June 17, 2004

A new arrival in New Almaden

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

For Annie Boulet Norvelle, training UK Shetland ponies at Wannabe Ranch continues to be her life’s dream, especially when she witnesses the miracles that occur as her ponies bond and interact with special-needs children. Yet, another miracle graced the ranch June 9 when Truffles, a 5-year-old mare, gave birth to a 10-pound colt, while the father, Mr. Unico, looked on.

The birth lessens the sting of a nearly two-year-old tragedy at the ranch, where the first of its breed to be born in California resulted in a stillbirth. Shortly afterward, the arrival of a mare was recorded in Saratoga and Tilly marks the second.

At only 9 days old, the pinto colt has already started demonstrating signs of the strength, courage and independence synonymous with his namesake, Pat Tillman. “I had been reading about Pat Tillman, who grew up here,” Norvelle said. “He was our hometown hero. We think these babies are little heroes to the kids they serve and the name just seemed to fit.”

Tilly is part of California Personal Ponies, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing small equine companions for disabled children free of charge. Their experience has shown that the lives of children with special needs are enriched immeasurably by having a small pony to love and care for and the magic that has been made by the bonds that have been forged continues to drive the Personal Ponies organization forward.

“We immediately go in and start imprinting the baby after it’s born,” Norvelle explained. “We tap on their hooves. We pet them. We play with them—it’s all to teach them not to be skittish or jumpy. The sooner after the birth this is done, the more open-minded they’ll be to new things.”

“He already loves to rear up and buck,” explained Jodi Holloway, Personal Ponies assistant director and president of the Horseman’s Association. “We think it’s cute because he’s little, but it won’t be cute to a small boy or girl, so he has to be trained to do it on command.”

Docile, kind, intelligent, sensitive and small [ranging from only 28 to 38 inches tall], the UK Shetland Pony was chosen because of its temperament for a greater calling—to be personal companions for fragile children. They are thoroughly trained before being placed with a family and will allow the children to brush, comb, feed, and caress them.

“Generally, the average placement time is three years because they have a lot to learn,” Norvelle said. “But I can see Tilly being exceptional enough to be placed at six months. He seems to me to be a boy’s pony though.”

At just 2 days old, Tilly began exhibiting an unusual independence by trying to escape through the fence—very uncharacteristic according to Norvelle, for babies who would rather stay glued to their mother’s side. “He’s likes people and is not the slightest bit shy,” she said. “She [mom] lets him be independent too, which is a good match.”

“Usually, they won’t leave their mother,” added Holloway. “And if they try, mom will circle in a way that keeps them right next to her.”

As soon as he’s old enough, Tilly will make appearances at parades and senior homes as part of his training. “We want him to be very well exposed,” Norvelle explained.

But for now, Tilly continues to develop his fearless personality and remains content sharing the stall with his mother and three new feline friends that sleep with him each night—as long as he doesn’t escape again.

For more information on California Personal Ponies, log on to www.wannabes.com/cappl