The following story was written by one of
our pony recipients, Jacob Mack of Potter County, Pennysylvania. Jacob
was thirteen years old when he wrote this story,and we think you'll
agree he did a GREAT job! We were very touched by the special
relationship between boy and pony - another example of how our ponies
change lives, one child, and one pony, at a time...
Hi, my name is Jacob Mack. I have
Tourette Syndrome Disorder and I was in a car accident and have
traumatic brain injury. The first part of December of 1999, my mom
found out about getting a "personal pony." Mafusa came December 24,
1999. He is a United Kingdom type Shetland Pony. We became best
friends. I never had a pony before, so at first I was excited and
scared. I learned to brush him and feed him carrots and every time my
mom baked apple pie, he got all the apple peelings.
Dad
and I started to train Mafusa to drive a wagon. First we got together
and made a wagon just Mafusa's size. We went to a tack shop and bought
a harness and then we needed to make it Mafusa's size too. We joined
the Pegasus Riders 4H Club. I learned to drive Mafusa and we did a lot
of horse projects together. I became confident that I could drive
Mafusa in the Potter County Fair. We decided to enter. Dad fixed the
van so we could all go together. I rode in the front seat and Mafusa
rode in the back seat. Some people saw us and they waved and laughed to
see a pony ride in a mini van. We won with a ribbon for "champion in
showmanship." We qualified for districts and received third place.
My sister, Michelle, wanted to have
an outdoor wedding. We decorated Mafusa's wagon. I drove Mufasa with
the wedding party to the wedding. Mafusa did very good. He was the best
one there.
Dad and I made a sleigh out of a
wheelbarrow for Mufasa to pull in the winter. We hauled manure with it.
After chorses were done we had a lot of fun riding in the snow. Even
Sheen, my dog, played and ran beside us.
This summer a good day begins with
good food for both of us; grass for Mafusa and lots of water. Mafusa
gets his in the water trough, and I get mine from my canteen. We hitch
up the cart and away we go. Sometimes we go to the ball field or just
out for a ride around the block. One day Mafusa decided to take a spin
by himself. He ran into Ulysses. I was running after him. Mafusa didn't
get hurt but the van needed to be fixed. I led Mafusa back home and my
sister helped bring the cart back home. Dad helped me fix the tire. I
forgave Mafusa right away because best friends always forgive.
We
entered the Potter County Fair again this year. We won lots of ribbons.
We qualified for districts again. Guess what? At district we received
first place. Now we are getting ready to go to state competition. It
sounds like a lot of fun and quality time we can spend together. Yep! A
good day is just me and my best friend, Mafusa, spending time with each
other.
Update on Jacob & Mafusa
Jacob
showed Mafusa last year at the Potter County Fair, in Millport, PA. in
4-H in harness driving and halter classes. They placed first in both
classes and Grand Champion in harness driving....this allowed them to
compete for the district show which was held that year at Potter County
Fairgrounds. They captured first place allowing them to compete on the
state level at Harrisburg, PA. You can bet they were pretty excited to
be able to contiue on.
So
Jacob and his parents, Judy & Ken along with Mafusa made the
journey to Harrisburg. Although they did not place in the harness
driving, they were recognized for competing, and we can be very proud
of both of them. They competed right along with children who do not
have disabilites, thus proving children with special needs do have
abilities and they shine!! Congratulations to Jacob and Mafusa for
their achievements together!!
Since
then, they have travelled on together and share with others... Mafusa
is letting his talents shine in their local 4-H Club with new members
learning to drive. He just lets his magic flow in a community parade
with Jacob....letting no rain spoil their parade! In two weeks, they
will be going to the children's summer reading program in their
community, Ulysses, sharing PPL with the others in the program.
If
you ever travel through the little town of Ulysses, you might see
Mafusa and Jacob out enjoying their community and trotting on together.
They are a blessed team, together making a difference in our world.
Hats off to both of them!!
