Hey everyone, so a little back story here. I was leasing a qh/arabian gelding from my sister for about a year. This horse had so many behavior issues that needed correcting that it was exhausting and not all that much fun when I would go out to spend time with him. So, I had my sister lease him to someone else for the term of 6 months in hopes that when the lease was up he would have some of the behavior issues corrected. I was supposed to take the lease back over October of 2018, well mid August of 2018 we were having a family dinner at my mom's house and my sister brought up the conversation about this pony that was being boarded out at the farm. The owner was going to have her put down on Saturday(this convo happened Monday) because she was behind on board(had 5 horses at the time) and was unable to find her a home because she is nearly 100% blind. I told my sister to set it up with the lady I wanted to meet this mare. So the next day the woman met with me out at the farm and that is when I met her, my dream horse! Although she went by the name Splash she is now known as Princess Sparkles or Sparkles for short. She is so sweet, her manners are amazing, she can be ridden alone or with other horses. She is incredible! She is a rocky mountain horse and bad breeding is what resulted in her being blind and also she is only just over 13 hands. The woman GAVE her to me, just like that! While we were out there my husband started petting a mini donkey that was also boarded there by another woman. Apparently she had told my sister she was looking for a new home for him as well. So, a mini donkey was also given to us that day. He came with the name Willie so is now known as Gee Wilikers, we still call him Willie though. He also has excellent ground manners. My youngest son(6) loves to brush him and pet him and Willie loves the attention! So we now have a new horse and a mini donkey. The person who was only going to lease my gelding until October was offered a long term lease and she said yes to that so no worries there! 

Fast forward to mid November 2018...my sister's friend who was leasing out a paint mare from her no longer really was interested in leasing her. My sister mentioned this to me because I have expressed interested in Shelby(paint mare) in the past as she is an excellent kids and beginners horse. So, Thanksgiving we took the kids out to test ride Shelby and guess what happened? We now have 2 horses and a mini donkey! 

Anyway, it is just kind of interesting how 5 months ago we had 0 horses and now have 2 horses and our Gee Wilikers! Also I wanted to show off just some basic pictures but not quite sure how to add them to a post!

Princess Sparkles
https://i.imgur.com/Wx1wtB0.png
https://i.imgur.com/RFib7t2.jpg?1

Shelby 
https://i.imgur.com/uSlhstS.jpg?1

Gee Wilikers, Shelby, Sparkles on Christmas 2018
https://i.imgur.com/94sz1j7.jpg?1

oh my gosh i am in love with your paint!!!

Everything happens for a reason! I'm hoping get a mini donkey one day, I want something to keep an eye on my goats and also just for the fun of it xD

What cute poniessss. ♥

My grandparents had two mini donkeys and they were adorable. They had attitude problems though, hated halters, and were a nightmare to trailer xD

That's really awesome that these hoof babies fell into your life! I'm sure they're super lucky to have found you! :D

My beloved Gee Willikers crossed the rainbow bridge on 3/5/19 after many efforts to save him there was just too much wrong and letting him go was the kindest option we had. 

Im glad you know about rainbow bridge, there is another poem that may also help with your pain and thank you for taking in these wonderful animals 

The Grandest Foal

I'll lend you for a little while 
My grandest foal, He said, 
For you to love while she's alive
And mourn for when she's dead.

It may be one or twenty years,
Or days or months, you see.
But, will you, till I take her back,
Take care of her for me? 

She'll bring her charms to gladden you,
And should her stay be brief,
You'll have treasured memories
To bring solace in your grief.

I cannot promise she will stay,
Since all from earth return.
But, there are lessons taught on earth
I want this foal to learn.

I've looked the wide world over
In my search for teachers true.
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes
With trust I have selected you.

Now will you give her your total love,
Nor think the labour vain,
Nor hate Me when I come
To take her back again?

I know you'll give her tenderness
And love will bloom each day.
And for the happiness you've known
Forever grateful stay.

But should I come and call for her
Much sooner than you'd planned,
You'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And someday understand.

Author unknown

thank you, that was bittersweet to read