JLA Gleeful Lad
"Crew" is my rescue case. I think all great pony people have to have at least one rescue case. Before coming to Kelviden Farm, "Crew" had a career as a hunter pony. From what I understand it was a reasonably successful career. But then he struck hard times. I've heard stories of colic and pneumonia. But "Crew's" final downfall was a melanoma on his left eyelid.
He came to live at Kelviden Farm for a year until the fate of his actual eye was determined. Eventually he was donated to Cornell University. My students had a good-bye party for him. They even started a drive to raise enough money to buy him. It was fondly called "Cans for Crew".
The irony of life was that less than 24 hours after "Crew" left, he was back. After all, what did Cornell need with an 11 hand gelding? So now "Crew" has a life of contentment. He's asked to do little more than carry a few kids around. He even humors us with an occasional horse show. But all in all, "Crew" has a good life. He does a lot of eating, and a lot of chasing the babies around. "Crew" is much too sinical to ever admit it, but I think he's even happy!
UPDATE!!! August 7, 2001 Crew found a new mom. 6 year old Katie Harvey became the proud new owner of Crew today. He will still spend much of the year here at Kelviden Farm, but I think he will enjoy the lush grass and endless love that Katie and her family will give him. I knew that I had done right by Crew when Katie told me that today was the "bestest" day of her life. What more can you ask for!
