Pony Pal readers from when the series first came out have been writing me. Now they are adults. Here is what one of them, Madison, wrote:
Dear Mrs. Betancourt,
My name is Madison Hood. I wanted to write you and let you know just how much the Pony Pal books have meant to me over the years. I grew up with Pony Pals... my mom got me my first one, #10 Don't Hurt My Pony! when I was about 9 or 10. A few years ago, I lost my collection and have been slowly replacing it ever since. I love rereading the stories of Pam, Anna, and Lulu and their wonderful ponies.
I am 25 now and have been blessed enough to work with horses as both a barn manager and a riding instructor. I own my own pony, a Haflinger named Fritz, who is very much like Acorn, my favorite Pony Pal pony. I am a certified riding instructor for persons with special needs and several of my students are dyslexic. I did not grow up with ponies, but have always loved them and always dreamed of being a Pony Pal. These books have had a profound impact on me in my life and I wanted to thank you for that. I was so sad when the last book was released... I wanted the Pony Pals to go on forever. But, looking back on it, I realize that they will go on forever. Not only because they are preserved in books, but also because they have a special place in my heart. The Pony Pals have helped me become the horseman I am today. Thank you so much for telling their stories.
Your Pony Pal in NC,
Madison
