7/26/21
7:45 am Monday
We had a great time yesterday riding our Dales Ponies in our local park. I had not been on a pony for about a year. Shuna let me ride her favorite mare Arabella for the first time, and it was like a dream. I had ridden our greener ponies in the past, and by comparison, this was a real pleasure. You see, Shuna trained Arabella, and the difference is remarkable. I joked with Shuna that I felt like Cinderella having the perfectly fitting glass slipper. We had a little hiccup when Arabella got stung by several bees or wasps. She was suddenly stomping her front feet, kicking at her belly, and rubbing her face on her front leg. I was able to hop off quickly, and everyone was OK. We stopped for a picnic that I’d packed. Shuna gave Arabella part of her sandwich, and Arabella recovered from her stings. Both Viggo and Shuna did great. Viggo is a natural rider at six, so comfortable on Bess. Shuna looked beautiful riding Taz with her gorgeous new saddle.
We talked about what we’ve been doing as we try to sell these fabulous but critically endangered, meaning unknown, and unpopular, animals, and how difficult it is. Shuna likes the idea of trying to promote the breed through exposure and education, and not breeding more until our current youngstock have found the right new homes that will also help promote the breed. The idea is for us to focus on getting these ponies out more and having a blast. The more joy we can experience with these ponies, the more success we will have promoting them and educating others. I love the idea of going into the mountains with our Dales Ponies, so Shuna and I can show Viggo the stunning beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
This is a big pivot in what we have been doing here at Cascadia Heritage Farm, but I believe it is needed and I am excited for it!
I am thankful for these opportunities.
