Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1900-06-11
A SHE|LANQ PONY FARM,
Where They Are Reared as
Pets for Children,
HOW THEY ARE TRAINED.
Small Equine Aristocrats-They Must
Be Kind and GentIe-kindness
Practised Under All Circumstances
The Patriarch Of the Farm.

HC TdhTIdTCn OF InG dTTUs
A Shetland pony farm, where ponies
are raised and trained for their life
work, is place full of interest to one
who admires the gentle little crea-
tures-and who does not?
From the time pony is born until
1t reaches the age when it may as
sumo the dignity of harness 1t receives
the best Of care. There is farm in
Wayne county, Ind, where about two
hundred of the little animals are pro-
duced every year. There are warm
barns with long rows of straw-littered
stalls; overhead are mows of sweet
smelling hay, and a trough of pure
running water sparkles and gurgles at
one end of the barn.
Every stall contains pony, and
they are all as quiet and well-behaved
as thoroughly disciplined school of
children. If stranger enter the barn
it is instantly known by every pony
there, and there is turning of heads
and switching Of tails indicative Of
restrained curiosity.
There is broad and long space Of
clear flooring between the two rows
Of stalls. To walk along this floor and
inspect the ponies from the rear re-
about Cinnamon: ''They all look alike
until seen separately
When the attendant, whose sole
business is to wait upon these small
equine aristocrats, leads out one after
another and explains its distinguish
Ing features, the difference is then
quite perceptible.
Here Is one that has been especially
trained for some little girl who is ner-
vOus and timid. Its dainty step and
intelligent eye indicate fine style and
tractable, docile disposition. Its
glossy coat shines like satin and its
little hoofs are like black ivory.
Another is shown, sturdy, robust
and strong. Fully as beautiful and in
telligent, 1t Is not so sensitive as the
first. 1t has natural qualifications suit
able for the disposition and use of
boy who is not at all nervous or
timid, and who may wish to ride or
drive long distances In a day, and
who may thoughtlessly speak loudly
or rudely or drop the whip too heavily
across the pony's back, and still not
really wish to have a runaway. There
are grades between these two ex-
tremes in which pony may be found
suitable for any sort of boy or girl.
Ponies of almost any color desired
may be found, but the favorite colors
are bays and blacks. There is no de-
mand for sorrels with large cream
cOlored spots. such as were quite con-
mon some years ago. The solid colors
are regarded as more beautiful and
are the only ones now sought by fas-
tidious buyers.
In training the ponies kindness is
practised under all circumstances.
When the little pony colt, which
man can take up in his arms and
carry about, is strong enough to run
and play with its mother, little hal
ter is put on 1t and 1t is taught to
lead and start and stop at the word.
When it grows stronger, but not vet
full grown, little sets of buff harness,
with silver buckles, Is fitted on 1t, and
IT is driven about with lines. A gentle
pressure of the bit on the tender
mouth is sufficient to guide 1t.
Later on 1t is hitched to little vel
low cart and trotted about the smooth
gravel drives that wind among stately
trees in every direction. 1t is taken
close to putting locomotives and along
side queer looking vehicles and into
the neigl1borhood of,shops.- where.
there is the sound Of changing iron and
pounding hammers and ringing bells.
Its actions under all these conditions
are carefully noted and recorded, and
its special qualifications for particu-
lar purpose fully ascertained.
1t has been learned it this farm that
a pony's natural characteristics are
not easily changed, although vicious
propensities may in a measure be sub.
dued, and timid, shrinking spirit en-
couraged by kindness to assume more
confidence and agressiveness.
1t Is never attempted to teach the
ponies any special tricks, the sole pur.
pose being to make them useful, tract
able and safe under all circumstances.
When the pony is sold and started
away from the only home and friends
1t has ever known, the purchaser is
recommended to be kind and consid-
crate to 1t at all times.
When the ponies are permitted to
remain out all winter an astonishing
growth of hair appears. This thick
coat of hair is heavy and long. and
then the pony Is far from beautiful.
But when the warmth of spring comes
the little creatures throw off their
winter clothing and appear smooth
and shiny in their new spring attire.
The patriarch of this farm is ap-
propriately called "Tom Thumb"
He was imported from Shetland
Islands ten years ago, and Is now
fourteen. He is coal black, and is as
dainty and vivacious as can be i'm
agined. Dozens of ponies are import
ed from Shetland every year for