Gallop Into Creativity: How The Pony Island Inspires Horse‑Crazy Kids
If your child dreams in hoofbeats and lives for all things pony, chances are they’ll fall in love with The Pony Island, a whimsical, horse-filled online world created by lifelong equestrian and artist Susan DiFelice. Blending her background in design, education, and a deep love for horses, Susan built The Pony Island to spark creativity and curiosity in young horse lovers through books, games, crafts, and more. In this interview, Susan shares what inspired her to create this imaginative platform, how horse-themed learning supports kids (whether or not they ride), and what’s next for The Pony Island. Plus, discover how The Pony Island’s collaboration with We Read Horse Books is bringing even more magic to summer reading—for kids who gallop through chapters like they’re chasing the wind.
Q: What initially inspired you to create a platform dedicated to ponies, and how has that vision grown and changed over time?
It all started when I was a horse-crazy kid who couldn’t always be at the barn. Later, I created Allpony.com to help my own children learn about horses at home. After Allpony grew and was adopted by the US Pony Club, I felt called to start something new that reached even more types of horse lovers — including kids who love horses but don’t ride (yet!), homeschoolers, kids in therapeutic riding programs, and every dreamy little artist or bookworm out there. That’s how The Pony Island came to life — as a more expansive, imaginative home for all kinds of pony adventures.
Q: For kids who are reading about ponies, how can The Pony Island’s resources help them connect with the real-life magic of these animals even more deeply?
The Pony Island offers hands-on learning in a playful and creative way. We’ve created printables, online games, and even horse communication courses that help kids understand how ponies think, move, and feel. So when they read about a pony in a book — like one with a swishing tail or pinned-back ears — they’ll know what that means. It’s about making the leap from fiction to reality, and it gives them confidence and a stronger emotional connection to real horses.
Q: How do you hope The Pony Island will continue to inspire and educate the next generation of equestrians and animal lovers?
My goal is to spark curiosity, build confidence, and help kids find their own path in the horse world. Not every child has access to riding lessons, but every child deserves the chance to connect with horses in some way. Whether it’s through a drawing class, a pony-themed printable, or a book recommendation, I hope The Pony Island keeps growing into a fun, friendly resource that meets kids wherever they are — and encourages them to keep learning, dreaming, and caring deeply about animals.
Q: For a child who dreams of owning a pony one day, what are some key things they can learn from your website and the pony world in general?
They’ll learn that pony care is both a joy and a big responsibility! From feeding and grooming to body language and safety, The Pony Island offers kid-friendly ways to explore what it really takes to care for a pony. We help them dream responsibly, while still keeping the magic alive. And with our printable budgets, checklists, and learning games, they can start building those pony skills right now — no barn required.
Q: Is there anything else you can tell us about The Pony Island?
Yes! One of the most unique features is our “Find Your Pony Path” quiz, which helps kids explore different types of horse experiences — like being a show rider, a horse artist, a therapeutic riding helper, or a pony caretaker. Each path has its own mascot and learning journey, helping kids discover new ways to connect with horses based on who they are, not just what they do. It’s about inclusion, imagination, and giving every child a sense of belonging in the horse world.
Q: How do you see the collaboration between The Pony Island and “We Read Horse Books” inspiring young readers and horse enthusiasts this summer?
This collaboration brings together the best of both worlds — reading and riding (or dreaming of riding!). Books spark curiosity and imagination, and The Pony Island adds an interactive layer to that experience. Kids who fall in love with horses through stories can head to the site to play games, learn real pony care tips, and even explore their own “Pony Path.” It’s a full-circle moment: the stories draw them in, and The Pony Island helps those dreams feel more real and reachable.
Images used with permission. Images ©2025 The Pony Island.