Our Ponies
Every pony at Think Like a Pony Leeds has a story.
All of our ponies have been carefully rehabilitated by Lynn and the Think Like a Pony team before going on to work in our riding school. Each one has been given the time, understanding and support they need to feel safe, confident and valued again.
Many of our ponies have experienced challenges in their past, and it’s this journey that makes them so special. In different ways, some share experiences that mirror those of the young people who work with them – helping to build powerful, unspoken connections based on trust, patience and mutual understanding.
Our ponies aren’t just here to teach riding skills. They are teachers in their own right, helping young people develop confidence, empathy, resilience and self-belief, simply by being who they are.
Their stories
Minnie
I arrived at Think Like a Pony because both my owners and I were in desperate need of Lynn’s help! I was tense, explosive, spooky and would throw bucks, run away or refuse to go forward. My little rider refused to come anywhere near me, afraid I might catapult her through the air! Now I am completely rehabilitated and enjoying my work. One of the best things about Think Like a Pony is that they want the best for me too. I am no longer afraid to wear my saddle and bridle. My feet, teeth and back are in top condition. I have met many lovely children who enjoy their time with me. I enjoy my time with them too, and the pony friends I have made.
Dora
Before I came to Think Like a Pony, I was a very large pony – almost twice the size I am now! That was because I would only behave if I was given treats and food. Even then, I was difficult to handle, unwilling to cooperate and used my weight to get what I wanted. I was very good at barging my way through things. Now I have lost so much weight, I feel like a new pony and I look like one too! Although my unhealthy lifestyle has left me with a heart murmur, the Think Like a Pony team keep me fit and motivated to enjoy my work and life. I am able to give confidence and support to those children who need a steady pony.
Teddy
Before I came to live at Think Like a Pony my name was Tricky. That was because everyone found me tricky to deal with. I was sharp to handle, difficult to stop and scared of everything. Here at Think Like a Pony, they helped me to think and not react. I became a calm and responsive pony – no longer tricky. I love my new name because inside I am just a cuddly
teddy bear.
Conker
When I came to Think Like a Pony, things were different here – calmer, slower and easier to make sense of. My confidence grew, which made me braver and happier. I am now a very experienced pony and enjoy helping nervous riders find their confidence, just like I found mine.
Pumpkin
Before I came to Think Like a Pony, some people said that I was silly and spooky. They said I was a fidget because I found it hard to stand still, but my body was hurting so much that I did not want to stand still. I felt out of sorts and I could not think straight. So, everything around me made me feel afraid and worried. When I arrived at Think Like a Pony, I was only 3-years-old. For the first time I felt that someone understood me and they could see my pain and discomfort. It has been a long journey to recovery and I can still have bad days, but here at Think Like a Pony, there is always someone to help me feel better.
Feather
I am a Dartmoor Hill pony. The Dartmoor is a wild place and you have to be tough up there. I came to Yorkshire when I was just a few months old and my first job was to keep other foals company. They were a lot bigger than me, but I soon learned to be strong enough not to be bullied by them. My next job was as a riding and driving pony where I learnt that I couldn’t always be the boss. But I also realised how much fun it could be to go for rides and jump over things, and how proud it made me to take really big people for rides with my Saddle Charriot. I was always used to doing things my way, but now I am learning how great it is to be part of a team.
Biscuit
When I first arrived at Think Like a Pony, I was wild and woolly. I was pushy and demanding. I wouldn’t eat my hard feed from a bucket without kicking it over. I trashed the water bucket every time it was filled and I tried to barge my way in and out of gates. When Lynn started my training, I realised that I had met my match. I came to understand that I was uncoordinated and rushed everywhere. I was strong but not athletic. I soon learnt to move slowly and in rhythm which helped me become more flexible. I started to feel better in myself and started to enjoy my journey to become a ridden pony. I am now a big part of the Youth Development programme!
Duncan
I was very much loved before I came to Think Like a Pony, but I did not respect my owner. I would often bully or intimidate humans to get my own way. I am very beautiful and cuddly, but I am also very strong-willed. At Think Like a Pony, they help me to understand that to be loveable, I have to respect humans. I now understand that it is okay to be strong willed, but not in an intimidating or dangerous way. Now my life is full of lots of young people who love me and are not afraid of me and life is getting better every day. There is a great future ahead of me.
Buzz
Before coming to Think Like a Pony, I had a very busy life. I jumped, competed and hacked out – but I didn’t enjoy it. I was uncomfortable because my tack didn’t fit properly. My rider also didn’t listen to me or communicate with me clearly. I love to please but I did not know what to do next. In the end, I gave up. Then I was gifted to Think Like a Pony and my life changed. It is now full of positive experiences and new friends. I feel a lot stronger and able to help young people because they listen to me. They understand what I want and care about my feelings. Now I can be myself.
Toffee
Coming to Think Like a Pony was a big step in my life. My previous owner loved and cared for me, but I needed to learn how to be respectful and easier to handle and ride. It was time for me to start my training! I didn’t realise that I had become a bit of a bully, throwing my weight around and demanding my own way! Here at Think Like a Pony, I soon learnt that my behaviour was not going to win me friends. After several months I became a respected and trusted member of the herd. This is because I now know what is acceptable behaviour, which has helped me to make friends not only with the herd but with the children here at Think Like a Pony.
in theirs.
Dillon
I was loved in my previous home but my role there did not suit my talents or strengths. I needed to retrain so that I could see a clearer future for myself and enjoy my life with people as well as my new herd. Now I feel comfortable in my skin and I am helping children to feel comfortable
in theirs.
Storm
Pony in training.
Bubbles
Pony in training.