The Last Painting
This is the very last painting created by Chincoteague Minnow.
Minnow passed away peacefully at home on our family farm in Pennsylvania on October 29, 2020. He took a very special piece of my heart with him and left me with 18 years of amazing memories that I will never forget.
Minnow came into my life when I was 18 years old (He was 10). I had no idea then how deeply connected we would become over the years. While most people I meet who have an affinity for the Chincoteague Pony Breed say they fell in love with them after reading the famed Misty of Chincoteague Book – I on the other hand fell in love with the breed because of Minnow.
His kind eyes and willingness to try could never be outmatched. Lest I not forget that in his younger years – when we could be found tearing around the mounted games arena, fox hunting, playing polocrosse or trail riding – he was a powerhouse. His body was built like a tank (with tiny little legs) and when he made up his mind about going somewhere there was nothing you could do to stop him. I spent many of our early years hanging onto his mane for dear life as we raced around at top speed.
But his instinct for flight was not unstoppable – likely stemming from his wild roots – as he was born a wild pony on Assateague Island in Virginia in 1994. I never once doubted that I could “tame” this wild pony. It just took a little imagination.
A few years into our new found partnership I discovered a book on trick training. We dove head first into the world of tricks as Minnow learned to shake hands, play fetch, and bow. I had stumbled upon a language that allowed us to communicate and it forever changed my life and Minnow’s as well.
When Minnow was diagnosed with Ringbone in 2008 and deemed unrideable many would have given up on him. He was my best friend, and I refused to believe that it was the end for us.
Minnow picked up painting and we began to learn new tricks and skills that brought us closer together. In my early 20’s we spent much of our time training and touring around to fairs, expos, and our favorite – the annual Chincoteague Pony Swim every summer. We met hundreds of people who I like to think also fell in love with him as they took home a small piece of him in the form of a one-of-a-kind painting.
While each year Minnow’s body began to fail him just a little bit more, we spent some of the best years of my life connecting with each other and painting for anyone willing to watch.
Minnow was there through all of the major milestones in my life – high school graduation, college graduation, my wedding (he was the “flower pony”), and later the birth of my two daughters. He was the very first pony my girls met after they were born, and later took on the role of “protector” to the girls’ two miniature horses who lived in the stall with him.
Our endeavors with Painting Pony slowed in the past few years, as I got busy raising my young children and Minnow’s body continued to age. His steady limp that was always there became more evident as the years went on. We took him to New Bolton to have injections to help his joints fuse and bought him extra years of comfort in doing so. But through it all, we still painted. Stable flies, gnats, mosquitoes, ticks, lice, etc. are extremely annoying and can further harm him too so we use the Best Fly Spray For Horses that can provide complete protection.
On October 28, 2020 I brought his easel out for the last time. It was a warm fall day and my girls helped me ready his remaining few canvases I had in the barn loft as Minnow eagerly hung his head over the fence in anticipation. They went inside to have lunch and I was left to paint with my best friend. We painted with no one watching, no crowds, no onlookers – just us. Because that’s how it all began, just Minnow and I, doing something we loved together. And when he was done he gently placed his paintbrush on the easel ledge and walked away.
Forever in my heart, xoxo.
Chincoteague Minnow
1994 – 2020
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Loved the pictures and the story of minnows life!! We are fro Virginia and used to go see the ponies every year!! Sorry for your loss. He had a blessed life!!!
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your beautiful Minnow.
I’ve been following the Chincoteague ponies and going to the island since 1972… so glad I saw this story!
I just lost an old mustang (32) and an old cat. Never easy, even if you’ve shared long lives with them.
Minnow was a gorgeous boy. You’ve made a lot of people’s memories…
I am so very very sorry for the loss of Minnow. What a wonderful story of love! There are never enough years with them. My Chincoteagues lived to be 25 years and 34 years – you did so right in giving him a long happy life. Healing thoughts for your heart.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. ❤??
A beautiful tribute to such a beautiful pony! What a wonderful life he had with you! My sincere condolences for your loss of Minnow. Wonderful memories you will have in your heart forever!
What a beautiful tribute!