Peaches Slide Show
It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my paint mare Peaches. It might seem silly to mourn a pony when there is so much human grief lately, but not only was Peachy my business partner and coworker, she was my friend and a member of my family. It is rare that a unregistered “backyard” $1600 Shetland be able to touch so many lives during her time on Earth. I thought I would honor her here and ask anyone that met her to share their memories in the comments.
Peaches was with Ponies & Paints for about 12 years. Before I bought her, she was with another pony ride company in southern California. She was a working girl: all business and sometimes quite defensive when it came to being shod, bathed or saddled. It took some time to get her to let down and enjoy people. Her true nature was intelligent, patient and kind, though. I tried to add up how many kids may have ridden her in her lifetime. Thousands for sure. For many of the children, it was their first ride. Some of these kids were on her back before they could even walk. Many of them rode her year after year on the 4th of July and would ask for her by name…even bringing her carrots.
I don’t know if loyalty is a quality you can attribute to a pony, but I know she trusted me and she did all I asked. I asked a lot.
When I made the shift from hauling the ponies to events and started inviting families to the ranch in Santa Ynez, I did not use Peach much at all. She was the one that I would pull out at the end of the sessions for visitors to lead around and maybe ride bareback. It gave the kids a huge feeling of independence and confidence to lead a pony by themselves. I trusted her so much. She would never nip or step too close even if a tiny one was holding the lead rope. She got to where she would even come over to the gate to visit folks and be sociable. I am glad that she had almost a year and a half off for a nice retirement.
I would like to thank my work family, the doctors and staff at
Ponies have had a few weeks off. Been doing some liberty work and power walks around the hood to keep in shape. This little lady is going on 26 and I have to hustle to keep up with her! Good ol’ Strawberry. We hope to be back into it this weekend at #montecitocountrymart and at a couple of unicorn birthdays.
Merry Christmas! Hope everyone had a safe and fun day. Ponies got their fave on a chilly evening: warm bran mash with electrolytes and senior feed. Better than apple pie!
Soggy ponies kicking up their heels in the rain! We will keep you posted regarding pony rides tomorrow at #montecitocountrymart More showers on the way! Happy New Year from all of us at Ponies & Paints!
Just a heads up that the ponies and I will be taking the weekend off. It's really raining here! Don't feel bad for them. As you can see, they are waterproof and choose to stand right outside their cozy shelters. Shetlands!
See you next Saturday and Merry Christmas! (Sound on) #montecitocountrymart
Someone was feeling Fall in the air last night! See you this morning at the Montecito Country Mart for complimentary pony rides. 10-12 by Rori's Creamery!
Ponies, please stay out of the cushy stalls I have prepared for you and make me spend an hour grooming and drying you so you can make public appearances. Not! Love, Christina.
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Working off some steam and getting ready to see you tomorrow at Montecito Country Mart from 10 -12 for complimentary pony rides!
Operation devour leftovers in full swing. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and see you tomorrow at the Montecito Country Mart from 10-12 for complimentary pony rides!
