“I have a pony that my cousin does not want. She spent a lot of money on the pony but her daughter has lost insterest and he is just sitting in my back yard. Would you like to take him?” a woman was asking on the other end of the phone.
I set up a time and day to meet the pony and what I saw was appalling. The pony was in a pen, like a dog run. He was in mud up to his knees and his hips and ribs were easily seen. It was then that I took a little pony with knocked knees, and a question mark on his forehead to my farm. When he got off of the trailer he surveyed the lush fields, the plump horses and ponies, and he dropped his muzzle into my jacket. It was as if he were thanking me.
Within a few months he was blossoming. He had filled out and was quite a good looking little fellow. He had that funny question mark on his forehead and large expressive eyes and a mischevious streak, it seemed that he had already been named by God. His name was Quest because he was always searching for fun, folly, and a good time.
He was an awesome jumper, great on trails, but his love was teaching my special kids. He “put” up with their uncoordinated efforts, their yelling and screaming, even an occassional pull of the tail. One day a rider had a grand mal seizure and as she flailed, he never did anything but wait for her to stop. The father remarked that Quest must have been specially trained. I told him that you could not train a pony to stand silently while he was being kicked unintentionally. He just knew that he had to save that little girl as she seized.
I am convinced that I do not have to teach. He knows instinctively what is needed in every lesson. He adjusts his gait and even his demeanor with every rider. I am amazed at what he does for every child that comes here. His fuzzy coat is flecked with grey and his muzzle his almost completely white, but his chunky body and peppy step make me realize that his wisdom comes from his Quest to always try to understand.
All of the years I have been involved with horses and ponies, I am convinced that each one has a story to tell if only we would listen to them. I hugged him today and told him how much I love him. He stuck his head up proudly and wrapped his fuzzy muzzle in my jacket and I know he was telling me that he liked me too
. What a gem my little pony Quest is to me.
Do you have a gem? A special animal that has taught you something? Please SHARE!! I LOVE your comments!
Anything For Horse And Rider 
I always thought ponies tended to be a little mean. Haven’t owned one of course.
They can!! He is the exception. Wonderful pony that is a true love bug!
you were meant to find each other!
Very underestimated animal; to be sure… We can learn much from this beloved kindred soul…! 😉
Yes, the world would be different with a few more Quests!!
Indeed…. 🙂
Quest is Ben’s favorite!
My favorite too! Miss you guys. Hope all is well. Give Ben a big hug. Fridays are not the same without him here.
Quest is a sweetheart with all the kids, but especially the special ones. I think he knows when the kids are off balance before they do. He takes such wonderful care with them.
You are right! He is a very special little pony!
An amazing story, and thank you so much for sharing it. There is also a great pony in my life. Well, I say pony, but the 14.2hh chestnut has an enormous heart. Bags of spirit, courage and sheer zest for life fill her compact frame and spill out in her attitude. This special creature leaps and plunges with energy and exuberance when I ride her out; she believes that she is as fast as Secreteriat, and when she throws her heart up the hill and gallops after it, I believe it too. And yet the same proud and fiery creature will plod in silent willingness with a beginner on her back, take care of even the most inexperienced rider in any situation, and never scare her precious burden.
She’s the one and only Skye’s the Limit, God’s creation, and how He has used her to glorify His splendid Kingdom! Your Quest sounds just as special.
Hi,
I just knew you had to be a Christian with “clothed with thunder” blog. I shall follow you. I LOVED your story about Skye. They are amazing creatures. Love hearing about them. I never tire of hearing about all that they do, how they conform, all because they love us. I had a big TH cross named Raise Your Dreams and he was quite a handful. Until one day a student of mine wanted to ride. She had spina bifida, a paralysis of her lower back. She was a young woman determined to live a “normal” teenager life and that included riding. I told her she could come out and meet Raise Your Dreams. She fell in love with him immediately. He lowered his head into her lap and I knew that he knew she wanted to ride him. Then he stood stock still as she climbed, pushed, rocked,and screeched onto his back. If I had done that, we would have been in another country. But for her, he just stood and waited patiently for this young woman to achieve a dream. She died shortly afterwards, and then my Raise Your Dreams passed away. I wonder if they are galloping over streets of glory? I think they are!
That’s just beautiful. They are such stunning creatures and God loves them so much that He must have sometihng beautiful planned for them, too. Maybe Skye and me will have so many adventures together in Heaven, with Jesus beside us on His white charger! 🙂 God knows exactly what He’s doing, and I know He will do what is right and perfect for all of us – animals included.
Yes, I KNOW you will be riding Skye again! If I never meet you on earth, I will ride with you in our glorious heaven on our beautiful horses. God Bless!