Pebbles

Pebbles is small in stature but that doesn't stop her from letting horses 3 times her size know that she's the boss.  We've gotten used to her high pitched, never ending squeals that she lets out each time she meets a boy in the paddock.  But when she's not copping an attitude with every single horse she comes in contact with, Pebbles is busy being a great little pony ride pony.  She's a very pretty blue roan and looks just lovely when decorated with glitter and stenciled hearts.  She is now the proud grandma of Skippy, pictured below.   Pebbles is owned, loved and cherished by Emily.  Emily has shown Pebbles in lead line classes and walk trot, and they have even gone on a big trail ride together.  Pebbles loves Emily's attention and Emily is part of the reason Pebbles turned out so sweet.

Dandy (with little Skippy right after he was born!)

Dandy is a daughter to Pebbles, and she came to us last January.  We always laughed at how fat her belly was, but as her belly grew disproportionately large we became suspicious that a mystery process was happening inside her.  A trip to the vet revealed a foal of unknown origin was residing in that fat little tummy,  and it would be born in a month!  We were ecstatic but a little nervous because we weren't sure what would come out of it.  Then, one day I left Dandy for 20 minutes and when I went back to check on her a tiny, sweet little foal was curled up beside her!  It was amazing and one of my favorite pony memories.  Emily named him Skippy and he was the star of many pony parties.  Dandy is owned by Blake and Emily, and she is as laid back as they come. 

Skippy

Skippy really likes to show off.  In this picture you can see him performing for some birthday party girls.  He knows he's cute.  Skippy lives with Grandma Pebbles right now, and Grandma takes good care of the little boy.  He's actually as tall as mom and grandma, and he is changing colors all the time.  Soon, he will start some basic training to learn manners and how to be led off away from the protective custody of Pebbles.  We just weaned him and it went really well.  Mom is just a couple pens away and they can still see each other.  Skippy only whinnied the first day, and then he went back to life as usual.  Dandy didn't whinny at all, I think she was kind of glad to be done with her mothering duties! 

Puddles

Puddles is a quarter-horse type miniature, and the shortest and stockiest of our crew.  He loves food, his life has no other purpose (in his mind) than to eat food, sneak food, and steal food.  He lives with Cash, a 16.2 hand thoroughbred.  Puddles could walk under Cash's belly if he needed to.  As Cash eats grain that's too high on the fence for Puddles to reach, Puddles stands beneath and eats anything that dribbles out of Cash's mouth.  Cash used to chase him away, but Puddles has determination, and nothing will stop him from eating, not even an angry thoroughbred.  Puddles has a really cute way of smacking his lips in anticipation of a meal or treat.  This year he got to go trick or treating as a unicorn, and got lots of treats for being a good boy, even though he acted a little grumpy about the horn stuck to his head.  Puddles works an occasional pony party and the kids love him.  He will soon learn to pull a cart (I haven't told him yet, so we'll see how that goes over.)

Princess Fiona

Fiona is actually a foundation registered quarter horse, but her small size and unbelievably calm temperament make her a great one for pony rides.  She earned her pony ride job when Dandy turned up pregnant and I needed a quick replacement.  Fiona did so well that I will continue using her for rides even though Dandy is ready for action again.  Fiona was the busiest horse on the place last summer.  In addition to her pony ride duties, she was leased to Megan Rogers and used for 4-H.  Megan and her family pampered Fiona to the extreme, and they fell in love with her.  They cared for her like she was their own, and even though they own Cloud now, they still spend a moment with Fiona each time they are out.  Fiona also is my riding lesson horse and she has had many, many beginners on her back.  Her disposition is one in a million, and she is so patient with new riders.