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Assistant National Director: By Denise Chasin

I grew up in a family that had one cat. No one in my family was interested in animals. I was the one who longed for the unparalleled companionship that ponies, puppies and other four-legged friends can bring. Later in my life, around the time when one is able to branch off, direct and/or find one’s own passions, I determined I would have animals in my life, in particular -- horses. Other than a few horseback riding adventures with friends, I had little experience with horses, but the world of equines was calling me. I went on my first trail ride with my now husband over 20 years ago and I never looked back. I was deeply enthralled with and committed to horses. They quickly became my world. I spent every moment not working in my office, in and around horses. My husband and I were city folk driving out after work and on the weekends to ride horses. Soon we owned a few and not long after that we packed up the wagon and headed to the country bringing our horses home and leaving me plenty of room for more animals.

My other true passion, being in service to others, became clear to me early in my life. I used to invent different scenarios in my life that would allow me to give people something at no charge. Most people balked and laughed at this notion, but I was determined to find ways to offer what was needed at no charge. As I volunteered in many venues, including therapeutic riding centers, I longed for something greater – something limitless. I wanted something that did not involve an exchange of money and that had no specific goals in mind. I wanted something with greater freedom and a wider scope.

It was then that I met a wonderful friend, Marianne Alexander, founder of Personal Ponies. We met because of an issue I was having with a horse friend and she offered some assistance as to how to best address the situation. Her answer, as it always does, included the words, “trot on”. I think from that moment onwards, I have spoken to Marianne daily. She introduced me to Personal Ponies and I was instantly besotted. Within weeks of that initial discovery I found myself driving to pick up the first mare of our program here in Barnesville, MD. Her name is Neathelry Mae and she was one month away from having her first foal. As many say, the rest is history.

Marianne and I quickly discovered we shared another passion. Both of us were completely dedicated and determined to research and understand the most up-to-date, well-researched nutritional practices, not just for our ponies but for ourselves as well. Both of us believed, or I should say insisted, that nothing can be more important to the long-term health of our pony’s than good quality nutrition. Shortly thereafter, Marianne asked me to take on the role of Personal Ponies National Director of Pony Health and Nutrition, an area that is dear to my heart and one that I enjoy immensely. Educating our volunteers and educating myself is a life-long commitment and dedication that I have been doing and will continue to do wholeheartedly.

Marianne and I spoke daily of the wider purposes of Personal Ponies, how the program has evolved and what is needed to carry us into the next quarter of a century. Marianne shared with me the many stories of our ponies and of our volunteers and I witnessed myself - over and over again how our program makes a difference in the lives of not only the children we serve, but in the lives of all of the people involved. I cannot remember the exact evolution of Marianne’s question, “will you take over the reins in 2010?” , but without a moment’s hesitation, I said I was honored and determined and here we are.

My husband, Eric, two daughters Sydney and Amanda, two dogs, two cats, two bunnies, four chickens, one turtle, three goats, two horses and five personal ponies were all supportive and pleased when I agreed to be the National Director of Personal Ponies. I believe there is no greater honor. Having grown up without animals, I have now created the world I used to wish for and have found a way to make others’ dreams come true as well. There is nothing else I would rather be doing.