Meet Tinkerbell!
When you wish upon a star...
A symbol of fantasy and grace, the unicorn has been a creature of legend since ancient times. Present in folklore and still seen in modern fiction, they possess a magical horn, healing capabilities…and the ability to remind us all that if you wish upon a star, your very own wish might just come true.
Not all animals who lack in resources lack in love. Such is the case of this pretty little mare.
Farm animals and equines such as horses and ponies were particularly hard hit by COVID-19 work prohibition sanctions. Across America farmers, small businesses, and other workers were prohibited from working or running "non essential" services but were not forgiven on expenses such as mortgages, taxes, or even basic operating expenses like food and water for animals. As "two weeks of quarantine" moved in to months and years most American farmers, riding instructors, and other large animal owners and guardians were faced with a horrible choice: sell their beloved animals or become homeless and bankrupt. Some horses and ponies were lucky and found new homes, but thousands of other beloved riding school ponies and children's pets in America were shipped to auction and, for many, to filthy and terrifying slaughter houses where they were killed and sold as pieces of meat.
Tinkerbell's animal guardian dearly loved her and did what she could to keep this sweet pony away from the dreaded slaughter pen, moving her to the cheapest stable, looking for lower cost lodgings for herself, and making hard decisions on pulling back on the pony's care expenses to try to keep the mare “just one more month.” Ultimately, she too had to make the hard decision: let go of her beloved pony and hope that someone would protect her from the kill pen's stench or lose everything herself. The impossible choice was devastating and, on the darkest days, the woman would stand and hug Tinkerbell while softly singing “When You Wish Upon a Star” and wishing for the right person to find them.
Thankfully, her wish was heard and our well-respected team was notified about this very loved little pony who had simply fallen on hard times. As luck would have it, we had a large, spacious, home available that would be just perfect for her. We dispatched out our team of veterinary and horse care specialists to her and lathered her in love and rehabilitation: fixing sharp teeth that had become overgrown, tailoring food to help her build her strength, nurturing her abscessed hooves back to health, slowly rebuilding her muscles, providing custom supplies just right for her little size, and delivering much needed annual vaccinations and worming. Over the process of months of daily work with our team she blossomed from a loved pony fallen on hard times to the radiant, polished, princess pony that she always was, in mind, body, and heart.
Tinkerbell not only brings delight to every path she crosses, but also illustrates how important it is to be kind to animals. We are honored to work alongside her to share her story and the important roles that animal guardians play in keeping animals safe, even when they can no longer care for the animal themselves.
We know you'll love this small, smart, brave, and sassy pony just as much as we do - she truly captures the whimsical aspect of unicorn beauty and majesty for everyone she meets.
TINKERBELL FACTS:
Birthday: January 1, 2013
Breed: Welsh Pony
Color: Gray
Height: 11.2 Hands (about 3'8" tall)
Gender: Mare (adult female)
Favorite Food: ANYTHING. Except apples.... we don't understand that either.
