“The Lost and Found Pony”
by Tracy Dockray.
Feiwel and Friends, New York, 2011, 32 pages, Grades K-3.
Owning a horse is a life-changing event for children. Every day they must go to the barn and curry (comb) the animals and feed them. Additionally, they must exercise the horses. This is usually done on trail rides through parks or pastures, or by galloping through fields.
It is an exciting hobby. Additionally, young people develop deep friendship with their equine companions. These relationships allow children to develop character, compassion and self-discipline.
Tracy Dockray has written a lovely story of a young girl’s relationship with her horse. There are many trials for both the horse and the young girl, but the power of love shines through this beautiful tale. It is currently listed on the Golden Sower Book List for K-3 students and is entitled, “The Lost and Found Pony.”
The small colt is born and gazes up at the immense barn on the farm. All the other animals are much larger than the little pony and seem somewhat intimidating. But other small animals love the pony and together they run through the country pastures.
The family who owns the farm has a young daughter who is attracted to the sweet little pony. Since she is small as well, the pony seems to be the right size. Soon she rides the small horse around the farm and even enters jumping competitions.
For a while, all is well, but one day the jumps are simply too tall for the little horse. He refuses to jump over the high bars and the girl takes a dangerous tumble. With this, her parents refuse to let her daughter ride the pony any longer. The girl and the pony are heartbroken when the parents sell the little horse to a circus a few days later. The girl is given a large, powerful horse easily capable of clearing the bars in jumping competitions. But the girl’s interest in riding declines. She longs for her little pony.
Meanwhile, the pony gets a new owner at the circus. This man is friendly toward the pony and they become the stars of trick riding under the big circus tent. For years they travel throughout the country, performing for large crowds. But always during the performances, the little pony anxiously looks into the crowds, hoping to see the young girl he loves so.
But sadly, as people begin watching more television and playing more video games, the circus starts to fail. People quit coming to the circus and it goes bankrupt. The little pony is now old and less able to jump and run. What will become of him?
At the auction of all the circus animals, he stands sadly in a corral by himself. Suddenly something wonderful happens. A young woman strides over to buy him. He turns his tired head and joy tumbles over him.
Who is this young woman? Why is she so interested in the old, tired pony? What happens to the pony? Have you ever found something you had lost? How did it make you feel? How do the woman and the old pony feel? To find out, go to the library and check out this touching story, “The Lost and Found Pony,” by Tracy Dockray.
This book is so poignant that it will bring tears to your eyes. As well, readers will learn that the little pony never is angry about being small, but tries to develop himself positively. He always loves and in return is loved. We can learn a great deal about ourselves through this beautifully told story. The pictures will simply capture your heart and I hope you get the chance to share this touching book with the younger members of your family. I loved the story and think you will too. Enjoy!
