A neighbor recently completed a documentary project on Buzz and the Bridges family, using interviews and photographs. Click on the “play” button below to watch it, or click here to see a larger version on his website.

The Rome Farm Wranglers

The Christmas Pony

Twas a few weeks before Christmas and all around our farm

Many horses were waiting to get let into the barn.

They waited patiently anxious to be fed

One by one to their stalls they were led.

Twelve stalls were full of hay and sweet grain

As eleven doors were shut one opened , remained.

Where is Danny? Josh wondered aloud,

As he peered out the door through the snowy white cloud.

Snow had piled up a top Danny’s back.

He was shivering and shaking, energy he did lack.

Poor Danny’s temperature had dropped quite low

As he stayed out in the falling snow.

As he entered his stall he dropped his head,

His brown little eyes had a look of dread.

With the push of a button the heater started up.

We rubbed and hugged him trying to raise his temp up.

With body trembling he went to the ground.

We began to fret as we stood around.

Mom left for the house all worried and bothered

While Shyla stayed in the barn with her father.

With danny’s age all of thirty-two

We thought and thought ,what more could we do?

A few minutes passed mom returned to the barn,

What are you thinking? She asked with alarm.

As Shyla started to open her mouth

Mom new in an instant what was about to come out.

Helped to his feet though still hanging his head

Down to the house the pony was led.

As the door flung open, with amazement and surprise

Three children stood there with bright shining eyes.

They were so excited to see danny walk in.

Have you lost your mind? they said with a grin.

Yes, we probably have. the answer came quick,

But what else can we do for this little guy is sick.

As the old pony stood there not looking very proud

Samson all of the sudden began to laugh out loud.

Soon danny was laying on the living room floor

While none of us knew what the night had in store.

Childrens faces were full of excitement and awe

As they made Danny comfy with a blanket and straw.

Little eyes became heavy they trotted off to bed.

Shy and I knew we had a long night ahead.

Danny held his mouth as tight as could be

Nothing would he take from Shyla or me.

With a syringe we forced nourishment down,

Danny looked at us with only a frown.

He stood then he layed all through the night.

As time went on his eyes seemed more bright.

We layed on the couch that became our bed

Hoping soon visions of grain would dance in his head.

All of the sudden Shy and I were amazed

The horse licked his lips, his head he did raise!

We offered him grain, his nose he did wiggle.

He gobbled it down, Shyla let out a giggle.

Danny stood and stared as Shy and I slept.

Not a muscle did he move as the sun in crept.

Buzz rose for work and let the other horses out.

Shy and I slept on we were very wore out.

Then all of the sudden a loud whinny he let out

We fell from our beds and let out a shout!

Being ‘woken sudden was quite a scare

As we stood there holding onto our hair.

Danny had wandered to the window and saw

All his horse friends nibbling on straw.

Danny’s night in the house soon came to an end

As he stepped out the door to join his horse friends.

As we opened our home to a horse that night

As odd as it seems he was given back life.

What’s this have to do with the first Christmas morn?

That long time ago when the Christ child was born.

A horse in a house is odd you may say,

Well, so is a baby being born in the hay.

The odd things in life are treasures you see.

Why would a father give his son to you and me?

This baby some day would give his life for you,

Then rise from the grave offering you life anew.

The world thinks it’s strange a foolish thing to do,

Opening your hearts door asking Christ to live in you.

Don’t let that stop you from opening your heart.

Let Christ in your new life with start.

So may this horse story though in a small way

Somehow remind you of that first Christmas day.

Now as our story comes to an end

May we wish you a merry christmas Dear family and friend!

FOR SALE:  A beautiful Arabian mare. Excelent ride, a bit skittish when doing ground work, but with some consistent round pen work she’d do very well. Western/English. She also has the potential to be a fantastic jumper!   Give us a call 495-3559 or 446-0739.