EVERYBODY NEEDS A PONY

I did not have a pony when I was a small child, but my daughter did. Ellen was one in a million- she knew her job and loved it. When my daughter was around her, or on-board, she was a perfect angel. She was 4 years old when she got her pony and when I asked her what we should name the little mare, she replied with certainty, "Ellen." We don't have any relatives named Ellen, she didn't have any friends with that name, and I don't think there are any Sesame Street characters named Ellen (at least at that time). Hmmmm ?

We rode together all of the time. I was in the lead, with Ellen following closely behind my big horse. When we walked, Ellen waked. When we trotted (yes- we jogged a bit, but no faster than that) Ellen trotted. Trail rides were safe and fun for all.

So, aside from fun, what is the benefit? My little daughter gained a huge amount of confidence, riding up there all by herself. She learned responsibility by taking good care of her pony. She became goal-oriented because she always wanted to get better and better at riding. She was alert about her surroundings because any little thing can send a pony into a "flight" response. (though Ellen was pretty rock-solid)

But perhaps my favorite memory of this time was when we brought the pony home to my parents' house (we kept our horses there). My Dad gathered up the strength to sit up in his bed while I led Ellen and my daughter by his window. He was only a month or so from dying of cancer. The smile was wide and tender as he saw his little granddaughter on her first pony. I will never forget the last time I saw true joy on his face.

When we outgrew Ellen, we gave her to a family of 4 tiny children that Ellen had the task of taking for rides. They truly loved her as much as we did. The last time I spoke with them, they reported that she was doing well and they planned to keep her forever. I have not checked back with them as it would be beyond Ellen's lifespan now. But I have my wonderful memories of her.

I am planning to open "Raven's Rock Youth Ranch" in the near future. I am in the midst of applying for my 501(c)3. We are going to give pony rides to kids of all ages, just to see how much joy we can spread. I will be writing more about it coming up. Everybody needs a pony.