nd June pm-kids holiday activity £15.50 per child ages 4-10

Or simply contact us!

Thursday 5 May 2011

Hoping for foals in 2012







Well spring is here and my big horse, Kandi is away at stud and will hopefully return in foal. Kandi herself is a very good 'stamp' of a horse (she was awarded a coveted 'premium foal' status at a 4 month old) and is absolutely beautiful. The father is short listed for the 2012 olympics!! We're hoping for a stunning (preferably girl foal!!) that will be amazing to ride!


At the other end of the scale Maisie, our smallest pony is likely to go to stud towards the end of May-how small is her foal going to be? Prize for the nearest answer (in cms please)! Maisie is literally half the height of Kandi and Kandi's foal will be bigger than Maisie when it's born!










Tuesday 5 April 2011

Easter activities for children-open all of April.

Come and enjoy our ponies over Easter- we've got some events listed on our events diary
but you can also come for your own private session! Just ring or email to arrange a date.

Easter activities will take place in our orchard at the bottom of our garden-you'll be blown away when you see our tiny ponies grazing happily in our orchard!

Parents and children love the warm welcome and personal attention they receive here-each child is treated as an individual and we make an effort to gently encourage those with less confidence and challenge more confident children.

Children thoroughly enjoy having the opportunity to groom and decorate the ponies with colourful ribbons clips and sticker before having a short ride. Other activities are available depending on what type of visit you choose.

We weave in lots of interesting facts about ponies plus lots of pony tales from my long life with horses and ponies-come and find out what's so interesting about ponies teeth!

'Can I come back every day'
is a frequent plea to parents. One little boy left in floods of tears-did he hate it? No-he just didn't want to leave!

Sunday 20 March 2011

Cheshire pony centre open day success

Well our second open afternoon was a very well attended and everyone went away having had loads of contact time with the ponies.
My thanks to Lianne who very kindly stepped in to lead a second pony as we were so busy. This meant everyone was able to have (almost) as many rides as they wanted-some (Dominic) even left wanting more rides!
As ever all the riders received a 'well done' rosette and our open day guests all receive an attendance certificate.
As these have been very popular, we are considering offering them on a regular basis at week-ends during school term time as well as during the school holidays- watch this space!
For all our 'public' activities please see our events diary

Thursday 24 February 2011

Half term pony fun been very popular

Well, we're nearly at the end of a VERY busy half term week. All the ponies have behaved impeccably, as has the weather and all our visitors!
A number of people booked in for a private 90 minute holiday activity, one parent commenting how relaxing he found the session-even our parties are pretty chilled-I think the children pick up on the quiet nature of the ponies and our quiet way with them and act accordingly!
Our hour long pony experiences have been popular as ever.
We held an open morning for the first time- 2 1/2 hours of informal pony fun. Feedback was great and a couple of the mums have made suggestions which we will implement for the next one on 5th March. Fortunately everyone took my advice and pre-booked as there were so many visitors we would have had to have turned visitors wanting to pay on the day away-take note!!
We created a quiz for the open day which went down well and visitors had obviously listened to my ramblings as everyone got at least 10 of the 14 questions correct-well done!
We've been so busy that on some days all four ponies have been working-Maisie was worked for the first time since she arrived in October. She was pampered a couple of times and was quite happy munching the grass whilst children groomed and decorated her mane. We will continue her ridden training and hope that she'll be ready for visitors to ride as well as pamper at Easter.
Today's visitors were lucky enough to see the start of the change of coat for Poppy-her long winter hairs have started to come out to leave just the short hairs so she won't be too hot for summer. This is great for the ponies but not for me as I end up covered in horse hair!

Wednesday 16 February 2011

Fab outdoor pony fun for the school holidays

For pony rides, pony petting and pampering for all those horse and animal mad children book now to come and visit Cheshire Pony Centre during the school holidays. Come and meet our 5 ponies, pet, pamper and ride one pony and take in the joys of the outdoors in our idyllic orchard. Our snowdrops are shouting that spring is here! NEW for 2011 is our open morning-only £5.50(online bookings) per child for 2 1/2 hours of informal pony fun. We still have a few places available on our kids holiday activities for 4-10 years. If you'd like to bring a group of 5 or 6 children aged between 2 and 12 you can have an exclusive 90 minutes of your own! Or book in for a wonderful hours experience for up to 3 children, with lots of pony contact and special riding tricks for more confident children. Ages 2-10. Pre-schoolers can develop their confidence with a tiny riders 45 minute pony session-a cut-down version of a pony experience. All hosted by horsey mums with oodles of fascinating pony facts, who also work with children. Do you know what's special about horses teeth? Come and ask me!

