(Photo curtesy of Wayward Ponies' Home)
Wayward Ponies' Home is preparing for its 6th annual open house event, to be held Saturday, February 21, 2015 in Catheys Valley from noon to 2:00 p.m., rain or shine, with an alternate location in case of rain.
Wayward Ponies' Home is a small equine sanctuary providing permanent refuge in Catheys Valley to a limited number of ponies and horses who were unwanted or abused, or whose loving owners couldn't keep them anymore. The Home is at capacity due to the increasing cost of hay. "Another factor is the increasing age of the caretakers," says director Lou Ann Sakaki with a smile. "There's only so much work a couple of people hitting their sixties can accomplish every day, roaming about the acres, pushing a wheelbarrow laden with heavy loads of hay or the end products of it!"
As always, admission, refreshments and children's games are free, along with one ticket toward a gate prize. Educational exhibits are available for those who want to learn more about horses.
Open House is also the main fundraiser for the sanctuary, and last year saw a trial run of Lou Ann's idea of holding a potluck-style raffle. "It works like this," she says. “We have a bunch of cooking pots with lids. Each pot contains a combination of new items and gift certificates worth well over fifty dollars. You buy a raffle ticket for $20, not knowing which pot it goes to. The other half of the ticket is taped under one of the pot lids, and the lids are taped shut. At 1:30, the pots are opened, people claim their pots, and then they may trade one or more of their prizes with other people. Let's say you'd rather dine at a nice restaurant than take a riding lesson. Find a person who's got what you want! It's faster than regular raffles, and the trading is fun. Merchants from both Mariposa and Merced Counties contribute, so you may be led to try a new experience in a new place."
Tax-deductible donations of brand-new, in-package items or gift certificates are urgently needed. People interested in donating or attending may check the sanctuary's website: www.waywardponies.org and email: help@waywardponies.org or call 209-742-6808 to arrange for pick-up or to receive an invitation card with a map. The Facebook page will have updates on potluck raffle donations.
