The Pony Island, an interactive horse-inspired learning platform for children, has been awarded FIRST PLACE in the Equine-Related Website category at the American Horse Publications Equine Media Awards.
Created by equestrian illustrator, designer, and educator Susan DiFelice, The Pony Island was recognized for its cohesive visual design, educational mission, and engaging experience created specifically for horse-loving children and families.
According to the judges:
“The Pony Island website delivers an exceptional and highly cohesive brand experience that is clearly aligned with its mission to educate and engage young horse enthusiasts. From the first impression, the visual design, colour palette, and playful imagery immediately resonate with its target audience of children and their parents. The site successfully balances fun and functionality, creating an environment that feels both engaging and safe for younger users.”
The award marks another milestone in DiFelice’s long-standing work in equestrian publishing, illustration, and educational media.
Previously, DiFelice received recognition from American Horse Publications as:
• Second Place winner in the Editorial Illustration category
• Second Place winner for the Allpony website, which was later acquired by United States Pony Clubs.
Building a New Kind of Horse Learning Platform
Following the acquisition of Allpony, DiFelice began building The Pony Island as a new kind of horse learning experience designed specifically for children ages 6–12.
The Pony Island combines:
• illustrated horse courses
• interactive learning games
• printable educational activities
• quizzes and certificates
• virtual pony rewards
• horse-inspired reading and creative learning
The platform was designed to help children build confidence and understanding around horses whether they ride regularly, are just beginning, or are learning from home.
Courses currently available include horse breeds, barn safety, horse communication, horse anatomy, grooming, horse terms, tying horses safely, and more.
The Pony Island is also organized around six “Pony Paths,” which guide different types of horse-loving kids through customized learning journeys, including lesson riders, homeschoolers, pony owners, therapeutic riders, and children who simply love horses.
Illustration at the Heart of the Experience
One of the defining features of The Pony Island is its extensive use of original equestrian illustration throughout the platform.
Custom illustrations appear across:
• the website itself
• educational games
• printable learning packs
• course materials
• quizzes and activities
• pony characters and rewards
Many of the printables are designed to work directly alongside the digital lessons, allowing children to continue learning away from the screen through matching visual activities, posters, games, and hands-on exercises.
The result is a connected educational experience that blends storytelling, visual learning, and horsemanship into one cohesive world designed specifically for young equestrians.
Looking Ahead
As The Pony Island continues to grow, new courses, games, printables, and learning experiences are being added regularly.
“This project has always been about helping kids feel connected to horses in a thoughtful and creative way,” said DiFelice. “It means a great deal to have that vision recognized by American Horse Publications.”
Explore The Pony Island: https://theponyisland.com