Queanbeyan Pony Club

We are so sorry for the late notice, tonight’s meeting has been cancelled!

We will be running a working bee this Saturday 9am at the Royalla Common if you had any questions.

Hope to see everyone there! 🤍🐝

🚨 REMINDER 🚨

We are having a meeting tonight.
- 7pm
- At the Royalla Common

We will be discussing our upcoming working bee and rally day, hope to see you all there 🤍

It’s back! Save the date!

And while we remember, we also acknowledge the animals of war.

The horses that charged into danger, the dogs that served beside soldiers, the pigeons that carried messages through chaos… none of them chose war, yet all of them showed loyalty and courage.

They served. They suffered. They deserve to be remembered too.

Lest we forget them.

Due to a combination of rising cost-of-living pressures, ongoing fuel supply challenges, and a shortage of qualified officials and volunteers, the MPC SJF has been postponed. These factors have made it increasingly difficult to deliver the event to the standard expected by competitors and the community. While disappointing, the decision ensures the long-term sustainability of the festival, with organisers committed to bringing it back under more favourable conditions.

We listened! We took on board everyone’s feedback and moved our showjumping festival to (hopefully) more favourable weather conditions! So save the date for a fabulous weekend of showjumping!

Progress 🙌🏻

Thank you A&J Towing and Scrap Removals for helping us relocate our containers.

We are super excited to get things rolling 🤍

It’s official! Queanbeyan Pony Club is moving to Royalla Common!!!

We are so excited to update you all on our intention to move to Royalla Common and hope you can join us Sunday 12th October for a community BBQ 12:00 - 2:00pm.

We are planning our AGM in late January/early February and first Rally Day in February 2026 🥳

But before this can go ahead we need you!
There are a number of agenda items that need to finalise before then.

Are you able to assist us in:
- moving 2 shipping containers from Fyshwick to Royalla Common?
- supplying materials or assist in the construction of horse yards and arena fences?
- commit to joining Queanbeyan Pony Club in 2026?
- have an interest in joining our Committee in 2026?
- your support, for us bring equestrian facilities to Royalla Common?

Please RSVP by accepting our invitation for catering purposes.

We can’t wait to see you all on Sunday 12th October at 12:00pm

Please BYO chair
Soft drinks, sausage sizzle and fabulous company will be provided 🥳

Kindest regards
Queanbeyan Pony Club 🤍🩵💙

𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐈𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠!

Welcome back to the Saturday Evening Club, where horse people like us tackle life’s most pressing questions like, “Why does my horse always roll in the one muddy patch of an otherwise perfect field?” But today, we’re wrestling with a true seasonal classic: 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝘂𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝘂𝗴?

Spring is that awkward in-between season where you’re shivering in the morning, sweating by lunchtime, and caught in a sudden downpour before dinner. It’s no wonder rugging feels like a full-time job. Too many rugs, and you’ve got a sweaty, cranky horse on your hands. Too few, and you’re left staring at them in the field, wondering if they’re cursing your name for the cold.

This week, let’s figure out how to nail spring rugging without the drama or the endless yard gossip about who’s “rugging wrong.”

𝗗𝗼 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝘂𝗴𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴?

Spoiler alert: Your horse is tougher than you think. Unlike us fragile humans, they’re kitted out with an on-board weather system a coat that changes with the seasons and a metabolism that burns calories to stay warm. But hey, we love them and want to help, right?

There are times when rugging makes sense:

Clipped Horses: You took away their winter coat; now you’re on rug duty. Sorry, them’s the breaks.

Golden Oldies or Skinny Minis: Older or underweight horses burn extra energy keeping warm, so a rug can help them stay comfy (and not look at you like you’ve betrayed them).

Wet, Windy Days: Cold is one thing, but wet and windy? That’s horse hell. A lightweight, waterproof rug can be a lifesaver here.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐆𝐨 𝐍𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐝 (𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬!)

If your horse is out there soaking up the sun and looking smug while the other horses sweat under rugs, they might not need one. Here’s when to ditch the layers:

Mild, Dry Weather: Most horses with their natural coats are fine without a rug on spring’s balmy days. Over-rugging could turn them into a walking sauna.

