Page 18 - Equine Matters - Summer 2011

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To get your pony’s coat nice and healthy involves a good diet, and
daily grooming.
The bulk of your pony’s diet will be hay, haylage or paddock grazing.
There are a lot of other feeds and supplements available that may help,
but the most important thing is that the diet is balanced by feeding
either a complete cube or mix or adding a general vitamin and
mineral supplement.
Grooming should be part of your daily routine whether your pony is
stabled or outside.
Always remove any dirt or mud especially from the areas where the tack
goes and pick out the feet.
If your pony is rugged up always make sure it is fitted correctly - watch
out for straps rubbing.
Shampoos are useful; always make sure you use one that
is suitable for horses and apply it at the recommended
rate. Take care not to over shampoo as this can remove
all of your pony’s natural oils.
Your grooming kit is very important. Your tack shop will stock a
full range of brushes, sponges, pads etc. Make sure the combs
and brushes aren’t so hard that they irritate your pony’s skin when
being groomed. Don’t share your grooming kit with others as sharing
brushes can spread skin infections.
After riding it is important to remove the sweat from
your pony as it can irritate the skin. If it is a warm
day wash down any sweaty patches, but in colder
weather it is better to let it dry then brush out the sweat.
When grooming, if you notice any bald patches,
a lot of scurf, or if your pony is very itchy ask your
mum or dad to speak to your vet.
CONGRATULATIONS TO...
COMPETITION 6 WINNER
Wright & Morten Winner:
Charlie Gillespie
Welcome...
TO THE SUMMER 2011
XLVETS PONY PAGES
Pony tips for a healthy coat and skin
By Colin Lindsay, BVM&S MRCVS, Capontree Vets
Did you know - there are
approximately 75 million
horses in the world
and NO two horses
are identical...
FOR YOUR PONY!