Just before my nephew was born my mother promised my very pregnant sister-in-law, Alison, we would keep my pony "Tippy" for the baby.

"Absolutely NOT" I said. Tippy was not a safe pony for an inexperienced rider. In fact when I was given Tippy, I asked the owners "No matter how they answered this question, I will still take Tippy, but I need to know what's his worst habit". They giggled and said "He'll try and buck you off if he thinks you can't ride". Since he was needed as a companion for Shetan while he made his transition from Stallion to Gelding, I wasn't concerned.

6 months later, just for the fun of it, I got on Tippy bareback, with my feet almost touching the ground and would you believe the little tike tried to buck ME off! lol! Nope this was not a safe pony for my soon to arrive nephew.

Right then & there I prayed out loud for a 25 year old, bomb-proof, child-proof pony for my nephew.

3 years later, my friend Carol asked me if I'd be interested in a 25 year old retired show pony for free! The owners were going through a divorce and looking for a good home for the pony. 25 years old? This was the answer to my prayer. Right away I said "You Bet, I'd take her!"

Nine months later she arrived, sight unseen. She was priceless & exactly what I prayed for: a bombproof, childproof pony who took care of her riders. She was gray like Eclipse and cute as a button. She and Eclipse were smitten right away.

Shetan had Rockin Rita as a girlfriend, and now Eclipse had "PJ". There was love in the pasture!

[INSERT STORIES HERE: ABOUT PJ & THE KIDS

5 years later PJ developed cancer.