A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE OFFICIAL BUSINESS PARTNER SPONSOR OF THE 2025 LIGONIER HIGHLAND GAMES THE PLASTERERS AND CEMENT MASONS INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION
HIGHLANDER FINANCIAL GROUP
2025 HONORARY CHIEF OF THE HIGHLAND GAMES
2024 PERSONAL PONIES SHETLAND PONY EXHIBIT
The Personal Ponies staff and their therapy ponies are located near the carousel at Idlewild Park. Stop in to see them and learn about the great work they do helping individuals in the community.
PONIES ON THE BEACH!
COME AND SEE OUR FOUR LEGGED FRIENDS - NEAR THE MAIN FIELD.
Personal Ponies, Ltd.
Visiting today are the United Kingdom Shetland Ponies of Simple Blessings Farm, located approx. 50 miles N.E. of Pittsburgh, PA. Operated by Nancy & John Uhron, the farm is dedicated to the belief that lives are greatly enriched through a connection to the natural world.
The farm is home to the Ponies of Thistle Ridge in conjunction with national 501 C-3 non-profit, Personal Ponies, Ltd., a volunteer organization that breeds, trains & places Shetland ponies as therapeutic support partners. Ponies may be placed with equine therapy centers or individual practices.
Steady of mind & great of heart, UK Shetland ponies were originally bred to haul peat & do farm work. In the late nineteenth century, as labor laws prohibited women & children from working underground,"Pit Ponies"were used extensively to haul coal deep underground in the mines of the United Kingdom, Pennsylvania & West Virginia.
Happily, they now serve a much higher purpose. UK type Shetlands are renowned for their kind & gentle disposition & excel at many disciplines-riding, driving & as partners in therapy.
Ponies may come in all colors except spotted, with sizes ranging from 28" to 42" tall at the shoulder. Ponies of mid-range are especially sought as therapy partners-small enough to easily visit indoors, less intimidating than a larger animal & easily petted & groomed by a person in a wheelchair.
Since 2001, Simple Blessings Farm has bred and trained ponies for PPL & provided a variety of wellness & equine assisted therapy programs. Ponies attend special events, visit schools, nursing homes, hospitals & work in the Stablehearts/Mended Hearts programs for at-risk populations, people with a variety of special needs, PTSD or in bereavement support settings.
In addition, the Wish Ponies Program provides Pony Parties, Unicorn Encounters & Vintage Photography sessions with ponies to help support their charitable works.
Since 2018, the farm has offered Equine facilitated Mindfulness connectivity workshops, life skills coaching, Guardians of Nature, Mom & Me classes & Folk School programming for children & adults.
Please visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Personal-Ponies-at-Simple-Blessings-Farm-177861858936672/Personal Ponies @ Simple Blessings Farm, Wish Ponies or Thistle Ridge Farm .
The farm is home to the Ponies of Thistle Ridge in conjunction with national 501 C-3 non-profit, Personal Ponies, Ltd., a volunteer organization that breeds, trains & places Shetland ponies as therapeutic support partners. Ponies may be placed with equine therapy centers or individual practices.
Steady of mind & great of heart, UK Shetland ponies were originally bred to haul peat & do farm work. In the late nineteenth century, as labor laws prohibited women & children from working underground,"Pit Ponies"were used extensively to haul coal deep underground in the mines of the United Kingdom, Pennsylvania & West Virginia.
Happily, they now serve a much higher purpose. UK type Shetlands are renowned for their kind & gentle disposition & excel at many disciplines-riding, driving & as partners in therapy.
Ponies may come in all colors except spotted, with sizes ranging from 28" to 42" tall at the shoulder. Ponies of mid-range are especially sought as therapy partners-small enough to easily visit indoors, less intimidating than a larger animal & easily petted & groomed by a person in a wheelchair.
Since 2001, Simple Blessings Farm has bred and trained ponies for PPL & provided a variety of wellness & equine assisted therapy programs. Ponies attend special events, visit schools, nursing homes, hospitals & work in the Stablehearts/Mended Hearts programs for at-risk populations, people with a variety of special needs, PTSD or in bereavement support settings.
In addition, the Wish Ponies Program provides Pony Parties, Unicorn Encounters & Vintage Photography sessions with ponies to help support their charitable works.
Since 2018, the farm has offered Equine facilitated Mindfulness connectivity workshops, life skills coaching, Guardians of Nature, Mom & Me classes & Folk School programming for children & adults.
Please visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Personal-Ponies-at-Simple-Blessings-Farm-177861858936672/Personal Ponies @ Simple Blessings Farm, Wish Ponies or Thistle Ridge Farm .
PERSONAL PONIES VARIOUS CHAPTERS IN ACTION
Become a sponsor of the Ligonier Highland Games and help us continue the tradition of preserving and promoting Scottish arts and heritage. Your donation will be recognized on our website and in the souvenir program book. Other benefits can include V.I.P. seating, hotel accommodation and becoming an honorary chieftain. Click link above to find out more.
