Make yourself at home

There’s no getting away from the fact it’s winter and, for some ponies, that means more time spent indoors. While long periods of time in a stable aren’t ideal, with a few tweaks you can make sure your fave pony is happy, healthy and living his best life.

Toy town

With so many toys on the market, ponies really are spoilt for choice – from licks you can hang in the stable to treat balls that roll around the floor. It’s important to following the guidelines on the packaging and make sure they’re suited to your pony’s needs, and also to remember that the calories they contain are part of his total ration, so don’t overdo it!

Make your own

Feeling creative? Then why not make some pony treats? Grab some vegetables such as swedes, parsnips, carrots and apples, ask an adult to make a hole in the middle of each one, then tie a knot in the end of a piece of baler twine and thread it through. Your very own pony kebab! Once your masterpiece is complete, securely tie it up in his stable.

Top tip

Consider placing your pony’s bucket feed in a treat ball so it increases his eating time and keeps him entertained for longer!

A breath of fresh air

It’s important to keep windows in your pony’s stable open, even when it’s chilly outside. This is to allow more air to flow through the stable, and it helps to protect his airways from dust and mould spores found in hay and bedding.

Soak it up

Your pony will need plenty of good quality forage during his time indoors. If he’s prone to weight gain, soak his hay for a couple of hours before feeding. This reduces the amount of calories in the hay, and also reduces dust intake, too (perfect for ponies who have respiratory issues). Result, right?

Discover more ways to keep your pony happy and healthy in his stable in Winter PONY – out now!