Painted ponies that are popping up in Carnation and soon, Duvall, are raising funds for a local horse rescue farm.
Beth Marcey, a volunteer at Seven’s Haven Horse Rescue, and family members created 60 pony figures, mounted on sticks, that can be seen at local homes and businesses including Ixtapa, ACE Hardware, Starbucks, Blake’s Pizza, IGA and Sno Valley Auto Rebuild. To get a pony, businesses make a $50 sponsorship. Funds help Seven’s Haven founder Lisa Shilling care for horses and host special events for children staying at Seattle’s Ronald McDonald House.
As Marcey explains, “families who are from out of town don’t have anywhere to go during the holidays.” Seven’s Haven, based at Jackson Valley Ranch in Duvall, gives them a day of horseback rides and fun holiday activities. “We wanted to show how a small town can come together and provide for these kids,” Marcey said.
Seven’s Haven has held family events in spring and summer, and at Halloween and Christmas, since 2010.
“We try to go above and beyond, really provide a wonderful experience for families who are sometimes years at Ronald McDonald House,” Shilling said.
Marcey has raised a social-media buzz over the ponies on Facebook. Several participating businesses have personalized their animals—for example, Carnation’s Starbucks gave theirs a green apron and logo. Families as far afield as Kent have also hosted the wooden animals. Marcey says they’ve gotten very popular—several families “have asked us if they can keep their ponies,” she said.
One pony wound up at Blake’s Pizza, where Teanna Bergquist and Emma Redman, new owners since Oct. 1, were enthusiastic sponsors.
“We loved her organization and what it stood for,” said Bergquist. “We wanted to help. We love animals.”
“One of our goals is to be more community oriented,” added Redman. “This is a great example.”
Marcey and Schilling now plan to move the pony fundraiser to Duvall. Learn more about Seven’s Haven Ranch on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SevensHaven. Or, call (425) 417-6389.
A young boy, Wyatt, visits with Santa during a visit to Seven’s Haven last Christmas. The Duvall-area horse rescue ranch welcomes families staying at the Seattle Ronald McDonald House for holiday fun.
Above, Seven’s Haven visitor, Carolina, meets a rescue horse named Star.
A small herd of painted ponies, before they went out to residents and businesses.
Above, the Carnation Starbucks crew personalized their painted pony with an apron and sticker.
