Support Jamie’s pony Colt’s pony kindergarten

7/26/24 UPDATE:   I am updating this fundraiser as I purchased the bay colt #15 for Jamie from the Chincoteague auction on 7/25, he’s paid for and I’ve paid $375 so far to Stoney Creek Chincoteagues for his board and transport, $375 is still owed. Thank you for your support!!!

7/26 11:37pm: $200 through FB pay from a friend, ask has been updated!

(Its a little over the $175 left that’s needed to compensate for fees if raised on here), $200 was sent to SCC for a total of $575

Totals:

• $140 GFM
• $200 FB Pay
• $20 cash
• $20 Venmo
• $20 cashapp
• $50 Zelle
• Pledged $50, $40 & $25 ($25 pledged but received if that makes sense, kind of a barter in a way will be realized in about 2-3 weeks)
• Total: $450 received, $25 realized in a couple weeks, $50 in mail, $40 I gotta pick up
• Original goal was $875 

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Jamie and Clip Clop’s Story

As many of you know, Jamie is a 9-year-old autistic boy who has come a long way in the last 5 years. Diagnosed in 2019, Jamie was high on the spectrum and non-verbal. His evaluation placed him needing a high level of support and minimal independence.

His world completely changed in March 2020 when we got him his very own pony, Clip Clop. Instantly, Jamie started singing songs while being led around on his pony, he started talking about his pony and was able to understand and follow simple directions. His place on the spectrum shifted, no longer needing high support and finally had the ability to communicate. He was all smiles and giggles and loved his pony very much.

Tragically, in March 2024 we lost Clip Clop after a visit to Burton Equine Hospital due to strangulation of the small intestine caused by a tumor. We were devastated.

Jamie’s Love of All Things Chincoteague

In August 2023, we took Jamie to his 6th Jellystone Park, located on Chincoteague Island. Jamie was so tickled with everything about the Island, and for the past year, he would talk about “Chickenpig” (Chincoteague in Jamiese). I booked a July 2024 trip on Black Friday, and this kid couldn’t hold his excitement and counted down the days until we returned. He begged to stay another night, then begged to stay more and didn’t want to come home.

This year I have searched for the perfect pony companion for Jamie. Due to him finally growing and gaining weight, a miniature horse is too small. Jamie has grown 3 inches and went from 49lbs to 78lbs since last year, after suffering malnutrition and delayed growth due to severe Crohn's Disease. His love for Chincoteague and the ponies makes for a fairytale connection between him and one special foal born on Assateague Island.

On July 25 at 8am, the foals from both herds will be auctioned off. In the last few years, prices have been around $2200 and up, 2022 the lowest was $3,300. Online bidding has seen an increase in prices, but this year is something special. Instead of only 60-70 foals to be auctioned the last Thursday of July, as of today there are 92! This is one of the largest foal crops in many years. Due to this and a lot of solid colored foals, this year may be one of the easier years to win a bid on a pony.

In addition to purchasing a pony, there is an added expense of transport, quarantine, and vaccinations. I have contacted a lady in PA that hauls the ponies and offers short/long term board for halter breaking and gentling. Her farm is located 3 hours closer than the island and a few weeks stay will ensure our new pony is used to a halter, has immunity built from vaccinations, and being around the other foals from the herd, a less stressful transition than being thrown on a trailer for 8 hours and having nothing familiar.

This fundraiser is to raise the remaining funds to be competitive on auction day. It is also essential to be able to take advantage of a great service from Stoney Creek Chincoteagues to ensure Jamie’s new buddy is healthy and has his vaccinations started, is accepting of a halter to ease transition and make it safer to haul him home the remaining 4.5 hours. With 9 days left until auction time, I will have 3/4 of what is needed and need help rounding up the last 1/4 in time.

Just in case there are doubts:

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