I am fortunate enough to share my love of horses with my daughter, Kaitlyn. She is an accomplished rider, thanks to our trainer Bethany Fischetto. Because of both of them, I was and am encouraged to ride. My daughter and I cannot ride the same mount. She is 5'4, and rides  currently a 17+ hand horse!  I am under 5' and though not a beginner, I am definitely not looking for the same kind of ride. I need something smaller, calmer and forgiving.

   I started looking for a “forever pony" last December.  My trainer and her sister, Meredith, had known of a NFP and loved his disposition and success in the show circuit. I researched the breed and contacted Priscilla, the President of the NFP society. She was so amazingly supportive and helpful. She first put me in contact  with Barbara Nelson, of Stonefield Farms.  I went to see her with my daughter, Katy, and my trainer, Bethany.  I tried one of her ponies and fell more in love with NFP. He was a bit smaller than what I had wanted. Barbara said she would keep an eye out for any other NFP that may be a possibility for me. It was a wonderful, positive experience!
   Priscilla also suggested talking to Virginia Cardenas, of Hawk Wing Farms. Virginia had one of Priscilla's stallions, Jacob Hawk, that she bred.  I gave Virginia a call and she had a couple of up and coming 2 going on 3 yr olds that she said I should consider. She loved them dearly and said I should  contact her in the Spring.   

    In the meantime, I contacted Connemara breeders.  I traveled to several states to see some Connemaras and even went to Canada. I knew that the Connemara was not the right fit for me. When I went to the airport in Canada to go home, I called Virginia and said to her, "Remember me? You had said I should call you in the Spring? WELL, I AM DOING JUST THAT!" Virginia did indeed remember me.  She recommended one of her ponies, Junior.

    Virginia gushed over  one of her babies, Junior. He was just like his dad, having a sweet temperament, lovely movement and a nice height of 14'1 hands. Everything was stacked in his favor and mine!

    We sent up a date to see him in May. Bethany and I went to Florida to meet her and Junior. All I can say is Bethany rode him, turned to me and said, “You don't even have to get on, he is perfect! But I know you want to so get your helmet on...” 

     Priscilla truly cared about my needs and encouraged me to find the right pony for me. She was confident that the breed would suit me. She was so very honest, helpful and supportive. I can't tell you how many times I called her to just talk, get information, and her opinion.

     I wanted a pony that I could trust to ride and then to spoil.  He is still growing and I know he is going to be the perfect size for me.  He should reach 14h or so. How perfect is that for a rider just under 5 foot?  I now call him Binx. ( His name is from the movie, Hocus Pocus. Thackery Binx is a bewitched boy who is turned into a cat by evil witches. He was caught by the witches while trying to save his younger sister from them! ) His barn name has changed but his good breeding, temperament, and his heart will never change! 

**If you have any news or photos for the gallery please contact : Dallas

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