Dear Friends of The Pony Express,
When I first founded The Pony Express, I was in dire need of a second chance. Recently divorced with two young children I yearned to find a way to follow my passion that was horses. On a wish and a horse whisper The Pony Express was born. Just like that I had a second chance that came with four legs and a tail and traveled in a herd straight to my heart. Little did I know they would become my greatest teachers and for the first time in my life, I felt I could not fail. The lessons I learned were so profound I needed to share, and so I did.
Over the course of nearly four decades, hundreds of horses and humans would call The Pony Express home. Their stories would be filled with trauma and tragedy, and barely surviving when they should have been thriving. They had one thing in common and that would be that all would need a fresh start with a new story, one that horse’s and humans could create together. And so they did many times over, too many to count. Second chances can be blessings, disguised as lessons and oft times learned the hard way which for better or for worse, always seemed to be my way.
Not unlike the tragedy that unfolded the night of September 27th. Sadly, The Pony Express Ranch did not survive the devastating effects of the Glass Fire that took much from many in our once scenic and serene Valley of the Moon neighborhood; but it did not take our horses, nor our horse spirit. Even though I have once again found myself in need of a second chance, I'd like to first count our blessings as they are many. They are you.
To Sonoma County Farm Bureau, Jackie and Larry Simons, Western Farm Center, Bar ALE Feed, Heritage Salvage, Friedman Brothers, Garton Tractor, the ECA, our loyal friends and family, and the many we have yet to meet who have come out in herds to help us bring our horse’s home; we are grateful, we are thankful, we are hope-filled. Our lights are on, and with your help we will come home. Thank you!