Pony Partners

11/16/2024

Here at the PAW Fair today.

11/15/2024

Try this!

11/15/2024

The herd says THANK YOU to the anonymous donor of feed last week!🐴❤️

11/14/2024

🌟 Help Keep Pony Partners Rolling! Support Our Mobile Minis Program! 🌟

At Pony Partners, our Mobile Minis program brings the joy and healing power of our miniature horses directly to schools, community centers, and those who can’t make it to the farm. It’s one of the most special parts of what we do, and the smiles it brings are absolutely priceless!

But we need your support to keep our Mobile Minis on the road! Your donations will help us cover essential costs like fuel, insurance, and utilities, so we can continue reaching those who benefit most from spending time with these gentle, wonderful animals.

Here’s How You Can Make a Difference:

1. Donate what you can—every contribution helps keep our van on the road!
2. Share this post with friends and family who want to support a great cause.
3. Spread the word about Pony Partners and our mission.

Your generosity will help keep this program running smoothly, allowing us to bring joy, peace, and comfort to even more people. Thank you for being a part of our journey! ❤️🐴

Venmo & PayPal
On our website ponypartners.org

11/14/2024

Yes. They do

Horses, as social animals, are naturally wired to engage in allogrooming (grooming between horses).

This behaviour establishes and maintains social bonds, with horses selecting specific partners. Allogrooming also strengthens pair bonds and enhances herd cohesion.

Research indicates that allogrooming in the region of the neck and withers, compared to any other region, causes a significant lowering of heart rate, suggesting a calming effect and potential anxiety alleviation.

This lowering of heart rate is also seen when humans groom horses in those regions.

This natural stress-reduction mechanism is accompanied by increased oxytocin, the pleasure molecule, reinforcing the behaviour and its positive social and emotional effects.

Allogrooming frequency among horses tends to increase after herd conflicts, implying a role in conflict resolution and social harmony maintenance.

After a disagreement, it helps to reduce tension and reaffirm social bonds.

Horses that are kept singly often show insecure behaviour that many riders and trainers do not recognise as a consequence of separation.

Fulfilling horses' need for touch and social interaction is not just about preventing problem behaviours; it is also about addressing their fundamental psychological and emotional needs.

By providing environments that allow for these natural behaviours, we can significantly improve horse welfare and reduce stress-related issues.

Thoughts?

11/10/2024

Some things coming up. P.A.W. Fair at Thomas Jefferson ES Saturday 11/16 10-3. Jazz will be there! Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A Monday night 11/18 in Pantops starting at 5 pm. And Jazzy the reindeer is making his annual appearance at the Christmas Fair in Louisa!

10/26/2024

Where we live!

10/26/2024

Haha Boots all day long!!

10/11/2024

Our little van getting a wash to go to Jouett Elementary this afternoon. Excited to see the kids

10/05/2024

We will be at the Fall Festival in Louisa tomorrow!