Suffice it to say that we all went to bed with both goosebumps and a cup (or…bucket) full of gratitude. Ponies can be tough to place in forever homes…especially older ponies with more than their fair share of wear and tear. We all know the reasons: Children out grow out of their ponies, or lose interest. Adults are too large to ride them; therefore, ponies are limited and ponies – especially in California – are expensive. Many owners do not assume responsibility for any equine after it is no longer rideable, and alas, equines have become commercialized. There are the reasons…or excuses…and then thankfully there are the heroes and the forever homes. Cinnamon was facing a very scary reality when a village of kindhearted friends stepped up to save her. They purchased her to keep her safe from imminent harm and brought her to Red Bucket. After completely falling in love with this DARLING, well-trained Saint of a pony, we evaluated her, got her veterinary treatment and a bit of much needed maintenance…and then the stars aligned. Cinnamon was adopted to a FOUR-time Red Bucket forever family who is using Cinnamon as a forever pony and best friend for a wee little girl who has Cerebral Palsy. Little Bethany cannot walk, but she is learning to ride and needed a trustworthy best friend as much as dear Cinnamon needed a magical friend of her own. We are not sure if Bethany will ever willingly dismount…but we do know that Cinnamon gave Bethany her wings, and Bethany gave Cinnamon her well-deserved happily ever after. We consider this to be the ultimate win-win! Stay tuned for pictures of Bethany and Cinnamon, and warm thanks to the entire village! XO