Shetland Pony Open Day Sunday December 16, 2007

Members were invited to an open day on Sunday December 16, at 199 Belfast Road, Balfast, Christchurch.

10am Jenny Paterson, B.Sc, Horsemanship New Zealand spoke about her book, The Key to Calm Healthy Horses. Jenny's book includes; grasses to avoid, micro toxins, understanding staggers, supplements, head flicking and shaking. How to avoid obesity and laminitis. The book was available for purchase on the day. After Jenny's talk members asked questions.

11am. Equine Influenza Sophie Neilson (B.Vet.Med M.R.C.V.S) Sophie trained at the Royal Veterinary College - University of London and spoke on EI and also answered questions.

Harness Information and Demonstration
Andrea Price of Beechgrove Stud, Member of NZSPBS and NZ Carriage Driving Society gave an informative talk and demonstration on Harness and driving.

Photos Lea Hullett
left and below: Jean Reid demonstrating the bottles Andrea set up to show how little pressure is needed on reins to contact with the bit in a pony's mouth.

Karen Wilson plays the ‘horse’ as Andrea speaks and demonstrates how to go about training a pony to pull a tyre before harnessing to a cart.

What's it's all about, enjoying a drive with Splash.

Andrea's talk included:

•  How she started in harness
•  Where to go for assistance
•  Qualities of a harness pony
•  What age to start
•  Stages of training
•  Demonstration of harnessing up a pony
•  Once Splast was harnessed Andrea gave a brief demonstration of maneuvers through a short dressage course
•  Safety was mentioned throughout and how important it is to harness up in the right order.
•  What activities you can do once you have your pony and cart

Ridden Shetland Pony
Two young riders trained by Lesley Lewis gave a demonstration of the versatility of the Shetland Pony under saddle.

Pony Rides
Were available to children (Gold coin donation).

Gear Sales
Some really good gear was offered for sale and snapped up with some bargain prices.