Hi Friends;
This is the perfect day to write the memorial for Sonny. Our dear Sonny accompanied Rosa and Patch on that fateful day when the trailer made its way to the Vet school.
Before I attempt to explain what Sonny meant to the people and program of One Heart, I ask you to keep in mind that Sonny was probably the very first mount of almost every child rider we started. Sonny was an endeared and treasured pony. I want to extend my sympathy to each of our riders and the families impacted by the news of Sonny's death. Prior to this notice, some of Sonny's current riders were notified of our decision. Especially, the mothers of our 2 - 5 year olds were advised. Typically, moms remind their kids how fun it will be to ride Sonny again next year. This winter they will make their statement more impersonal. They will eagerly await the spring rides on "the horse/the pony" - not including the name. Sonny will become a fond memory.
What makes this a good day not to worry about Sonny is the fact that the entire state is under a blizzard warning. The wind is a sustained 25 miles per hour. The snowplows have been pulled from the roads. Kids are rejoicing in a snowday. The drifts are higher than the big bales. This is the kind of day that would make my grey hair fall out in clumps with worry over Sonny. Even with supportive shelter, supplemental grain, and his donkey companion, Sonny didn't have the physical reserves to withstand this climate. Tonight they predict a -25 degree windchill. The photo at the right is looking out of my office window this morning. 
