Today is the first day of fall, and that seemed like the perfect time for an update on Toni's Ponies. Saddle up, cowboys and cowgirls—this might be a bit of a long one.

Toni's Ponies Thrift

One of the things about running a rescue and a thrift store is that time just seems to fly.

Can you believe Toni's Ponies Thrift opened its doors just under a year ago?!? Personally, I can't imagine it not being there. It's become such a staple here in Kingston! It's got everything anyone could possibly need—or want—and the women who run that place are insanely busy.

I was just in there on Friday (it's my go-to day to visit because, of course, it's become a weekly pilgrimage), and the Halloween display was so cool! As a mom whose oldest was born on Halloween, we've always been big fans of spooky season. If that's your thing too, you should definitely stop by.

The thrift shop's sole purpose is to raise funds for Toni's Ponies Horse Rescue, and it has been such a blessing. The community's response has been more than we could have ever hoped for.

Thank you to everyone who shops, donates, volunteers, and spreads the word. We couldn't do it without you.

Progress, Challenges, and Elvis

This last year definitely had its ups and downs.

We've seen a lot of progress with some of our horses who were once very people shy. Roper has really come out of his shell and has even taken to the trails with some of our volunteers! Cedar—Timber's mom—wanted very little to do with people when she arrived. While Timber was being weaned, Cedar spent some time separated from the herd and formed a connection with one of our volunteers. She's now back with the herd, can be haltered, and is beginning to work with people. She's coming along slowly but surely.

We also have a new—not so new—permanent resident back at the rescue.

One thing we want to make very clear is that when someone adopts a horse from Toni's Ponies and it doesn't work out, we will take them back. That was the case with Elvis.

Elvis was rehomed and later brought back to the rescue to board while his family figured out what to do next. During that time, they ultimately decided he was no longer the right fit for their needs and wanted to return him permanently. They also made it clear that if we were unwilling to keep Elvis as a sanctuary horse and agreed to rehome him again, they would choose euthanasia instead.

This absolutely broke our hearts.

We believe Elvis still has plenty of life left to live, and we could not accept that outcome. After a lot of discussion, we agreed to keep Elvis at Toni's Ponies as a permanent sanctuary horse, where he will be cared for and loved for the rest of his days.

This is a very condensed version of what took place, and we share it not to shame anyone, but to be transparent about the realities of rescue work. Sometimes the decisions we face are complicated and emotional. What matters most is that Elvis is safe, happy, and home.

Saying Goodbye to Challis

Another low point came at the very beginning of the year when we lost Challis.

Many of the horses that come to the farm are already living on borrowed time. They've experienced neglect, abuse, poor nutrition, or simply the effects of age. We do everything we can to help them heal and thrive. Sometimes they do. Sometimes they don't. But if Toni's Ponies is their final stop, know that they leave this world feeling loved.

Challis was a complete surprise.

He wasn't a young horse, but he was healthy and happy. One cold, muddy morning in January, we noticed something was wrong. He didn't come up for breakfast. Anyone who knew Challis knows that was unusual—he was always the first one waiting and often let us know if he thought we were running late.

We got him into a nearby pen and settled under a tree while we waited for the vet. Toni and Andy were at a chemotherapy appointment that day, but they stayed on the phone with us the entire time.

It was one of the hardest days we've experienced at the rescue.

Volunteers stayed with him all day, talking to him and reminding him what a good boy he was. At one point, Jess—Toni's niece, who had a very special bond with Challis—was driving in from out of town. Somehow, just before she arrived, Challis got up and walked to the fence to greet her. He stayed standing just long enough to see her.

The vet later confirmed that Challis was suffering from heart failure. We were able to sedate him and make sure his final moments were peaceful. Challis passed in Jess' arms.

Nine months later, I still remember that day clearly.

We find so much joy in these horses. Spending time with them is a gift. The least we can do is be there when they need us most and remind them that they were loved.

The Bright Spots

Okay, let's switch gears. Everyone doing alright?

Summer seemed to fly by.

We had beautiful weather, lots of volunteer days, and plenty of time spent enjoying the horses. Baja got back behind the cart and did great—he really loves having a job.

The horses looked fantastic going into summer and are still looking great heading into fall. We were able to receive our year's supply of hay, and honestly, this is one of the places where the thrift shop has made a huge difference. For the first time, we didn't have to host the giant yard sale fundraiser.

We loved the yard sale. It was fun, full of treasures, and brought people together—but it was also a tremendous amount of work and required a lot of storage.

So, yay for Toni's Ponies Thrift!

The horses also enjoyed Tuesday Tunes with Penny Koons. Penny comes out and plays music in the pasture, and the horses absolutely love it.

We worked through some hoof issues with a few horses this summer and found supplements that seem to be making a real difference. That's always part of the journey—figuring out what actually works.

And perhaps the best news of all: Andy was declared cancer free this summer.

We also welcomed a wonderful group of new volunteers at both the thrift shop and the farm.

Happy Endings

Just last week, one of our volunteers was finally able to bring her horse home and adopt another Toni's Ponies rescue at the same time.

Nancy and Tim's horse, Stazi, has lived at the rescue for several years. They were finally ready to move her home, and because Stazi has always been close with Wildfire, they decided to adopt Wildfire too.

Both girls have started their next chapter just down the road in Poulsbo.

Congratulations, Tim and Nancy!

Looking Ahead: Rhinestone Cowgirl

As summer wraps up—and somehow it's already fall—we're gearing up for the biggest party of the year.

This November marks our 5th Annual Toni's Ponies Gala, and you're invited!

Tickets just went on sale, and we hope you'll join us.

Our Gala is our biggest fundraiser of the year outside of the thrift shop. Every dollar raised through ticket sales and our silent auction goes directly toward hay, grain, farrier care, veterinary care, and rescuing horses in need.

This year's theme is Rhinestone Cowgirl (BYO Cowboy!)

It feels pretty fitting for our fifth year. Anyone who knows Toni and Toni's Ponies knows we have a soft spot for anything that sparkles.

So pull out your boots, your bling, and your favorite people and join us for a night of fun while supporting the horses.

Seats are limited, and we'd love to celebrate with you.

Get tickets HERE