Living the Outdoor Life: Horses who live out 24/7 are pros at braving the elements. They’ve grown a coat that would make Patagonia jealous

Sunny Afternoons: Sure, the morning frost makes you think “thermal layers,” but by noon, your horse might be sunbathing.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐮𝐳𝐳𝐥𝐞

The secret to smart rugging? Know your horse better than you know your Netflix password. Here’s how to get it right:

1.
Study Your Horse: Is your horse the “I’m fine!” type or the “I need a scarf” type? Every horse is different.

2.
Be a Weather Nerd: Check the forecast like your social life depends on it. Temperature swings are the name of the game in spring.

3.
Use the Hand Test: If your horse’s back feels warm, they’re good. If it feels cold, consider a lightweight rug. Simple as that.

4.
Look for Clues: Sweating? Too many rugs. Shivering? Not enough. Standing there looking at you like “Why are you like this?” Probably just judging.

𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫-𝐑𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲

Over-rugging might come from a place of love, but trust us, your horse would prefer you dial it down. Here’s what can go wrong:

Sweaty Messes: Too many rugs = sauna time. And when the temp drops? Damp horses get chilly fast.

Coat Malfunctions: A horse’s coat fluffs up to trap warmth unless it’s squished under too many rugs.

Weight Woes: Over-rugging can lead to weight gain, especially for those “I gain 5 pounds just looking at grass” types

𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐭

Choosing the right rug can feel overwhelming, but understanding the different types can simplify your decisions. Each rug serves a specific purpose, and knowing when to use them can make a huge difference

1. Turnout Rugs
Turnout rugs are designed for outdoor use, offering waterproof protection against rain and wind. They come in various weights to suit different temperatures:

No-Fill/Lightweight Turnout Rugs: Ideal for milder spring days when rain is expected but warmth isn’t needed.

Medium-Weight Turnout Rugs (100-200g): Suitable for chilly, wet days when your horse needs some extra

insulation.Heavyweight Turnout Rugs (300g+): Rarely needed in spring, except for very cold nights or for older or clipped horses.

2. Stable Rugs
These are for indoor use and are not waterproof. They provide warmth for stabled horses, particularly at night:

Lightweight Stable Rugs: Perfect for cool but not freezing nights.

Medium-Weight Stable Rugs: Good for colder nights, especially for horses who are clipped or have minimal natural coat.

3. Fly Rugs
Fly rugs are a spring essential for horses sensitive to flies or midges. They provide lightweight coverage to protect your horse from pests without causing overheating.

4. Fleece/Cooler Rugs
These are handy for helping your horse dry off after exercise or a bath. They wick away sweat and moisture, keeping your horse warm without overheating.

5. Exercise Sheets
Used during work, exercise sheets provide protection from wind and rain. Some are waterproof, while others are fleece-lined for warmth.

𝐑𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐨’𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭𝐬

Do:
•Use rugs that fit well to prevent rubbing or discomfort.
•Adjust rugging daily based on weather and your horse’s needs.
•Check your horse’s temperature and condition regularly to avoid over- or under-rugging.

Don’t:
•Over-rug your horse, especially on mild or sunny days it can cause sweating and overheating.
•Leave rugs on for extended periods without checking for fit, rubbing, or dampness.
•Assume that every horse in the yard needs the same rug each horse is different!

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐧?

Rain isn’t the enemy, unless it’s a cold, windy monsoon. Horses can handle a drizzle like champs, but prolonged wet weather can make them miserable. Waterproof rugs are great for keeping them dry, but don’t overuse them. And hey, if your horse has access to a cozy shelter, they might just prefer that over the latest in equine fashion.

Spring rugging doesn’t have to be rocket science or a cause for livery yard-wide debates. Trust your instincts, listen to your horse, and remember: It’s better to err on the side of less rugging than turning your horse into a four-legged sweat lodge.

So, what’s your rugging philosophy this spring? Are you Team Ba****ck Weather or Team “Just in Case”? Let us know in the comments we’re here for the rugging drama!

Credit photo: @ Australia Pony Club