Thankful 2025

This Thanksgiving I am thankful
For the inspiration Fell Ponies give
To the people who spend time with them
Or with whom they choose to live.

These ponies inspire creativity,
Manifesting as the many things we do,
For each of them individually
And for them all collectively, too.

Whether we care for our only favorite friend,
Ensuring food and water is available.
And recognizing their request for interaction
That is indeed unassailable.

Whether taking on other people’s ponies
When a breeder needs to retire,
Or training them in a discipline
To the highest levels to which they aspire.

Whether trail riding with them privately
That brings to us great joy,
Or taking them to a show ring
For a collective experience to enjoy.

Whether creating new venues to showcase them
For more people to learn their unique gifts.
Or providing leadership in places it’s needed
To help heal community rifts.

Whether persisting year on year to breed
With incredible dedication.
Or prompting the writing of a letter
To someone who needs to hear appreciation.

Whether helping their people be content
With doing the unheralded work of organizations.
Or for them to be a bridge within the community
Across oceans or borders between nations.

Whether putting pen to paper to teach
Or putting finger to screen to do the same,
Either way sharing with each other;
These ponies unify us in our aim.

Whether remembering the humble history
Of these ponies toiling away
Or looking ahead for ideas and ways
To keep these ponies on hill or fell another day.

Whether reminding us when hosting activities
To make them open to all who love these ponies.
Or giving us the chance when one on one
To feel we have won without ceremonies.

There are so many ways these ponies inspire
Their people to do tough and ongoing work.
Most of it goes unnoticed,
Yet all of it cannot be shirked.

This Thanksgiving I am thankful
For all the people in the Fell Pony community
Who I know do their best on these ponies’ behalf
And find through them that we have unity.

© Jenifer Morrissey, 2025