~FAQs about PERSONAL PONIES

Is PERSONAL PONIES a charitable organization?
Yes! We are incorporated in the state of New York and are a 501-C-3 organization registered with the Internal Revenue Service. All contributions are tax deductible according to the limits of the law.

How is PERSONAL PONIES organized?
Board of Directors / National Director / Assistant Director / Regional Directors / State Directors / Community Directors / Volunteer Breeders, Sponsors, Promoters / Families with disabled children.

What can PERSONAL PONIES do for my community?
We can offer disabled children in your community a pony to love. Our ponies are also “roving ambassadors” and are taken wherever children can benefit from interacting with them. They can brighten the day or seniors in convalescent homes, light up an entire campful of cancer patients, be part of programs for emotionally disturbed children. Our ponies go to parades, fairs, day care centers, therapeutic riding centers—think of any place where smiles are needed and our ponies will go.

How is PERSONAL PONIES funded?
Caring people contribute financially. Find out how YOU can help.

How are the funds you receive used?
NO ONE is paid a single cent for the work they do! Almost 100% of our funds are used to purchase ponies, plus a very small amount for administrative expenses.

Who pays for the care of the ponies?
Our volunteers who raise, train, sponsor and promote our ponies assume the cost of maintaining the ponies they are assigned. Families who receive ponies from the program are also responsible for the care of the ponies they receive.

Can I tell PPL how I would like my contribution used?
Absolutely! Funds can be allocated to the Import Fund, Pony Medical Fund, or Pony Retirement Fund. You can also make a specific request that your funds benefit a specific project in your own state or community.

I would like my contribution to help a volunteer in my community. Can I do this?
YES! Simply send your contribution to the Personal Ponies national office with a note about how you would like it to be used. The national office will forward your funds to the appropriate volunteer to be used as you wish. You will also receive a record of your contribution for tax purposes.

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~FAQs about our Volunteer Program

I am interested in volunteering, how do I get started?
Contact your State Director and find out how you can assist other volunteers in your area or offer to be a Community Director.

How can I help other volunteers?
The list is endless! Find out what is needed in your area and just BEGIN. Speak to the local volunteer breeders, promoters and sponsors—they never run out of things that need doing! Join our chat list and get involved.

How large an area is a community?
Picture a fifty mile circle with you in the exact center.

If I am a Community Director, what do I do and what do I say?
Picture yourself with a small promotion pony talking to people. Picture yourself taking this pony to convalescent homes, group homes, day care centers, parades, fairs, community events of all kinds. Then picture the smiles of sick children.

Is there official material I can use for handouts? A video?
Yes, and we teach you how to create material suited to your area. There is also material available for download on this website.

How do I get a promotion pony?
You will help us find one or we will have one available for your use.

I would like to breed ponies for my community. Is that possible?
Of course! This is vital to the growth of the program in your area. We offer a stallion and two mares to every community that has a Volunteer Breeder.

Where do the ponies come from that are placed in to the program?
Ponies are bred by Volunteer Breeders, or are imported from the UK with the funds we receive from interested persons. Ponies may also be transferred from other placements as families outgrow the need for them or as they become available from other volunteers.

Do I have to pay for the ponies I receive?
No. We provide ponies to our breeders, sponsors, promoters and families at no charge. However everyone who accepts a pony agrees to assume the cost of its care.

Is it expensive to keep a pony?
Tiny ponies are far less expensive to feed that big horses! Costs vary depending on the area, but typically it may cost $30-$40/month to feed a pony, less if pasture is available. You will also be responsible for routine medical and hoof care. You are not required to assume extraordinary expense to maintain a sick or injured pony. You are also entitled to a tax receipt for your expenses.

Are the ponies ever sold or given away?
No never. Once accepted into our program, ponies receive lifetime care.

How do I know a family will take good care of the pony they receive?
Community Directors are responsible for screening the families that receive ponies and being certain that the family understands good pony care and has adequate facilities to keep it safe and comfortable. The Community Director is also responsible for maintaining contact with the families, for assisting them as needed, and for making sure the ponies are receiving proper care.

Is pony care a lot of work?
We expect excellent pony care. Yes, it is a lot of work—but the pleasure a pony brings to your life far outweighs the work!

Do the ponies ride or drive?
This is not a requirement. We offer our ponies as “best friends,” an equine version of The Velveteen Rabbit. If the pony-child relationship can include riding or driving in harness, we encourage that. However, the organization has no expectation that ponies be trained or used to ride or drive.

How do I know I will like doing this?
You don't know! Find out by doing! Spend time helping other volunteers until you are certain you want to take on the responsibilities of being a breeder, sponsor or promoter.

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~FAQs about our program

What are the rules for qualifying to receive a pony from the program?
There are no rules and regulations. If you have a child with special needs whose life will be enriched by one of our ponies, we want to help.

I am interested in the program. What do I do now?
Contact your State Director. Visit local volunteers and spend time with our ponies. YOU decide if you think your child will benefit from having a very special, new “best friend.”

How long will I have to wait for a pony?
Unfortunately, sometimes the wait is long. It will depend on where you are located and when a pony becomes available. We simply don't have enough ponies to meet the demand.If you believe in us, spread the word about our work and help raise funds so we can buy more ponies, so more special children can benefit from our program.

I can't keep a pony at my home. Is there another way to have a pony?
Yes. We have Volunteer Sponsors who keep ponies for families who cannot maintain them at home. In this case, you come to visit your pony as often as you can.

Our family has no experience with equines. Can I still have a pony?
Yes. Your Community Director will teach you about pony care and make sure that your facilities meet our guidelines. We want both you and our pony to feel safe and confident.

What are my responsibilities if I have a pony in my care?
When you accept one of our ponies, you agree to its proper care, shelter and ordinary medical needs. You also agree to give it LOTS of love and attention and to contact us if any problems or questions should arise. You will also be expected to stay in contact with your Community Director and to submit veterinary records so we know your pony has received the proper vaccinations and wormings.

What happens if my pony gets sick or injured?
We do not expect anyone to incurr extraordinary expense to maintain the life of a pony. Sick or injured ponies who require expensive care will be humanely euthanized. You are not alone. We will make these kinds of decisions together with the best interests of your child and the pony in mind.

Can I use the pony we receive to promote PERSONAL PONIES?
OF COURSE! You are not in any way required to promote or support our organization, but lots of our families want to share their ponies and help with the work we do. Many of our families are ALSO volunteers!

What happens when my child outgrows our pony and it is no longer needed?
In their average thirty year life time, our ponies may serve many children. Simply tell us when you would like to return your pony and we will place it in a new home.

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