When I attended the annual Pony Penning Week made famous by Marguerite Henry's horse books based on Misty of Chincoteague, I had no idea I would ever have a chance to ride a palomino pinto pony one day.
It started like this: I interviewed Rebekah Hart, a Chincoteague Pony breeder from Elgin, Minnesota, for my book Marguerite, Misty and Me. Rebekah is part of the leadership team of the International Chincoteague Pony Association and Registry. We spoke on the phone and she mentioned she would be attending Pony Penning Week on Chincoteague, Island too.
We met up at the corrals on Assateague and again at an open house at KerKaKen Acres, home of the Chincoteague Pony Drill Team. Rebekah encouraged me to do the cakewalk fundraiser for the drill team. I did not win the Misty's Twilight Breyer model horse which was the prize, but I had fun.
Two and a half weeks later I was back researching the Marguerite Henry Collection at the University of Minnesota. En route, I stopped by Hart's Island Pony Ranch and met Rebekah's herd. Then and there, I had the honor to hop on her beautiful mare Pixie, who I think could portray the famous pony Misty of Chincoteague.
I am tall—around 5'9" and Pixie is under 14.2. I was worried I would feel like a giant on the petite equine, but I really didn't. I realize I look big on her, but it felt like I was riding a horse. Her taffy-toned ears were so cute and perky. I had a superb view of the cornfields and the bright summer sky.
Rebekah (who is even taller than me) rode her bay pinto bareback and we walked and talked, strolling around a verdant pasture. It was a day I will never forget. Thanks, Rebekah and Pixie!
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