Life is amazing … one little miracle at a time.  Raising children in a rural community is always a challenge, but even more so when family and friends live far away.  Dakotah, age 10, has grown up with many challenges.  He has suffered losses more than most adults face in a lifetime; he deals daily with digestive issues, and is different from many of his classmates.  But his biggest challenge is dealing with a very active little sister.  Bennette, age 5, is determined to be not only the princess in the house, but to reign as the queen.  

Our getting involved in Personal Ponies was quite by accident.  Bennette fell in love with Cocoa while visiting a local historical farm.  The tears as we left tugged at all of us.  We were already devoted to our own horse and ponies and did not have room in our stables, hearts or lives for any more.  The two kids held a family meeting and announced that they wanted to give up their own horses and adopt a few Personal Ponies.  

Shocked, and humbled we did just that.  Within a week we had placed our own horses and ponies and began on a very magical and transforming journey.  First came Darlene and her foal Maisie; that was all we were going to bring home.  But, before we could leave the farm my son was magically bonded with a pony named Thumbelina.  It had been a very long time, since he had lost his grandpa, that he had dared to love something or someone again.  Without hesitation Thumbelina was loaded and we were off …

Since that day in the fall of 2007, our herd has grown a bit.  We are now excited to be a part of the volunteers who assist in raising and training these little bits of furry magic.  But, the story is just beginning …  

Our lives have become so enriched, as we have developed new friendships with so many wonderful families in our area.  Every weekend we are sharing our lives and ponies with children with autism, ADD, severe health issues, and those suffering from heartache … The Mansfield-Sanderson family has been blessed and our children our flourishing with their new dedication and friendships.  

Personal Ponies gave meaning to our lives…we truly believe in Pony Magic!