Holiday cover for a Welsh pony sits at the meeting point of two responsibilities: a native pony's diet and a child pony's job. Welsh ponies, from the small Mountain sections to the larger Cobs, are bred to thrive on sparse grazing and plain forage, and they gain condition quickly on family-farm grass. At the same time, many are ridden by children, which makes the handling and riding rules during your absence a safeguarding matter as much as a horse-care one. Your instructions should cover grazing and weight first, then exactly who does what with him, then the checks and contacts.
Set Grazing, Hay and Weight Rules for a Native Pony
A Welsh pony's feeding section should read as gentle restriction, clearly explained. State his turnout arrangement during the holiday, whether that is a small paddock, a track, or limited hours on grass, and whether his grazing muzzle is used and for how long each day. Give hay weighed and split into the nets you specify, and describe any small feed he receives for supplements in exact handful or scoop terms, with the instruction that it does not grow because he asks. Ask the sitter to feel his ribs and crest twice during the stay and to note his weight tape reading if you use one, so any fast gain is information you get while it can still be acted on.
Write the Rider and Handling Rules in Plain Lines
A Welsh pony's rider rules protect children, the pony and the sitter at once. Say whether he is ridden at all while you are away, and if he is, name the rider, the adult who supervises, where he is ridden, and the work he does, such as walk and trot in the arena rather than jumping or hacking out. State the exclusions explicitly: no other children on him, no doubling up, no riding in the field, and no leading him out on roads by a child alone, however quiet he usually is. Cover ground handling too, including how he ties, how he behaves for the farrier or vet, and his one vice if he has one, such as snatching reins toward grass or barging at the gate when feed is near.
Cover Coat, Feet and the Daily Native Once-Over
A Welsh pony's daily care is simple but should still be itemised. Say whether he is rugged at all during your trip, since most Welsh ponies in light work manage weather in their own coat, and warn against adding rugs that leave him hot under a thick native covering. Ask for feet picked out daily and a quick check for heat in the hoof, because weight and feet are linked in this breed and early soreness is easy to miss in a pony who still walks out keenly for food. Add grooming expectations if he is shown or photographed for you, including mane and tail care, and the skin check under a dense forelock and mane where rubbing and scurf can hide.
Put Sore Feet and Off-Feed Days at the Top of the Call List
A Welsh pony's emergency section should lead with foot soreness in the language a non-specialist understands: walking stiffly or short, shifting weight between front feet, lying down more, warm feet, or reluctance to turn in a tight circle all mean he comes off grass and you and the vet hear about it the same day. Follow with the standard urgent list of not eating, repeated rolling, injury, a child-related incident of any kind, or escape from his paddock. Leave the vet, farrier and your own numbers in call order, note where his muzzle, nets and headcollar hang, and record which neighbour can help catch or hold him. Sending the sheet through a KinsLe Care Pass puts this Welsh pony's turnout limits, rider permissions and foot warnings in the sitter's pocket for the whole holiday.