While the Zoo program offers many benefits to children, and should certainly be encouraged, its retirement policies don't reflect an understanding of the work, heartache, and expense involved in maintaining an older horse or pony.
When you've enjoyed the benefits of an older, well-behaved pony—one that safely introduces you or your child to riding—caring for him in his old age can be part of the agreement you make with him.
To adopt an older, unrideable pony, however, is to assume the responsibilities and expenses of an aged equine without having enjoyed any of the benefits. This care can involve special feed, medications, care, handling, and shelter needs.
I have to wonder why the Zoo doesn't put these ponies out for adoption while they are still rideable, letting families get some true "use" out of them before they take on the burdens of old age. Why, if these ponies bring in revenue to the zoo, isn't there a fund set aside to offset the medical costs of their retirement? Or, why aren't there funds to place them in retirement facilities, specifically designed to care for older equines?
So, while Flying Changes magazine hopes to help find each of these ponies a good home, more than that we'd like to see the Zoo's retirement policies changed—into something more realistic and humane. Instead of working these ponies until they are unrideable, give them a few good years with a loving family—who would more than likely be willing to pay for a calm, old trooper. The ponies would enjoy a gentler transition into retirement, their families would benefit from their experience, and, in most cases, willingly see their well-loved friends gently to the end of their days.
We invite the opinions of our readers, which you can direct to the Woodland Park Zoo via Mr. Bret Sellers at bret.sellers@zoo.org or Mr. Dana Payne at dana.payne@zoo.org or to Flying Changes magazine at lauren@flyingchanges.com
—Lauren Davis Baker, Editor