lily and holly

If any of you have been to the farm in recent years, chances are you'll remember meeting Lily and Holly, a mother and daughter pair who have been together their whole lives. Lily, the bay with a perfect heart on her forehead, and Holly with her partial blaze. Holly is also the mother of Applewood Highland Heather, and grandmother to Mandy and Winsome. 

Lily and Holly, while friendly towards people, have never really enjoyed being part of the herd. Loved and cared for, they prefer each other's company over that of the other ponies, and they are primarily driving ponies. We started looking for the perfect winter foster for them, where they could just be with each other, and with someone who had an interest in driving - neither have ever had a saddle on them, and they love to work together. 

We believe in something called Pony Karma. Every time we wonder why we're doing this, or thinking that we're fighting a losing battle against extinction or corruption of the Newfoundland Pony breed, something spectacular happens, and we are reminded that the cause is not lost, and there is a reason why we fight so hard for these precious Ponies. 

Such was the case with Lily and Holly. Thanks to NH Chronicle's segment from this spring, interest in our mission and this breed has skyrocketed, and we have met some wonderful people. Two of these wonderful people were a couple who not only lived nearby, but were very interested in learning to drive and in critically endangered breeds. Double bonus: they were interested in Lily having a foal to help preserve the breed. Triple bonus: they wanted to foster both Lily and Holly so they could stay together! Our director went to visit where Lily and Holly will be living, and it was like it was made for them. 

We will certainly miss having them onsite at the farm, but we know that they will be cherished and adored at their foster home. We are also thrilled to have new pony enthusiasts join us in our efforts to save the breed, learning all they need to know about  the pony from us, not only their care, but their conservation as well. Holly and Lily will continue to educate and show off all that is wonderful about the Newfoundland Pony. Congratulations, Holly and Lily!