Upsetting the Apple Cart

Stacy teaching Aspen to drive the cart pony

Who knew an adorable little pony, a small cart, and the right opportunity, could be fraught with over-powering danger.  I got a phone call from Stacy, my youngest daughter by one minute of her twin sister.  Sensing the urgency in her voice, as this typical fast-talking daughter added a bit more liveliness to her voice, I instantly came to full attention as she went on with her story.

Aspen driving the cart pony for the first time

The usually calm and well mannered pony was acting up for nine year old Aspen. The fact that Stacy had been raised with horses and had a pony of her own that she got on her ninth birthday, did not prepare her for the uncharted turn of events the pony had instigated earlier in the day which left Stacy with a near death experience.

First day to drive a pony cart

Five year old Kody wanted to go with Stacy when she took the pony from Aspen with the intent to straighten out the little upstart.  Such are the fine intents of the inexperienced in such matters.  She thanked God afterwards for having the presence of mind to say, "no" as she drove off with the air of confidence of a steed in an unchallenged domain.

A fun pony before the accident

Off she went, as the pony set a brisk pace across the field, picking up speed with each stride in her refusal to slow down.  The pull of the reins served only to hasten her faster onward and prompt Stacy to stand and lean back on the reins with full force.  The pony was running wildly out of control as the treeline looming before them drew closer. Stacy glanced to the ground to see it spinning past her.  She had two choices, jump from the fast moving cart, or slam into the trees the pony was heading toward straight as an arrow.  She made the jump tumbling over and over again before coming to a stop. 

Photo of the pony that was in the accident

The Robertson's, having watched in horror,  raced toward Stacy as another fellow flew to her on his moped.  Adrenaline brought Stacy to her feet and onto the back of the moped in search of the pony.  They found her laying in the field, a good twenty-five feet from where the cart collided with the trees, as if dead until the call of her name brought her to her feet.  They both limped their way home, sore and a bit rumpled, but otherwise in good condition.  The next morning the sun rose at daybreak, the horses stood impatiently awaiting their feed, and the dogs were laying with ears pricked forward listening for the sound of footsteps coming in their direction.  Morning had broken, another day begun, and life carried on at the ranch with a little more wisdom than it had started with yesterday.