June 21, 2026 update on Tony:
Hi everyone,
I want to share a happy Tony update with you.
This week, Tony is going to stay at another barn for a while. This is called a "care lease". It means Tony will live at another barn, but Cheyne Ranch still owns him and is still responsible for his future.
Care leases are common in the horse world. They are one way people help a horse get the care, exercise, and job that fits them best.
Right now, Tony needs more regular riding and fitness work than we can give him here. So he is going to KNK Equestrian, a hunter/jumper barn in Deltona owned by our friend Natalie Jackowski. It is the same barn where Anna rides, so we know it well and trust it completely. Tony will have a steady job there, lots of exercise, and lots of good care. This is a really good thing for Tony.
We know a lot of people love Tony, and it is okay to feel sad that he will not be here every day. We will miss him too. The good news is that he is not far away, only about 25 minutes from us, and we will still be able to visit him.
This change may last a short time, or it may last longer. We will stay in touch with our friend who owns the barn, and we will keep paying attention to what is best for Tony.
Tony has been part of Cheyne Ranch for three years, and he is still part of our story. We love him very much, and we are excited for this next chapter for him.
Thank you for loving Tony with us.
Here is a photo album of Tony the Pony, you are welcome to share your own Tony photos in this album too: click here
Sally Ann
Ad from Tony’s owner / trainer in Tryon NC, December 2022:
Tony’s owner in Tryon, NC purchased him from an Amish auction around 2019. So little is known about his early years. Tony’s name at the time was Monkey. Here is the ad from 2022 from that North Carolina owner:
Monkey (former name of Tony), 7 year old medium 13.2 eligible green bundle of cuteness available for sale or lease to buy right in time for Christmas! This guy has been fox hunting for the past two seasons with a Jr. Rider. Monkey has also been extensively trail ridden is great on hunter paces. He rides both English and western and takes up leg well for his size. Currently jumping around 2’3”. Started on lead changes. He’s more on the forward ride side and he’s a great jumper. Monkey will best suit a Jr. Rider that has confidence and experience as he will play the pony card every now and again. Barefoot and a picture of health, easy keeper.
Photos from 2022 and prior:
How Tony Came to Us
After being advertised in Tryon, NC in December 2022, Tony was purchased by a young adult amateur rider in Central Florida. Sadly, she became ill and was only able to keep him for about six months.
During that time, she had an animal communicator visit, and “Monkey” apparently requested the name Tony — so Tony the Pony he became.
She cared deeply about him and wanted him to land somewhere safe and meaningful. He was donated to Cheyne Ranch in July 2023, with the understanding that he could also be a good fit for a 4-H, riding, or competitive setting if the right opportunity came along.
May 2025
Tony the Pony – Available for Lease / Right-Fit Home
Tony is an 11-year-old, 13.2/13.3h black pony gelding. He is cute, athletic, playful, social, and full of personality.
Highlights:
Lifelong barefoot easy keeper with outstanding feet, according to our farrier
Up to date on routine care; no supplements, no lameness or colic history with us
Currently eats alfalfa, coastal hay, and Seminole Equalizer 2x/day
Loves attention and often greets people at the fence
Has been ridden here by a professional trainer over 40 times
Great under saddle for a confident intermediate/advanced rider
Believed to be Morgan x quarter pony cross
Previous Experience / Potential:
Before coming to us, Tony was advertised as a green-eligible medium pony with fox hunting, trail riding, hunter pace, English/Western, 2’3” jumping, and started lead change experience. We have past videos of him jumping and fox hunting from his previous trainer-owned home.
Tony has been lightly used at Cheyne Ranch rather than kept in consistent work, but we believe he has a lot of potential for the right rider or program.
Best Fit:
Tony is not a beginner or push-button lesson pony. He is smart, playful, and will test an unsure rider, but he is excellent under saddle with a confident intermediate/advanced rider. He would likely thrive in a consistent riding/jumping program.
Management Notes:
Can be nervous during tacking in our busy adaptive riding environment
Has spooked in cross-ties a few times while being tacked
Once under saddle with a confident rider, he settles and goes very well
Does best with a confident turnout buddy higher in the pecking order
Can play rough in group turnout
Why We’re Considering a Lease:
Cheyne Ranch is primarily an adaptive riding, groundwork, and horsemanship program. Our horses need to be exceptionally steady for brushing, leading, handling, and beginner ground lessons.
Tony is a good pony with a lot to offer, but he is better suited for a confident rider or program that appreciates a fun, clever, athletic pony with personality.
Google photo album with more photos and a few videos: click here
Contact info: (text is easiest)
Sally Ann Cheyne, Founder & President of Cheyne Ranch, Inc. nonprofit 501(c)(3)
Located in Oviedo, FL
Call / Text: (407) 205-7744
email: Sally@CheyneRanch.com
Website:www.CheyneRanch.com
Facebook:facebook.com/CheyneRanch
Instagram: instagram.com/CheyneRanch
