What Is the Adopt-A-Horse Holiday Program?

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This holiday season, PonyUp4Kids Foundation invites you to join our Adopt-A-Horse Holiday Program — a meaningful way to support both our rescued horses and the people they help heal. Your generosity provides critical care for horses like Toby, Cody, Honey and Levi, while also empowering participants in our equine-assisted programs.

Our horses are more than animals — they are survivors, teachers, and trusted companions to children and adults facing emotional, developmental, and socioeconomic challenges. Each horse has a powerful story of rescue and resilience. When you symbolically adopt a horse this holiday season, you’re not only helping them recover — you’re also helping people heal and grow.

Scroll down to get the details on how exactly our Adopt-A-Horse for the holidays program works.

Toby, also known as “Perfect Partner,” is a gentle giant with a heart full of love. He has been with us for years and he’s been a beloved presence at community events across Dutchess County — from parades and Girl Scout gatherings to therapy sessions. His calm, affectionate nature has helped countless people build confidence and experience the joy of horses.

Now in his senior years, Toby faces the challenges of arthritis and requires daily care, specialized feed, and regular veterinary support. By symbolically adopting Toby, you’re helping this cherished therapy horse continue his legacy of healing and happiness. He’s given so much to our community — now it’s our turn to give back.

We met Levi as a young horse caught in the middle of a family’s divorce. With kindness in his eyes and a soft nuzzle for everyone he met, Levi quickly won our hearts. We helped him find his own person — a loving home where he could thrive. But life took a hard turn, and due to financial hardship and martial instability, Levi has returned to us.

Now a teenager, Levi is once again a cherished part of our equine-assisted programs, bringing comfort and connection to people who need it most. His story is a reminder of resilience, second chances, and the healing power of horses.

Levi needs your help.   Your donation provides feed, veterinary care, and the support Levi needs to continue his journey — and to keep giving back to the people who rely on him. 

This holiday season, become a symbolic adopter of one of our beloved therapy horses and help us continue our mission of healing through horsemanship. Your donation supports the care, feeding, training, and veterinary needs of horses who serve children, teens, and adults in our equine-assisted programs. 

• Donate in November to Claim Your Horse   Make a donation of $50 or more by November 30th to symbolically adopt one of our horses — like Toby, Levi, Cody or Honey and her sister. You’ll receive a personalized adoption certificate and a photo of your horse.
• Meet Your Horse – Saturday, December 6   Join us at the barn for a special Meet Your Horse Day and enjoy Cookies and Cocoa with Santa! Adopters are invited to visit, take photos, and learn more about their horse’s story and role in our programs.
• Donate in December to Support Their Journey   Continue your support through December to help fund farrier visits, veterinary care, feed, and training — especially for our seniors, like Toby and young horses like Honey and her sister who are ready to begin their journey. Schedule your private visit with your horse. 

 Honey and her sister were rescued as babies. They have grown into a sweet, curious, and gentle souls.  At nearly three years old, Honey and her sister are ready to begin their training and step into their role as a healing partner in our equine-assisted programs or be adopted out. 

They need your help to thrive. Your donation will provide the essentials — feed, farrier care, veterinary support, and professional training. Without your support, the sisters will never reach their potential and stand very little chance of ever being adopted to have homes of their own.

One of our most loved and favorites- Cody  the pony!

An over 30-year-old senior resident, Cody has touched the hearts of countless children and families.  As he's gotten older, his needs are more specialized, and he needs your help.   

Cody pony is much more than a companion — he is a healer. He works with:

• Children with special needs
• Survivors of trauma and abuse
• Veterans and individuals in recovery
• People with autism and developmental challenges
• OPWDD Self-Direction participants
• Toddlers

Your donation helps ensure that Cody remains healthy and ready to serve.

Your support not only helps the horses but, reaches a wide range of individuals in Dutchess County and surrounding areas, including:

Children and teens with special needs

Survivors of abuse and trauma

Veterans and their families

Individuals in recovery

People on the autism spectrum

Underserved communities

Adults navigating emotional or behavioral challenges

OPWDD Self-Direction participants

Each donation helps provide food and care for the horses so they can continue their renewed purpose in our equine-assisted wellness programs, teaching humane education, and healing experiences in a safe, nurturing, and judgment-free environment.