Our beloved dwarf Shetland pony and equine therapist, Toby, has spent years helping children find their confidence and their voices. Now he needs our help. ❤️

❤️ Watch this short video of Sarah, Brady's Executive Director, sharing Toby's story.

A Sudden, Life-Threatening Emergency

Late Sunday (11/8) afternoon, Toby began showing signs of colic. By Monday evening, his condition had worsened beyond our vet could treat at the barn, and we rushed him to UC Davis' Large Animal Hospital.

The emergency veterinary team worked through the night to stabilize Toby, running tests, administering pain medication, and inserting tubing through his nose to drain excessive fluid from his stomach.

Through it all, our brave Toby endured every procedure with remarkable grace and trust, with Dad, Tallulah, and me by his side.

But as his pain continued to increase, the veterinary team determined that emergency surgery was his only chance.

At 3 a.m. Tuesday morning (11/10), Toby underwent emergency abdominal surgery. And thankfully, our brave little guy made it through! ❤️

The Road to Recovery ❤️‍

Toby remains in ICU for the next critical 48 hours, with his faithful Tallulah still by his side.

November 11 Update: We're delighted to share that Toby is already eating, pooping, and doing all the things a healthy little pony should! Tallulah couldn't be happier to have her Toby back.

But he's not out of the woods yet. His 10-inch surgical incision needs time to heal before he can return home, and he'll require special care and close attention throughout his recovery.

We're busy preparing the Brady barn for his homecoming, while the rest of the herd eagerly awaits his return.

Tiny Hooves, an Enormous Impact

Toby has a very special purpose at Brady. As a Reading Educational Assistance Pony, Toby helps children build confidence as they learn to read aloud, use their voices, and open their hearts. His tiny hooves have left an enormous imprint on the hearts of countless children—and adults, too!

❤️ Watch this short video to learn more about Toby and his companion, Tallulah.

Please Help Us Give Back to Toby ❤️

Brady is facing an estimated $20,000 in emergency veterinary expenses for Toby's treatment, surgery, hospitalization, and recovery—an enormous and unexpected expense for our small nonprofit.

Toby has given so much love, comfort, and healing to the children and families we serve. Now we're asking our community to help us give some of that love back.

Please make a donation today to help cover Toby's medical care. Every contribution, large or small, will make a meaningful difference.

And if you're unable to donate, sharing Toby's story with friends and family would mean the world to us.

Thank you for helping Toby heal and get back on his tiny hooves! ❤️

With heartfelt gratitude,

Sarah & the Brady Therapeutic Riding Team

Since 1987, James S Brady Therapeutic Riding has been bringing the benefits of horsemanship to children and youths with special needs or who are systems-impacted, helping to build confidence, muscle strength, postural control, coordination, communication, trust, perspective, and social skills.