HQ Pony Magazine (2026)

18/12/2025

DAY 18 OF OUR 25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS BREEDS - THE AKHAL-TEKE

Shining into Day 18 with the AKHAL-TEKE - the horse that GLOWS like gold! ✨🌟

These stunning horses are one of the world's RAREST breeds and are famous for their striking metallic sheen! Their coats literally shimmer and gleam in the sunlight - it's like they're made of liquid gold! Scientists believe this magical shine comes from a unique hair structure in which the hairs have narrower, opaque cores, allowing light to shine through! 💛✨

Standing between 14.3hh and 16hh, Akhal-Tekes are an ancient breed! Historians believe they descend from Nisean horses, an extinct breed described in sources from the Persian Empire dating back 3000 years! That's OLDER than the Ancient Greeks! 🏛️

These elegant horses are known for their speed, endurance, and intelligence. They were bred in the deserts of Turkmenistan to survive harsh conditions! 🏜️

Sadly, as one of the world's rarest breeds, Akhal-Tekes face challenges due to limited breeding stock, which can lead to health problems. People work hard to protect and preserve these magnificent horses! 💪❤️

Have you ever seen an Akhal-Teke's metallic coat? It's INCREDIBLE! Tell us what you think! 👇

18/12/2025

🌏 UK: CHRISTMAS GYMKHANAS

In the UK, Christmas isn't complete without festive gymkhanas! Riding schools and pony clubs across Britain host special Christmas events where horses and riders dress up in the most creative, festive costumes imaginable. You might see ponies dressed as reindeer (complete with antlers!), Christmas puddings, snowmen, or even Santa's sleigh. Riders get equally creative with their own costumes - elves, Christmas trees, and even wrapped presents on horseback!

These gymkhanas feature fun races and games designed for the holiday season. There might be 'Pin the Nose on Rudolph' races, obstacle courses through 'Santa's Workshop,' or relay races where riders collect Christmas decorations. The atmosphere is joyful and relaxed, with more focus on fun and creativity than serious competition. Prizes are given for the best fancy dress, the most festive turnout, and of course, the fastest times in various races.

What makes these events special is how carefully they're organised with horse welfare in mind. Decorations on horses must be safe and securely attached. Nothing is allowed that could spook horses or cause injury. Many venues have 'decoration stations' where horses can be dressed just before photos or their class, then have costumes removed immediately after. This ensures ponies aren't wearing uncomfortable gear for extended periods.

After the competitions, many UK stables host Christmas parties for both horses and humans. Horses receive special festive treats (appropriately portioned!), while their humans enjoy mince pies and hot chocolate. It's a wonderful way for the equestrian community to celebrate the season together, honouring the partnerships between horses and their people.

17/12/2025

25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS BREEDS DAY 17 - THE FALABELLA

Tiny but mighty! Day 17 brings us the FALABELLA - the SMALLEST horse breed in the world! 🐴✨

These adorable mini horses stand on average between just 71cm and 86cm tall (that's about 28-34 inches!). They're so small that some are barely knee-high! But don't let their size fool you - they have BIG personalities! 💪❤️

Falabellas come from Argentina in South America! Like other South American horse breeds, they descend from horses brought to the Western Hemisphere by Spanish settlers and explorers. Many of these horses had Iberian (Spanish) bloodlines! 🌎

Here's something special: Only purebred minis that can trace their bloodlines back to foundation stock in Argentina are considered TRUE Falabellas - they're quite rare and precious! 🌟

These pocket-sized ponies are incredibly smart, friendly, and make wonderful companions! Even though they're too small to ride (except for very tiny children), they can learn tricks, pull small carts, and are absolutely ADORABLE!

They need careful breeding to stay healthy, which is why responsible breeders work hard to protect them!

Have you ever seen a Falabella in real life? Tell us! 👇

17/12/2025

🌏 AUSTRIA: ST NICHOLAS AND KRAMPUS RIDES

Austria has one of Europe's most dramatic Christmas traditions, and horses play an important role in it. On December 5th (Krampusnacht - Krampus Night), communities across Austria celebrate with parades featuring St. Nicholas and Krampus, his fearsome companion. St. Nicholas, dressed as a bishop, rides through villages on a beautiful white or grey horse, rewarding good children with treats. Meanwhile, Krampus - a horned, hairy creature from Alpine folklore - runs through the streets with his companions, playfully scaring naughty children.

