BACK TO SCHOOL EDITION
SEPTEMEBER 2026
m o r F r Lette Alice Hello Readers! It's me, Alice the Pony, and welcome to our September edition of Pony Tails! September is a special month because summer adventures begin to slow down and it's time to head back to school. Learning doesn't just happen in classrooms. Every day we learn new things from our horses too. Whether you're discovering how to groom safely, learning a new riding skill, or finding out about a different horse breed, every lesson helps you become a better horse friend. This month we are celebrating curiosity, kindness, and the fun of learning. Remember that even the best riders and horse experts are always learning something new. Good luck to everyone heading back to school this fall. Keep asking questions, keep exploring, and don't forget to give your pony a pat from me! Lots of love, Alice the Pony
HORSE BREED OF THE MONTH: GYPSY VANNER
The Gypsy Vanner is one of the most recognizable horse breeds in the world. These beautiful horses were first developed in Great Britain by Romani families who wanted a strong, gentle horse to pull their colourful travelling wagons. Today, Gypsy Vanners are loved for their calm personalities, striking coats, and luxurious manes and tails. They are wonderful family horses and can be found in riding, driving, trail riding, and horse shows.
FUN FACTS Gypsy Vanners are famous for their long, flowing manes and thick feathering around their hooves. They are known for being kind, patient, and easy to work with. Their coat colours can include black and white, brown and white, or many other beautiful patterns. Despite their sturdy build, they are surprisingly athletic and enjoy many different horse sports. Their thick feathering helps protect their lower legs from mud and rough weather.
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Pony School
: e r u t a e F Story t s r i F s ’ e c i Al y n o P t A y Da School
One bright September morning, Alice trotted down the lane toward Pony School. The leaves were beginning to turn orange
123 Anywhere St., Pony School, The Village
and gold, and the cool autumn breeze made it feel like the perfect day for learning. When Alice arrived, she noticed a beautiful new student standing near the schoolyard fence. The horse had a long flowing mane, feathered legs, and a black-and-white coat.
"Hello!" said Alice. "I'm Alice. What's your name?" "My name is Finn," replied the horse. "I'm a Gypsy Vanner. Today is my first day here too." Alice smiled. "Then let's learn together!" Their first lesson was all about horse care. The students learned how to identify grooming tools, why horses need clean water every day, and how to safely approach a horse in a field.
For the next lesson, everyone practiced horse knowledge games. "Can anyone tell me why grooming is important?" asked the instructor. Finn raised his hoof. "Grooming helps keep horses clean and healthy!" "Correct!" said the instructor. At lunchtime, Alice and Finn sat beside the paddock watching the other horses play. "I'm glad I came to Pony School," said Finn. "Me too," agreed Alice. "There is always something new to learn." As the school bell rang, Alice realized something important. Learning wasn't just about knowing the right answers. It was about asking questions, helping others, and trying your best.
And she couldn't wait for tomorrow's lesson.
Activity of the Month: Word Scramble
Horsey Facts of the Month: Back to School Facts 📚 Horses can remember people and places for many years. 👂 Horses can rotate their ears almost 180 degrees to listen to sounds around them. 🐴 Young horses learn many behaviours by watching older horses. 👀 Horses can see almost all the way around their bodies. 🥕 Horses have excellent memories and quickly learn daily routines. 🏇 Riders never stop learning. Even Olympic riders continue taking lessons and improving their skills. 🍎 Horses enjoy healthy treats like apples and carrots in moderation. ❤️ Horses build strong bonds with people who spend time caring for them. 🌎 Horses have helped people travel, farm, and explore the world for hundreds of years. BONUS FACT
🐴 A Gypsy Vanner's feathers can become so long and thick that they look like fluffy boots on the horse's legs!
SEPTEMBER 2026 COLOURING PAGE
& e g a P g n i r Colou s e i t i v Acti PRINT COLOURING PAGE PRINT MONTHLY ACTIVITY PRINT ENTIRE MAGAZINE ISSUE
ANSWER KEY FOR WORD SCRAMBLE: 1 GYPSY VANNER - 2 LEARN - 3 LESSON 4 SCHOOL - 5 SAFETY - 6 HELMET - 7 TACK 8 BRUSH - 9 HORSE - 10 STABLE - 11 RIDER 12 APPLE - 13 AUTUMN - 14 FRIEND - 15 PONY