Pony of the Americas Club, Inc.

April 2006

Brandy Daig

When I was 2 years old someone came up with the brilliant idea to borrow a pony and enter me in a leadline class. I don’t know whose pony it was or how I placed but I do know that the past twenty years have been very rewarding because of POAs. My first POA was a 48” mare named GR’s Bar Bee, she was the perfect leadline pony bought for me by my wonderful grandparents. Bar Bee and I hit the road with my grandparents and even though the ponies have changed one thing hasn’t, my grandparents passion for this breed and their determination to make my dreams come true. Without them none of this would have been possible. So I wanted to take this opportunity to let them know they are my world and thank them for everything they have done and continue to do for me and my sister. I also want to thank my Mom, Dad, Aunt Mary, and Norman for staying home and taking care of the other animals while we traveled. To my baby sister Nikki, you’re such a pain but I’ll always love you regardless of our disagreements! My next pony was FCR’s Skeeter Dandy. He was the roughest ride known to man or at least my 8 year old butt! Skeeter had been part of team of a pulling team and thought it was absolutely necessary to pound the ground with his feet! The next couple of years with Skeeter were unforgettable but the pony I got next was and will always be my soul mate. Once again I found myself in need of borrowing a pony and I was so lucky that Alison decided to bring Lolly to the show that weekend. It was royalty weekend and Skeeter got hurt, so Alison let me borrow Lollapaloosa aka Lolly. I truly hated her that first weekend! She hadn’t been ridden in I think 3 years but little did I know Lolly and I would form a bond that I can compare to no other. A few years later I had the opportunity to buy Lolly and we did! Thanks Alison for giving me the chance to own such a spectacular horse and thank you for the many summers we spent together. When I graduated from POAs I thought that was it. I had no interest in a JPFC pony at the time and just needed a break. In Des Moines that year I “accidentally” purchased JN Skipagain Gold. She was going to be my JPFC pony and I can say it was a challenge like no other. Skip did turn into a great pony, after a lot a sweat and tears. But she would not have become what she is today with out Amy Reinecke. I want to thank Amy for everything she has helped me with over the past 3 years. Thanks for the rides, the help, the guidance, and most importantly your friendship. When I sold Skip I thought I was done with the ponies for awhile. WRONG again because I saw a little dun that I just had to have. I’m sure this has sounded like a farewell letter but it is far from that watch for me and that cute little dun (A Sly Fox aka SpongeBob) in 2006. Before I end this story I want to say thanks to all the friends and families that have become a part of my life along the way. POA introduced me to 5 very special friends that I could not have imagined my life without so I want to say a little something to each of them. Sunni, there is just too much to mention just know that you are the best friend anyone could ask for. Jackie, we will always have the auction dance. Jake, you’ll always be the brother I never had. Afton, remember when… and Krystal, you came along a little later then the rest but it’s like you’ve been here all along. I love you all!

Brandy