Huapai Pony Club

TOMORROW NIGHT – FREE COACHING WEBINAR!

Got a Pony Club rally to plan? Looking for some fresh ideas?

Join NZPCA National Coach Kay Hogan and Association Coach Lucy Chalcraft tomorrow night for:

Planning Great Pony Club Sessions

📅 Tuesday 18 August
🕢 7.30 pm
💻 Live online via Microsoft Teams
🆓 FREE – members and non-members welcome

Kay and Lucy will share practical ideas for planning sessions that keep different riders learning, horses happy and everyone engaged, including what to do when your carefully made plan needs to change!

Perfect for experienced coaches, new coaches, parents helping at rallies, senior riders and anyone keen to pick up some new ideas.

✅ Practical ideas
✅ Real coaching experience
✅ Ideas you can use at your very next rally
✅ Questions and discussion welcome

No registration needed – simply jump online tomorrow night.

Find the Teams link here:
https://www.nzpca.org/coaches-hub/dynavytenz-coaching-webinar-series

Proudly supported by Dynavyte NZ.

See you tomorrow night!

!

With another week of frosty mornings ahead this is something we all need to read and take note of….

🥶❄ Frosty mornings = higher laminitis risk? Here's why...

As we're sure you've all been feeling, the cold snaps and frosts have well and truly arrived across New Zealand!

Not only does this mean digging out five layers of clothing ... it also means it's time to pay extra attention to your horse's grazing. 🌱

When we get frosty mornings followed by bright, sunny days, grass can accumulate higher levels of sugars (non-structural carbohydrates). During the day, grass produces sugars through photosynthesis. Normally, it uses these sugars overnight to grow. However, when overnight temperatures drop below around 5°C, grass growth slows dramatically, meaning those sugars remain stored in the plant.

The result? Grass can contain significantly higher sugar levels, particularly during the morning after a frost.

For horses and ponies that are overweight, have a history of laminitis, are insulin resistant, or are considered "good doers," this sudden increase in sugar intake can significantly increase the risk of a laminitic episode.

How can you help reduce the risk?

✅ Limit grazing for at-risk horses, especially following frosty nights.
✅Consider using a well-fitted grazing muzzle.
✅ Provide low-sugar hay to reduce the urge to gorge on pasture.
✅ Maintain a healthy body condition and regular exercise where appropriate.
✅ Keep a close eye out for early signs of laminitis, including:
- Reluctance to move
- Increased heat in the feet
- Strong digital pulses
- Shifting weight between feet or standing rocked back

If you're concerned your horse may be at risk, or you'd like advice on managing pasture during winter, get in touch with our team. A few simple management changes now could help prevent a very painful condition later.

Stay warm out there and give those frosty paddocks a little extra respect this winter! ❄💙

Our in person registration is happening this Sunday 16th August, at the clubrooms, 2-3.30pm.

Thank you to those who have registered online already 🙌

https://nz.nominate.com.au/clubs/MemberRegistration.aspx?CID=371

A great read for those of you heading to NISS to represent your school. One of our favourite events in the annual calendar 🦄

Packing for your horse

The countdown continues to the 2026 New Zealand Secondary Schools Equestrian Championships in Taupō and Christchurch.

Competition gear is only one part of packing. Your horse or pony will also need everything required to remain comfortable, healthy and settled throughout the event.

Remember to pack:

Enough familiar feed, hay and supplements
Feed and water containers
Stable equipment and safe storage
Grooming equipment
Suitable covers for changing weather
Tack and spare essentials
Equine first-aid supplies
Any regular medications
Equipment for cleaning stables and managing manure

Work from a checklist and label your equipment. Avoid making sudden changes to feed or routines immediately before or during the event.


Equestrian Sports NZ

Poll is up on Huapai Pony Club Adult Ride page to let us know the days & times that suit everyone for Adult Ride times 😊

Interested in our adult ride? Follow our adult ride page for updates. A poll will go up later today for which days/times suit everyone 😊

Huapai Pony Club Adult Ride Adults coming together to have fun with their horses and learn new skills from a range of coaches

Have a horse mad member of the household but no access to horses? Then this is for them!
No horses required 😊
Come and be part of our wonderful equine community!

A new initiative this season is “Introduction to Equine Skills”. Great for kids or adults alike, wanting to learn more about horses and ponies. Learn all things care, behaviour & welfare. Earn achievement certificates and badges and be part of the wider New Zealand Pony Club family

Join up here or flick us an email - [email protected]

https://nz.nominate.com.au/clubs/MemberRegistration.aspx?CID=371

Anyone keen on an adult ride?? We have had a lot of interest, so hands up who’s keen for relaxed, social, group lessons 🙌🙌

Our online registration is open via nominate this coming Saturday 1st August, or pop in and see us at the clubhouse Sunday 16th August. We can’t wait for the new season!! 🎉🎉

https://nz.nominate.com.au/clubs/MemberRegistration.aspx?CID=371&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNDM3NjI2MzE2OTczNzg4AAEe8zBffR9N65lMdsT00NtVoGu7unT1t1Ft26PfG8FRfTwMEMgtuwg5ImEirDE_aem_TLXpmX871AVkNjs26vzwqA

Congratulations to all our riders for such a successful pony club season. It’s been so enjoyable and rewarding to see you all grow and learn with your horses and ponies. Have a good winter and see you all back in the new season 🎉🎉🎉