We spent a lot of time looking and hoping we would find just
the right pony or small horse. There is always the worry that
you will get the wrong one. We wanted this to be a good experience
for our granddaughter. To help teach her about responsibility
and share our
love of horses with
her. The only request Janelle had was she wanted a black pony.
We found Cricket and we lucked out by finding a pony with a good
disposition and black. The picture at the right tells about the
relationship Janelle and Cricket came to know. Janelle spent countless
hours just leading Cricket around. I wish I would have filmed
more of it. Janelle told Cricket every thing that was happening
in her life. And she probably spent as much time walking and talking
to her as she did riding her. We tried to teach Janelle that part of riding
is getting the horse ready. Grooming is a big part of owning and
riding your horse. One day she wanted to ride and I was kind of
tired I told Janelle just get her blanket and saddle and you can
ride. Janelle would not hear of it, she put her hands on her hips and said "but Grandma
we have to brush her first". I guess our lessons worked.
This experience has embedded a very deep love for horses in Janelle.
Nothing in life stays the same. Janelle has out grown Cricket and she is now riding the horses. So Cricket has been retired, her time here with us was about to end. She had developed arthritis in her legs and hips. Before we talked to Janelle about it, I thought and thought of how I was going to explain to a 7 year old that her pony is going to have to be put down. Janelle knew Cricket could hardly walk, but to have to tell her that we have decided it was best for her to die, that was hard.
Time will heal the hard part of letting Cricket go, and all the good memories will remain. This page is dedicated to all the Crickets that have given children like Janelle hours and hours of learning, love, and enjoyment.