Outeniqua Pony Club

17/11/2025

Pony Club Camp • 13–14 December
Bring your ponies for a festive weekend of fun! 🐴✨
Price includes camping, a paddock for your pony, and Sunday morning breakfast.
Members to bring their own food for all other meals.
Join us for a bring-and-braai on Saturday night!

06/11/2025

Why do you ride?

06/11/2025

10/10/2025

💚

💚 World Mental Health Day 💚

At Pony Club, we believe that being mentally okay is just as important as being riding fit. The Riders Minds Achievement Badge helps our members learn to recognise their emotions, support friends who may be struggling, and understand how their own feelings affect their ponies.

Sometimes feeling “not okay” can look like low energy, withdrawal, or frustration — and that’s perfectly normal. What matters is knowing when to talk, listen, and reach out. 💬

Let’s make space today for honest conversations, kindness, and connection. In and out of the saddle.

24/09/2025

🇿🇦❤️🐴

Happy Heritage Day, South Africa! 🇿🇦💙

Today, we celebrate the rich traditions, diverse cultures, and shared spirit that make our nation so unique.

From our Pony Club family to yours, may your day be filled with pride, unity, and joy. 🌍🐴

08/09/2025

As we approach the start of fall and the temperatures start to drop, here is some important information to know regarding fall laminitis.

Fall laminitis refers to cases of laminitis or founder that occur in the autumnal months. Although laminitis can happen in any season, anecdotally there seems to be an uptick in the number of cases in the fall.

Why could this be?

• As the days get shorter and colder, grasses have been shown to respond to this stress with higher sugar concentrations. Diets with higher simple sugar concentrations may increase the risk of laminitis.

• Decreases in exercise may cause increases in body condition. Fat or obese horses are at risk of developing laminitis.

• Horses naturally have increased levels of certain hormones in the fall. If you have a horse with PPID (previously referred to as equine Cushing’s), the increase in their cortisol levels could put them at risk for laminitis.

If you have questions concerning fall laminitis or are concerned that your equine companion may be at an increased risk, contact your equine veterinarian so that they can properly evaluate your unique situation.

Thank you to the Horse Owner Education Committee for providing this information.

27/08/2025

What are the Five Freedoms of Horse Welfare?

At Pony Club South Africa, horse welfare is at the heart of everything we do — because a well-cared-for horse is a happy, willing partner.

The Five Freedoms are the foundation of good care. They help us make sure our horses aren’t just surviving — they’re thriving:

1️⃣ Freedom from hunger and thirst – clean water and a healthy, balanced diet
2️⃣ Freedom from pain, injury or disease – prevention and prompt treatment
3️⃣ Freedom from discomfort – safe shelter and a comfortable environment
4️⃣ Freedom from fear and mental distress – kind handling and consistency
5️⃣ Freedom to express normal behaviour – space, social time, and stimulation

Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore each one in more detail — with tips and questions to help you reflect on your own pony’s care.

Because welfare isn’t optional — it’s essential. 💙