PonyDotz teaches kids through horses

— Many kids dream about spending time with horses and ponies, but PonyDotz gives young people a place to live out those dreams.

PonyDotz is an organization that encourages children and young people to learn about horses, build their confidence and have fun together, according to organizer Melissa Graves.

The organization puts on monthly events that include trail rides, confidence building games, learning the basics of horsemanship, water play and picnic lunches.

At a recent PonyDotz event, young horse lovers from ages 3 to 20 gathered to learn more about horses. Most of the events are led by youth mentors - older, more experienced teenagers who learn leadership skills while teaching younger riders - with guidance and supervision from a dedicated group of adults.

The setting at Dogwood Valley Foxtrotters Ranch near Gentry was picturesque, with picnic tables spread under towering trees next to a spring-fed swimming hole, complete with a dock and water slide.

The day started with a picnic lunch, followed by trail rides, learning games and teaching sessions led by older teenagers, and ended with swimming and cold watermelon.

Beyond the obvious, such as riding and how to care for a horse, kids learn important life skills from working with horses, such as responsibility, selfconfidence, compassion, empathy, team building and many other values, according to Graves.

The youth mentors also get a chance to try their hands at new skills, such as project management and public speaking, while sharing their knowledge with younger riders. Learning safety skills around horses, as well as campfiresafety and water safety, is another important aspect of the events.

Horses have been always been a big part of Graves’ life. In fact, horses have been a central theme for Graves and her entire extended family.

The idea for PonyDotz was born when Graves, who is a mother of five children, decided she wanted to share the impact the horses can have on a child’s life with others who have not been so fortunate.

“Sometimes we take for granted what we have, and I wanted to share with others who do not have the opportunities to be in contact with such wonderful animals,” Graves said.

Her mission is broken down in the acronym for PonyDotz - P for patience, O for openness, N for nobility, Y for youth leadership, D for determination, O for opportunity, T for trust, trustworthiness and truthfulness and Z for zeal.

While many children dream of horses and ponies, their parents see dollar signs at the thought of fulfilling those dreams. Even for those who already own their own horses, lessons, clinics and even local shows and events can add up to be a big expense.

The activities at Pony-Dotz are free, as are as the picnic dinners. Graves said she doesn’t want any child to go hungry or to be distracted from having fun because of an empty stomach. As of now, all the activities are funded by participants' donations; but in the future, Graves hopes to supplement the donations with campsite and stall fees from those who want to spend the night at the events.

Young people do not have to own their own horse in order to take part in PonyDotz, but kids will be required to bring their own horse in order to participate in some parts of the program, such as trail rides, because of safety concerns, Graves said.

Graves said she is alsotrying to fulfill the dream of the late Kelly Coale, who founded Dogwood Valley Foxtrotters. Coale, who died in March, dreamed of incorporating education and kids with her horses, she said.

In the future, Graves said she would like to start an after-school and summer-camp program in the Decatur area that promotes responsibility, physical fitness, self-confidence and academic improvement. Graves said she would especially like to focus on academics geared towards science and math for young ladies.

PonyDotz will next meet from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 16, at Dogwood Valley Foxtrotters in the Gentry area.

For more information about PonyDotz, visit www.ponydotz.com or call 752-3582.

News, Pages 8 on 06/13/2012