The horse who carries St. Nicholas is chosen for his calm, gentle nature and his ability to remain steady despite the chaos around him - there are crowds, people in scary costumes, noise, and excitement. These horses are treated with enormous respect and care. They're often blessed by the local priest before the parade, and their tack is specially decorated with greenery, bells, and festive ribbons.

🎄 Did you know?
In some Austrian (and German) regions, particularly in rural mountain areas, farmers still bring their horses to church on St. Stephen's Day (December 26th) for a special blessing. The horses, decorated with ribbons and wearing their best tack, stand patiently while the priest blesses them and asks for their health and safety in the coming year. This tradition, called Leonhardiritt in some areas, honours the connection between farming communities and their working horses.

After the blessing, there's often a procession around the village, with horses and riders in traditional costume. It's less a parade and more a moving thank-you ceremony - a way for communities to acknowledge how much they rely on their horses and to commit to caring for them well. Many families then return home for a special Christmas meal where they toast their horses' health and share stories about their four-legged family members.

16/12/2025

DAY 16 OF OUR 25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS BREEDS - THE MUSTANG

Running wild into Day 16 with the MUSTANG - America's symbol of freedom! 🇺🇸✨

Mustangs are incredible horses with a rich heritage. They are descendants of horses that first came to the Americas with Spanish explorers and missionaries in the 1500s! 🌎

Standing between 14hh and 15hh, Mustangs are known for their intelligence and independence. They know how to survive on their own in the wild, but here's the amazing part - once they're trained and develop a bond with people, they're willing to please and can learn quickly! 💪❤️

Mustangs are incredibly tough and hardy - they've survived for centuries in harsh American landscapes, from deserts to mountains! However, wild Mustangs face challenges today due to land laws that limit where they can roam freely. Many people work hard to protect these amazing horses! 🏜️🏔️

Today, many Mustangs are adopted through programmes that find them loving homes where they can be trained as riding horses, ranch horses, and wonderful companions, but the fight continues to allow them to roam freely where possible (as they have always done!)

Fun fact: There are thankfully still thousands of wild Mustangs roaming free in the American West!

16/12/2025

DECK THE STALL - SAFELY🎄✨

The holidays are here, and it's time to make your stable look festive! But before you hang up those decorations, let's make sure they're safe for your pony.

Did you know? Some of the prettiest holiday decorations can actually be dangerous for horses and ponies. Shiny tinsel might look tempting for them to nibble, and those beautiful poinsettias? They're actually toxic!

Swipe through to learn:
✅ Which decorations are safe to use around horses
❌ What to absolutely avoid
🌿 Which natural greenery is horse-friendly (and which can make your pony sick!)

The good news? You can still create a VERY festive atmosphere at the barn while keeping your four-legged friends safe and healthy.

Top tip: When in doubt, keep decorations out of reach! Even 'safe' decorations are best kept where curious ponies can't get to them.

Have you decorated your stable for the holidays? Share your safe decorating ideas in the comments below! 🐴🎅

Remember: A safe pony is a happy pony, especially during the holidays!

16/12/2025

THE NORWEGIAN FJORD - VIKING PONIES FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Say hello to one of the oldest and coolest pony breeds in the world, the Norwegian Fjord! These adorable ponies have been around for over 4000 years. Yes, you read that right - FOUR THOUSAND YEARS! 🤯

Norwegian Fjords are the ponies that Vikings rode! Can you imagine galloping through snowy mountains with a Viking warrior? These tough little ponies were brave enough to carry Vikings on their adventures and strong enough to help farm families in the rugged Norwegian mountains.

WHY FJORD PONIES ARE AMAZING:
🌟 They have the COOLEST mane ever - it's dark in the middle and light on the sides, and it's traditionally cut short so it stands straight up!
💛 They come in different shades of dun (a gorgeous golden-beige color) with a dark stripe down their back
💪 They're super strong for their size; they can pull heavy carts and carry riders all day long
❤️ They're known for being gentle, calm, and friendly, which makes them perfect for young riders!
🏔️ They're tough as nails and can handle cold weather like champions
🎨 Every single Fjord pony has the same unique coloring so you'll never mistake them for another breed!

Today, Fjord ponies are loved all over the world for riding, driving, and just being the best pony pals ever. They're proof that good things really do come in small (but mighty!) packages!

Read all about these Viking legends in Issue 43! ⚔️📖

16/12/2025

🌏 SPAIN: THE THREE KINGS PARADE (CABALGATA DE REYES)

While many countries celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December, in Spain, the biggest celebration happens on January 6th - Three Kings Day (Día de Reyes). This is when Spanish children receive their main Christmas gifts, and the celebration includes one of the most spectacular horse parades in the world.

