Donald Leonard owned his first pony at the age of 12. He started the Chincoteague Pony Farm because he had a true love for ponies. He ran the farm for over 60 years before passing away in 2011.
Donald’s sons Arthur and Carlton run the farm today, with the help of their children.
Don and his sons at the Annual Pony Auction. This was taken around 1996.
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- Don on the lane in one of his favorite shirts, from The Vines golf club in Florida. He loved two things most in life– Golf and Ponies!
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- Don and his sons at the Annual Pony Auction. This was taken around 1996.
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- (l-r) Arthur, Hunter, Don, Carlton, Ayden. Hunter has since grown up, and Ayden is on his way!
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- Don was very involved with the fire company’s herds on Assateague for most of his life.
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- Carlton and Ayden on the tractor
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- Don with a foal. This must have been taken sometime in the late 80s or early 90s.
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- During the winter, the Leonards feed the ponies every day. It’s a cold job, but someone has to do it!
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- Carlton and Sir Lucky, who we like to refer to as “Little Man.” He was orphaned at birth and had to be hand-fed formula for a long time.
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- Arthur and Sir Lucky. We aren’t sure why, but he tries to eat everything in sight! Shirts, books, fences, tree bark– you name it!
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- Don spent a lot of his time on a tractor, building Leonard Lane from the ground up.
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- Don was featured in an “Everyday Heroes” calendar for his work with the ponies.
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- As the chair of the pony committee, Donald managed the pony penning auction. Arthur handled foals and spotted bids at the auction for many years.
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- Carlton with Sassie’s 2012 foal. He sent this photo out saying “Pony season–not a bad golf substitute!”