written by: Jennifer Rubins Lilly
We kept the pony…… We kept the pony when the child was not yet skilled enough to ride her – because ensuring the child learned to be a capable rider was our job. We kept the pony when she was labeled the “naughty pony” at the horse show – because nicknames build character (and memories). We kept the pony when she was kicked out of horse camp – because it gave the child a goal to work towards. We kept the pony when the child found a step-up horse – because she’s irreplaceable. We kept the pony when she colicked again – because we all get sick. We kept the pony when she was outgrown – because riding is not everything. We kept the pony when feed cost doubled – because sometimes times are tough. We kept the pony when life got crazy & we struggled with not having enough time – because she’s still family. We kept the pony when I wished we had room to get one that was actually “useful” – because I owe it to her. We kept the pony when she decided to start spooking because she put up with us for years, painting her & dressing her up. We kept the pony when she was costing us more money in supplements & special treatments than any of the actual riding horses – because money isn’t everything. We kept the pony when she grew old and became senile – because getting old is hard enough & it will happen to all of us. No one owes this pony a retirement except us! She earned it & we will provide it! Sometimes the greatest rescue work you can do is to provide a soft landing for your own.