Cherry

Cherry Cola by PC

5/17/1995 Bay mare

AMHA A70980 32.75"

We donated Cherry in March 2004 to ABC TV's show

"Extreme Makeover Home Edition"

This TV show aired on Sunday April 18, 2004.

Admittedly we are disappointed in both the fact we were never mentioned as the contributors of this little mare, but more in the way that things turned out. There was a very quick flash naming Eby Ranch in the credits. The homeowners sold Cherry after the show aired. I learned a lot about this show by being a part of it.

Most of the shows 'hosts/workers' were great... nice people. Ty was a grand stander and loud, and the only time he was seen around was when it was time to film another segment. I seriously doubt that Ty really does ANY real WORK for the show. He's a face and a voice, so don't assume he's really making those calls himself to "get donations" for people... the office ladies in Burbank are making those arrangements and donations. That is who called me, the office staff... asking about donating a free horse. I explained that I had only miniatures, and they insisted that was exactly what the were seeking... "Owning a miniature horse was the "daughters dream". BOY OH BOY did I get sold a bill of goods. They are good.

As far as building, It's the volunteers that are really doing all the work.... I think that I worked more on the project home as a volunteer than Ty did as their "carpenter".

But after all - this was ALL about the shots they get for TV, not really about what the people involved really want -- or what the animals were being exposed to. It's HOLLYWOOD baby...

If you could only see the "out-takes" with Ty. He actually jumped on the back of this tiny mare, and she appropriately bucked and then tried to kick him! (good girl!) I was livid when he did this, as he never asked beforehand. Of course I would have said NO WAY...

And after all was said and done, after weeks of preparing the mare, and buying things to send off with her like feed, vet supplies and tack that I donated myself -- It turned out after the show the family that received Cherry wasn't pleased! They didn't really want her!

The daughter wanted a RIDING horse and a miniature didn't fit the bill at all. She was disappointed in the gift, as one could imagine. Miniature horse ownership was not her dream, as I had been told... it was the dream of the "TV show" because it would look 'cute' and be easy. They tried beforehand to get a regular riding horse donated and were unable to come up with anything. So they found my ad for miniature horse stallions service someplace online. This was just a girl wanting to trail ride with her friends, not a miniature horse lover longing to raise minis. AHEM. I'm an idiot.

So the family SOLD little Cherry off almost immediately. I was so upset and hurt when I found this out, as I had met with the family, and even came back daily, to care for Cherry the first week... when she coliced at their house. I explained the care she needed, and the care that the goats needed (that they were also gifted) '

I explained to them, if they didn't want Cherry, please to let me know. Had I known she would be immediately sold down the road... to end up who knows where -- I would have found her a permanent home. I was told they were considering taking her to the auction when another buyer was found (for $200, eegads - I would have bought her back myself for that...the supplies I left with her cost more than $200)

Gee, I could have sold her myself, what a concept. This was a nice mare, not a cull.

The entire experience was a wild ride but also a complete disappointment to me. I think Cherry ended up somewhere in the high desert, but I don't know for sure.

An amazing experience? Yes.

Would I do it again - NO WAY, NO HOW!

Not with that company or show....

and I'm all for win/win but this is ALL about the TV show, not the reality after the show is filmed.