Meet Cookie

Still Walking With Us

Cookie, officially registered as Cash This Cookie, came to Natural Freedom when she was 9 years old. Before arriving here, she was a successful show pony in the POA (Pony of the Americas) show circuit. POAs are versatile ponies developed especially for young riders and families.

When Cookie was young, she had a beautiful Snowflake Pattern, with a blanket of white over her hindquarters. As she has aged, her white coat has taken over, and her colorful pattern has nearly disappeared. During her show career, Cookie earned many awards in Western, English, and Pony Club Playdays.

Cookie came to Natural Freedom from northern Ohio, where life looked very different. At first, our wide-open 100 acres were frightening to her. She struggled with the change and desperately wanted to stay close to her herd.

Whenever Cookie became startled or scared, she would run back to the place where she felt safest—behind the barn. That special place became known as Cookie’s Cove.

Even today, Cookie often retreats to her cove when a storm comes through or when she needs a quiet, familiar place to rest. Cookie has always preferred routine and can find change difficult. But with time, patience, and trust, she has learned to feel safe in her new home.

Today, Cookie has a very special role at Natural Freedom. She excels at working with individuals with disabilities, particularly people with Autism as she spent several years as a therapeutic riding pony. Now she continues to help people of all ages learn, grow, and heal.

Cookie’s story reminds us that being brave doesn’t mean never being afraid. Sometimes courage means taking your time, finding a safe place, and learning that you can face something new.

Welcome to Cookie’s Cove—a place where even a champion can find comfort, confidence, and courage.