Sunday 16 January 2011

New horse, Kandi's story so far



Whilst searching for another tiny pony to assist in parties I happened upon Kandi who I thought would make a lovely brood mare as she is very pretty, nicely put together and is well bred, being a pink papered Oldenburgh horse imported from the continent.(Her sire/father is the well know horse K1 who has competed at top level in dressage and her mother a state premium mare).
She'd not been in work for a number of months, so we weren't able to ride her when we went over to see her near Derby. The young lady lunged her for us to see and she was VERY lame, which was explained away by one shoe coming off recently (she only had 3 shoes on when we saw her!). Her breeding and overall pleasure to the eye held my attention and I decided to buy her, subject to 'having her vetted' ie the vet gives the horse a general check to make sure there's nothing drastically wrong.
The owner put new shoes on Kandi and we gave her a few days to settle into them, as sometimes they're a little 'foot sore' after having new shoes.
The vet then arrived but couldn't complete the vetting as Kandi was still lame. She confirmed that she had one slightly boxy foot but that just like humans, horses manage and even compete with all sorts of weird bodies and that she wasn't overly concerned.
As my main purpose of buying her was as a brood mare it wasn't so much of an issue about the lameness and in my mind I thought that I'd give her a bit of time hoping that the lameness was linked to the missing shoe and she'd be right as rain in a few weeks.
Well! She arrived and immediately lost the same shoe (on the boxy foot) again as a chunk of hoof had fallen away where the nails needed to be! So I left her for a few more weeks, let the hoof grow and then had new front shoes put on.
Each week I've lunged her in the school just for 5 or 10 minutes to see if the lameness was going. Sometimes she was noticeably lame, sometimes she wasn't-very peculiar. However, since the front shoes have gone on she is markedly improved and seems to be improving each week.
With time marching on I need to know what is causing the lameness, if it can be rectified, if it is something that could be passed on to a foal and if she can be ridden, will it affect her in any way. She was bought principally to be a brood mare but it's not responsible to breed from a mare known to be carrying a genetic problem. If she is to have a foal she needs to go to the stud around May time so I need to know what my options are to make a decision about breeding from her.
When Kandi arrived I was a little concerned-she'd obviously not had a lot of attention-she kicked out when I brushed down her legs and she was VERY stressed when we first put her in the stable-initially I thought I'd bought a stress-head-not good!
Fortunately she's settled down really well. She's pretty laid back and is quite happy to take direction and confidence from me. She has a lovely temperament-always keen to say hello and is very amenable-she goes in the sand arena and does what I say even when she's lame.
I really like this attidude and it's made me want to ride her now. She has lovely paces, is very pretty and I think she'd do very well in the dressage arena-I'd LOVE to have a horse capable of competeing higher up the ladder than I've done so far and I LOVE training them. So exciting!
So the current plan is to do some investigative work on her boxy foot/leg to establish WHERE the problem is in the leg and WHAT the problem is. This will be done by the vet nerve blocking different bits of the leg to see which solves the lameness. Then they'll do some x-rays. They'll then tell me what the prognosis is.
As she's SO much better-hardly lame at all we're hoping that some corrective shoeing will resolve the lameness-we think that part of it might be psychological as she's probably been struggling with it for months and months.
If all goes well I just have to hope that I can ride her-but at at least 16 hands she's bigger than my old horse and whilst not a cart horse, is a chunkier stamp of a horse and I'm shall we say not particularly tall! I just hope she knows I'm on top and can feel my legs!
Anyway, we're hoping to book her into the vets in early Feb so watch this space!

Tuesday 11 January 2011

While the cat's away the ponies will play

So, like everyone else it seems, I have been struggling with a VERY nasty cold over the last 3 weeks which has made me feel sans umph which is most unlike me. (Don't really get the opportunity with 4 ponies, 3 horses, cat dog hubby and 2 children!).
I'm afraid I've let me normal pony regime slip somewhat ie they've been allowed to stay out 24/7 rather than being under enforced stable curfew at night! This simply meant I didn't have to muck out all the stables!
What a bad idea-one particularly clever pony is able to get into my heavily guarded hay shed and either spends all day in there muching and mess-making OR her latest trick is to pull a bale of hay (weighing around 25KGs) through the barricade and into the field where she can munch outdoors.
Well, you may think that this is a help to me. NO NO NO. All it means is that the little monsters eat far too much hay than is good for them!
Well I'm almost back to what is normal for me! and ready to tackle those munchers. That's their belated Christmas over indulgence done for the year, now time to return to their diet regime!
Watch out ponies, I'm back!!