08/03/2026
It’s funny when I stop and think about the lives our ponies have.
The care they receive. The love they get from the people we visit. The kindness that comes from supporters and followers from all around the world. And the dedication they receive from me and the incredible team of volunteers and sponsors who help make this work possible.
Which is why it surprised me a while ago when a breeder told me they would never rehome to a therapy home again. They said they had been “stung” before and regretted allowing one of their ponies to go to what they described as a therapy home.
And as much as I find it reassuring to know they are conscientious about where their ponies go and whose hands they fall into, hearing this was also really disheartening.
It’s a shame, because it’s sad to think that everyone doing this kind of work might be painted with the same brush, which isn’t the case. It’s also a pity because sadly there are places that try to imitate this kind of work without the same standards, care, or understanding, which can give the whole concept of animal therapy a bad name.
The reality is that work like this involves so much more than simply taking a pony on a visit.
Behind every visit there is planning, licence applications, risk assessments, training, and preparation. Each pony is carefully supported so they can do their job safely, comfortably, and happily.
Even during visits, when things might look calm and simple on the surface, there is constant thought behind every step. I’m always thinking ahead about where we’ll go next, who we’ll meet, how the pony is feeling, and making sure both people and ponies remain safe and relaxed.
It’s a shame when breeders can’t see the potential that somewhere like Dinky Ponies could offer their ponies.
Whenever possible, I would always choose to rescue rather than buy, simply because I know how many wonderful ponies are still waiting for their forever homes. But sometimes the right pony for this work comes from places we can’t always predict.
And when it’s done properly, with care and understanding, it can also give the pony a very meaningful and loved life too.
Because when a pony is truly valued and understood, the life they live bringing comfort to others can be just as special for them as it is for the people they meet x
