wrapping up 2025

Ok it’s official we are in that weird inbetween time between Christmas and New Years where we’re not sure what day it is - what’s up and what's down - is it the weekend? Again not sure - but there are some things that we are very sure of. And that is how completely grateful we are for all of you. And we wanted to say it now even if this Thursday feels like a Sunday - wait - it’s Monday? How did that happen? 

This year has been one for the books. Our little rescue has blossomed and expanded. Our family has had it’s up and downs and struggles and joys. We are just one chemo away from Andy being done with that chapter! In no particular order here's what we've been up to this year! We have scooped around 14,600 buckets of grain. We have seen the worst pony hooves to ever come through the sanctuary and that’s saying a lot after one little donkey (if you remember) that had some pretty rough ones as well. We've floated teeth, trimmed gooves, and gelded Timber. We hosted Pony Play for the first time this year and met hundreds of new kiddos and families. Walked in Kingston's 4th of July parade. Auctioned off a gorgeous bike!!!!! We held one HUGE yard sale to fill the barn full of hay for the winter, put on an incredibly groovy gala, took in a few "barn cat's" that have quickly moved from the barn up to around the house. Cowboy continues to enjoy life as the best farm/shop dog. We took a couple ponies and Bobaloui into Silverdale for a fundraiser and then the same crew out to Kingston's very own Hallmark Movie of a Christmas Market held at Cup & Muffin where we sold wreathes made from the rescue by volunteers! Seriously we live in the best town! Toni's Ponies Thrift opened it’s new and permanent location, providing the community with a much needed thrift shop and Toni’s Ponies rescue with a much needed way to help support the 30+ rescues we have on the farm. 

And that’s what I really wanted to touch on today. We have been absolutely floored by the support this community has shown Toni’s Ponies and Toni’s Ponies Thrift. Because of your donations and you shopping at the shop we sleep a little easier. Just this last week one of our horses, Jewel - has had some issues with her back leg. One of the most expensive things about running the rescue is vet care. And usually it’s the vet care that we weren’t expecting (except we are always expecting something - horses - am I right?) The emergency kind, xrays and the like. This is the first time in years that we weren’t trying to scramble to get the money together for the vet. Don’t get me wrong - if vet care is needed - we make it happen. But for the first time it was accounted for and it’s because of YOU. All of you that have donated goods to the thrift shop, we appreciate you more than you know. And all of you that have shopped since we opened, thank you! 

On that note if you haven’t been into the shop - come on down and see us! I know that it’s going to be time to go through those closets and drawers and cabinets and kids room to make room for the new items brought in this Christmas. We would love to give them a second home! And if you are looking for - well pretty much anything - we’ve got it! We get new things everyday and our fully volunteer staff bust their butts to make it look inviting and beautiful. It’s quite the treasure hunt! If you are in the market for antiques we have those too! And things are priced to go! We want them to find the perfect home and we want you to get a great deal as well. All those little $1 and $5 items add up and are turned into grain, hay, and vet care! 

Our hours have changed for the winter months a little. After the holiday rush Sundays are pretty slow so we will be closed Sunday and Monday. Tuesday - Saturday we are open from 10am-6pm. 

We can not wait to see what this new year brings. Stay tuned for our January blog post where we will give you a little update on each of our horses currently at the rescue! Again thank you for making all of this possible. Your continued support means the world to us. If you would like to make a donation to Toni’s Ponies at any time please visit our giving portal through Zeffy - linked here. Zeffy makes sure that all of your generous donation makes it to us with no processing fees taken out. 

Fall update

Hey everyone this is going to be super short and sweet! What’s going on with Toni’s Ponies you might ask yourselves… I’m so glad you asked! Short answer: A lot! 

Little bit longer answer but still brief because gotta get back at it… The mud has come and we are sliding around still caring for 31 horses I think it is now. Not complaining, this is the reality of Washington in the fall. It’s really beautiful out but getting chilly so we’ve put blankets on some of our more compromised horses already. Our newest boys, Roper and Stetson are settling in very nicely. I even saw Stetson running and bucking the cutest little buck the other day. 

We are gearing up for our Gala. If you are looking for a good time for a great cause please please please get your tickets now! It’s such an amazing night and a ton of work goes into it! We want to spend it with you! Tickets available here. November 8 at the Eagles in Poulsbo. 

Toni’s Ponies Thrift is up and running on a soft launch. I’ll insert a graphic here to give you all the details on times and what not. We will have a few days that we will be closed - next Saturday for the gala prep is one of them. I can’t wait to do a whole post on this but right now just let me encourage you to go down and see for yourself what these incredible women have put together. And the prices… you can not beat them! Thank you to everyone who donates items and comes out to support. There really is something there for everyone. 

Toni’s Ponies will be making a guest appearance at the Hometown Holiday Night Market at Cup and Muffin. Come out and see us - do some shopping and get your photos taken with Santa and his donkeys… the reindeer are on vacation. 

That’s all for now folks!

pony at the disco

🎉 Toni’s Ponies Annual Gala: Pony at the Disco 🎉

November 8, 2025 | Tickets: zeffy.com/ticketing/pony-at-the-disco

Hey everyone — it’s official (and has been for a while, I guess)... summer is over, fall is here, and winter is just around the corner. The days are getting shorter, the ground’s getting slicker — time to trade in the tennis shoes for muck boots. The barometer’s shifting, and you can feel it in the horses. This is the season when we keep a close eye on everyone and brace ourselves for the usual autumn antics (cue: random colics, extra wild energy, and all-around chaos).

But it’s not all worry — this can also be one of the most beautiful times on the farm. The rain washes away the dust, the pastures turn an unreal shade of green, and the crisp air makes it peak sweatshirt weather (a Washingtonian’s dream).

And best of all? It’s time for the Toni’s Ponies Annual Gala — and this year’s theme is...

🌟 Pony at the Disco! 🌟

That’s right. The year is 1970-something. The disco ball is spinning, the DJ is grooving, and the vibes are pure retro magic. We’re talking bell bottoms, sequins, platforms, groovy colors — and yes, a full-on cafeteria-style retro dinner complete with trays, a themed menu, and TANG.

Our volunteers have been working so hard gathering amazing silent auction items from local businesses, and the decor crew? Let’s just say they’re living their glittery best lives. It’s going to be a party you don’t want to miss.

But we don’t just throw this event because we love a good party (even though we do, and not to toot our own horn… but we throw a great one).

We do it for the ponies.

Toni’s Ponies is currently home to 31 rescued equines. The money we raise from this Gala helps us make it through the winter — covering feed, farrier work, and vet care. It also supports the growth of our community outreach programs and helps us make our farm more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

💛 Why It Matters

If we just rescued horses, that would be enough. But these days, we’re doing even more.

Over the summer, more than 350 people — kids, parents, grandparents — visited the farm through our Pony Play program (June–August). This sweet, simple hour on the farm includes reading stories, scooping poop, sensory play with grain, grooming ponies, and even sitting on one of the "big horses."

We saw kids who had never been near a horse before light up with excitement. One little girl told us she had only ever ridden a horse “in her imagination.” (I’m tearing up just writing this.) These kinds of moments remind us why this work matters — deeply.

We’re building a place where people connect — to animals, to nature, and to each other.

📅 Save the Date: November 8

Get your tickets now and get ready for a night of sparkle, soul, and celebration. Your support doesn’t just help us care for these amazing animals — it helps us share their magic with the whole community.

🎟 Get your tickets here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/pony-at-the-disco

We can’t wait to see you there. Let’s dance, let’s laugh, and let’s do something amazing — together.