On the evening of January 5th, cities and towns across Spain host elaborate parades called the Cabalgata de Reyes. The Three Kings (also known as the Three Wise Men) ride through the streets on beautifully dressed horses or in ornate carriages pulled by horses. The kings throw sweets to children lining the streets, and the whole event is magical. The horses wear elaborate decorations - colourful ribbons braided into their manes and tails, glittering bridles, and festive blankets. Some horses even have their hooves painted with special, safe, temporary colours!

The horses chosen for these parades are carefully selected for their calm temperaments. They need to be comfortable with crowds, bright lights and loud music. In the weeks before the parade, the horses go through gentle training to make sure they're happy and confident during the event. Their welfare is taken very seriously - the parades have veterinary staff on standby, and horses are given regular breaks, access to water, and quiet spaces if they need them.

In some Spanish regions, particularly in Andalusia, the parades also feature displays of classical Spanish riding. Riders in traditional costume perform dressage movements and formations, showcasing the incredible partnership between horse and rider.

After the parade, it's tradition for children to leave out food for the kings and their horses. While the kings get turron (a special Spanish nougat), the horses receive carrots, apples, and hay. Children also leave water buckets by their doors, believing that the kings' horses will drink from them. In the morning, finding the water bucket empty is a sign that the kings and their horses have visited!

15/12/2025

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD

Did you know that people celebrate Christmas with their horses and ponies in all sorts of different ways around the world?

From festive parades in sunny Australia to cosy stable celebrations in snowy Scandinavia, our four-legged friends are part of holiday traditions everywhere!

Over the next few days, we'll be galloping around the globe to discover how horses and ponies join in the Christmas fun. You'll learn about special holiday rides, traditional celebrations, and some surprising customs you've never heard of before!

Get ready to discover:
🎄 Where ponies deliver presents instead of reindeer
🎄 How horses celebrate in countries where it's actually summer during December (like ours!)
🎄 And so much more!

So saddle up and join us on this festive journey around the world.

15/12/2025

DAY 15 OF THE 25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS BREEDS - THE DUTCH WARMBLOOD

We're over halfway! Day 15 brings us the Dutch Warmblood (KWPN) (pronounced 'ka-double-u-pee-en') - one of the world's most successful sporthorse breeds! 🇳🇱

KWPN stands for 'Koninklijk Warmbloed Paardenstamboek Nederland' which means Royal Warmblood Studbook of the Netherlands - fancy! The KWPN is the official registry that governs this amazing breed! 👑

These talented horses descend from Groningen and Gelderlander horses, and were later refined with outside stallions to create the ultimate sporthorses! Standing around 16.2hh on average, they're the perfect size for competition! 🏆

KWPN have produced some of the most famous horses in the world! You might know these superstars:
🌟 Valegro - the dressage LEGEND!
🌟 Totilas - another dressage icon!
🌟 Explosion W - showjumping champion!

These horses are INCREDIBLE at dressage, showjumping, and eventing. They're athletic, trainable, and have amazing temperaments - basically the complete package! 💪❤️

Have you heard of the KWPN before? Which famous KWPN is your favourite? 👇

15/12/2025

❄️ WINTER WHITES: MEET THE LIPIZZANER! ❄️

Get ready to be amazed by the Lipizzaner - the dancing horses with royal roots and serious style! 🎩✨

These incredible horses are famous around the world for their spectacular performances at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria. Imagine horses that can jump in the air with all four feet off the ground, dance to music, and perform moves that look like magic!

COOL LIPIZZANER FACTS:
🤍 They're born dark brown or black and turn white as they grow up
🎭 They've been performing their amazing dances for over 450 years
🇿🇦 We have our very own group of dancing Lipizzaners down at Mistico in the Cape
💪 They're super athletic and can do moves called 'airs above the ground' where they leap and kick in mid-air
👑 They were bred for emperors and royalty - talk about fancy!
🧠 They're incredibly smart and love learning new tricks
⭐ It takes YEARS of training to become a performing Lipizzaner - these horses are true professionals!

The most famous Lipizzaners perform in beautiful shows where horse and rider move together like they're reading each other's minds. It's like ballet, but with horses!

Want to learn all about these majestic white horses and their incredible history? Don't miss the full story in Issue 43!

HQ Pony Magazine

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