Ponies in the hot sun
I attended the 4H Fair on Wednesday this week to see what they had to offer. It was a very hot day, so I was not staying long.
I came upon the pony ride and was quite taken aback that these ponies were standing out in the hot sun waiting for riders.
My first reaction was to think about how uncomfortable they must be and that this should not happen.
I talked to the gentleman who was the owner and expressed my concerns. He told me that he had been doing this fair for a few years, and they had been put in the shade in the past. Lately he was given this spot in the sun. He did not know why but said that the space where he used to be now had travel trailers and motor homes on it which is all shade. I did note that.
He went on to say that Animal Control had been up because someone had complained. He also does the Mint Festival but is put in one of the open sided barns for that.
My question is this: Does the Fair realize what this is like for the ponies to stand in the hot sun all day? They do get water; but for a 4H program especially, what is this teaching the kids? That this is okay?
I think that as a community we should try to ensure that this does not keep happening. As I always say, “We Are Their Voice!”
Maybe next year the Fair can take another look at this situation and go back to giving the owner and his ponies some shade that they justifiable need. Thank you for your time.
Just wondering,
Maralyn Woodbury