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PONY TAILS

JULY 2026

A Letter from Alice

~ Ohhhhhhhhh Canadaaaaaa ~

Hello Readers! It’s me, Alice the Pony - and I’m back with another edition of the Pony Tails Kids Club Digital Magazine! This month’s issue is Canada Day-themed, and pays tribute to the amazing country where we live, play, and ride. We are so lucky to call this place home!

I hope you are having an awesome start to your summer and have a jam-packed long weekend ahead of you.

OH! - and don’t forget to always pat your pony.

Lots of love,

Alice the Pony

Horse/Pony Breed of the Month:

CANADIAN (CHEVAL CANDIEN)

The Canadian Horse is one of Canada’s oldest and most treasured horse breeds, known for its strength, endurance, and gentle temperament. Canadian Horses were originally used for farming, transportation, logging, and military work because of their hard-working nature and ability to thrive in harsh climates. Today, the Canadian Horse is celebrated as Canada’s national horse breed and is valued for riding, driving, farming demonstrations, and recreational activities.

HCBC member Lin and her Canadian horse Briar

Story Feature: Maple the Canada Day Horse

OH CANADA - flip to the next page to read about how Maple saved the Canada Day celebration.

Maple the Canada Day Horse

On a sunny July morning, the little town of Willow Creek was getting ready for the biggest celebration of the year Canada Day!

Red-and-white flags fluttered in the breeze, children carried sparklers, and music played in the town square. But the most excited of all was a shiny black horse named Maple

Maple lived on a small farm just outside town with her best friend, a young girl named Emma Maple loved Canada Day because every year she got to wear her special red saddle pad with bright white maple leaves stitched on the sides. “This is going to be the best parade ever!” Emma said as she brushed Maple’s mane Maple snorted happily and stomped her hoof.

Soon, they headed into town for the big Canada Day parade Everywhere Maple looked, she saw smiling faces, balloons, and people dressed in red and white. There were marching bands, dancers, and even a giant beaver float!

But just before the parade began, dark clouds rolled across the sky.

RUMBLE!

“Oh no, ” Emma whispered “It looks like it’s about to rain!”

The wind picked up, and suddenly a strong gust blew the town’s giant Canada flag right off the parade stage! It floated across the street and became tangled in a tree Everyone gasped “How will we start the celebration without the flag?” the mayor worried.

Maple looked up at the flag flapping high in the branches. Then she gave a determined neigh “Maybe Maple can help!” Emma said Carefully, Emma guided Maple toward the tree Maple stood tall and steady while Emma climbed gently onto her back. Stretching as high as she could, Emma grabbed the flag and pulled it free as the crowd cheered them on

“Hooray for Maple!” shouted the townspeople The mayor smiled “Three cheers for our brave Canada Day horse!”

Hip hip hooray!

The rain clouds drifted away, and soon the sunshine returned brighter than ever. That evening, Maple led the parade proudly down Main Street while fireworks sparkled red and white across the sky. Emma hugged Maple’s neck tightly. “You’re my Canadian hero,” she whispered

Maple flicked her tail happily as the crowd clapped and sang “O Canada.” And from that day on, everyone in Willow Creek remembered the brave little horse who saved Canada Day

Activity of the Month: CANADA DAY MAZE

Can you guide this patriotic pony over to our flag?

HORSEY FACTS OF THE MONTH PATRIOTIC PONIES

Little Iron Horse

Do you remember the Canadian Horse (Cheval Canadien) from our Breed of the Month? Well, they also go by the “Little Iron Horse”, a nickname they earned through displaying great feats of strength throughout Canadian history.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

For almost 150 years, “Mounties” have proudly served as our country’s national police service. Members of the force who are trained in cavalry perform in the Musical Ride, which consists of a series of impressive equestrian drills set to music. What a thrill!

Calgary Stampede

July is an exciting month - in addition to Canada Day, we also have the Calgary Stampede! This 10-day rodeo attracts visitors from all over the world in celebration of Western heritage. Attendees can witness several equestrian events, from bronc riding and steer wrestling to roping and barrel racing!