Shetland Ponies in the Extreme Heatwave

by Shetland Pony Club | Jul 20, 2022

Join Rosemary to find out how the Shetland Ponies coped in the extreme heatwave.

It’s getting hotter at The Ranch and there’s a heatwave predicted for the next three days. We’ve had to close The Ranch because we can’t ride in this heat. The temperature is predicted to go to up to 40 degrees Celsius!

Shetland ponies prefer cold weather, so we have to work out how to keep the ponies cool.

To help the Shetlands cope in the extreme heatwave we took extra precautions:

• Extra fresh water sources in the ponies’ fields
• Placing buckets of water in shady areas for the ponies
• Hose pipe training, getting the ponies used to being hosed down with cold water
• Putting out hay in shady areas under the trees, so the ponies don’t graze under the hot sun

Once the temperatures reached 40 degrees celsius, we were hosing down the ponies with cold water every two hours

We washed the dark ponies, Batman, Teddy Bear and Dreamcoat, as their coats absorb more heat in the sun. Elgin Sunset too, is old and therefore vulnerable in this extreme heat. By mid-afternoon the ponies were looking forward to their showers.

Finally, there was a rainbow at the end of the day, as the rains came and gave cool relief to the ponies.

Phew! The rains cooled The Ranch and the ponies were looking more active grazing around the fields in the evening. Well done ponies, we managed to beat the heat!

Watch the video to find out more: Shetland Ponies in the Extreme Heatwave

From Rosemary, the Shetland Pony Club Team and all the Shetland ponies

Booking update:

Summer pony camp days and weeks – enjoy the whole day or a 4 day week with your favourite Shetland pony. Learn to ride him, look after him and enjoy being with him all day long. 9:30am – 4pm, Summer holidays only. Age 5+. £135/day or £540/ week.

• Monday 25 July – Thursday 28 July 2022 – 4 days – Only Wednesday 27 has limited spaces- rest is full
• Monday 1 August – Tuesday 2 August 2022 – 2 days – Full
• Monday 8 August – Thursday 11 August 2022 – 4 days – nearly full
• Monday 15 August – Thursday 18 August 2022 – 4 days – Only Monday 15 & Tuesday 16 has limited spaces- rest is full
• Monday 22 August – Thursday 25 August 2022 – 4 days  – Only Wednesday 24 has limited spaces- rest is full 

Own a Pony Experiences – are two hours long and are delightful early riding and learning experiences for children from age 4 years old. £65/ child.  Sunday 31 July 2:15pm-4:15pm, Wednesday 3rd August 11am-1pm, Thursday 4th August 11am-1pm, Saturday 6th August 2:15pm-4:15pm, Sunday 7th August 2:15pm-4:15pm

Starter Rides – back on for 3 year olds! 45 minutes long and are specially designed as first riding experiences for children. £45/ child. Saturday 30 July 14:15 / 15:15, Wednesday 3rd August 9am/ 10am, Thursday 4th August 9am /2:30pm/ 3:30pm

Shetland Pony Parties – back on for 3 year olds! Amazing pony parties for children aged 3 -10 years old. Use of a private facility with 6 ponies, creating magical memories for your child’s birthday. One and a half hours – £650 for 10 children. Extra riding children (up to 18), £25 each. Bookings for August- very popular! 

Shetland Pony Walking is the perfect way for older children, teenagers and grown-ups to enjoy Shetland ponies in the lovely Surrey countryside. Come and spend time, enjoying and leading your very own Shetland pony. £45/ person. Saturday 30th July 2:15pm, Saturday 17th September 3:15pm

Shetland Pony Club gift vouchers:  are a wonderful gift for anyone who loves Shetland ponies. We have online vouchers or beautiful hard copy vouchers. You can purchase them here. Or call the office, 01372 844 077 / 07734 950309