A Grandpa’s Thank you to a Pony named Stoney
I am writing a special thank you to Therapeutic Horsemanship, and their devoted staff, but most of all to that special little Pony that makes my grandson Christian happy and full of life every Tuesday. 
For the past almost seven years, my daughter, Julie, and the rest of our family have been amazed at the growth and function Christian has gained riding Faithful little Stoney.
This was so unbelievable to me, that, I had to paint that picture of Christian smiling on top of old Stoney and called it Cowboy Up”. It has hung in the main lobby of T/H all this time for the encouragement to others.
There has become an unreal bond between a young boy who has been unable to function well from the neck down and, who still remains on a full rime life support unit. I think he may be one of the only riders in this condition.
Stoney was the perfect horse/pony to work with Christian, because of his seeming ability to feel and know that this little cowboy needed his help. Yes, Stoney has been that valiant steed that has given his heart to his special riders like Christian several decades. His real age is unknown.
As a western painter I could see at once in Stoney’s beautiful eyes the understanding that Stoney what his duty and mission.
Although Stoney has some long service years behind him, he still is a pony that seems to be glad to get out in the ring or on a sunny day take his riders out on a trail ride amongst the trees and blowing winds at TH.
This equine has become a part of our extended family as we find ourselves asking Christian all the time, the same question Where is Stoney Christian. Always rewarding us with that great big infectious smile of his,
Christian looks forward to every Tuesday when he can Cowboy Up” on his faithful Stoney.
Thank you all again & Happy Trails to Stoney the Pony,
Grandpa Ron aka The Canvas Cowboy
Thank you all again & Happy Trails to Stoney the Pony,
Grandpa Ron aka The Canvas Cowboy
