My First Pony.

My Dearest T and K,

Hello my Darlings.

Today I am going to tell you about my first pony. His name was Pipparus and he was a tiny little white pony. He had a very naughty streak and my mother said it was good to learn how to ride on a naughty pony as he would teach me all kinds of things. That he did! He was so small that he could fit under a fence pole and knew well that I, on his back, could not. He would duck under them to knock me off and I quickly learnt to keep him well away from fence posts. I chuckle as I write this as I can't imagine allowing either one of you to ride on a pony who's best fun is to try to get you off. But... things were different when I was a child.

I entered my first show on Pippy and the judge thought us such a cute combination that she awarded us with a Highly Commended Certificate. I was VERY proud.

Here is a photo of me receiving it...

I was six, the same age that you are now, K. My best friend, Lindy, is on the other pony whose name was Quinella. She had won.

Here is an event I won. It was the Fancy Dress and I dressed up as an American Indian. We made hand prints in colored paint all over his white coat and I had long black yarn plaits and rode without a saddle. We got the winners RED rosette for this outfit. Look at us, how could we not?

I loved Pippy dearly and berated anyone who dared to call him by his nick-name, The Little White Goat.

He taught me to ride well. His naughtiness taught me to anticipate his every move, a skill that is handy even today and one that I try to teach you both.

I love you very much,

Your mom,

Donni