[From 1907 to 1918, the Webb Publishing Company hired children to sell subscriptions to The Farmer’s Wife magazine. Some of these children, due to their exceptional salespersonship, were awarded the grand prize. The grand prize was a Shetland pony, along with a saddle and bridle.]
When I got a letter that I was one of the lucky pony winners I felt so good that I could hardly sleep for a few nights, as I wanted to see “Trump,” but I had to wait until he came. One day the agent called up and said that there was a pony for me. I did not know what to do for joy, so I ran for the field where papa was working, as fast as I could. I ran myself all out of breath and told papa to go to town to get my pony. So, he came right home and we went to town. When we got there the depot was closed so I got so impatient. I didn’t know what to do until the agent came and opened the door. I was overjoyed to see my pony. We put him in the wagon and I stood aside of him and petted him, until we got home. When we took him out of the crate I wanted to ride him that night, but papa said I should feed him and let him rest as he was tired and hungry.
The next morning I got up early to see what “Trump” was doing. He was there all right. In a day or two, I let him out in the yard without his halter on and now he runs loose in the yard all of the time.
He is a regular pet and he looks very slick and fat now. I can catch him any place, but, when he got to feel better and I was not used to riding much, I would fall off. But now I can ride him fine. One Sunday my cousins were here and they each have a pony. You should have seen the fun we had, running races. I can lead “Trump” up the porch steps and into the house, whenever I want to and I would not part with him for anything.
by Elder (Minnesota)
Farmer’S Wife Pony Club. Lucky Pony Winners. St. Paul, Minn., Webb publishing co, 1915. Pdf. https://www.loc.gov/item/15018654/.