In Maple Ridge, British Columbia, the Anderson family, who own and operate Harlequin Stables, have rescued 12 ponies during the pandemic. In order to raise funds to keep the rescue animals safe and healthy, they’ve devised a fun seasonal campaign – Santa Pony, starring Jonny, an adorable little guy who is ready to take traditional Christmas photos.
A post on the Harlequin Stables Facebook page reads, “Jonny and his friends are spreading some Christmas cheer this year with their live Santa Pony display. Since there is no mall Santas this year, Jonny has put on his red coat and is offering Covid-friendly photos. Everything will be completely safe and following all Covid requirements. All proceeds will be going to the twelve rescues’ fund and we like to expand our rescue group as much as possible.”
Laura Anderson told the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadow News that on the first day, little Jonny raised enough money to buy two months of hay for him and his rescued friends. His new job and new life are a far cry from where he came from. “When we got him through an organization that rescues horses in Alberta, we couldn’t even touch him,” she said. “He had been tied to a post and couldn’t see out of one eye.”