To My First Love, My Pony, My Best Friend,

I never knew what an amazing impact you would have on my life. I never thought that you would allow me to have the biggest smiles and the most fun, while also teaching me lessons about life. I don't know where I'd be without you. You honestly kept me out of trouble that I probably would've found if I wasn't out at the barn with you on my days off and after school when I finished my homework.

Thanks for always being there for me. Whenever something happened, whether exciting or sad, you were always ready to listen. You hold the best secrets and know how to make even the best of situations better by nuzzling me with your little pink nose. Your door was always open and you were always more than ready to spend time with me, even if you just wanted to eat your hay.

I loved spending time with you in the saddle, as well. You are the most fun pony in the world and I always have a smile on my face when I get to ride you, even when you would throw me into the dirt after stopping at a fence. You weren't being mean, you were teaching me how to ride. I am forever thankful for you because you helped me learn to be adjustable and know how to ride just about anything, even though you're just a little pony. I'm so proud of you now, teaching other little girls like you taught me, but 10 years later being more forgiving and tolerant of the girls who may pull on you too hard or who look down at the jump. You are such a sweetheart, loved by many.

Thanks for teaching me that things don't always go your way. From you, I learned that things may happen in life that are out of your control and there is nothing that you can do about them. I remember when you were so hurt you could barely walk. I was so worried about you, but out of that, you taught me how to care and watch over you. That is something that I may not have ever learned if I didn't have you.

You also taught me how to move on. I was so upset when I was told that I could no longer show you because I was too tall. I remember crying, being so young and upset that I would never get to share that with you again. You taught me that it is OK to grow up and move on, as long as you remember where you came from.

Who would have ever thought that a pony could be a child's first love. The saying, "Diamonds are a girl's best friend," was without a doubt said by a girl who never had the opportunity to have a horse.

To my first love, my first pony, thank you so much for always being there for me and for never breaking my heart.