For youth athlete Samantha MacDonald, there’s no question who the star of the barn is: her pony, Candy Crush. Known affectionately as “Crush” or “Crushy,” this pint-sized powerhouse has captured hearts with his mix of sweetness, spunk, and undeniable charisma.
“He is just the best pony ever,” Samantha said with a laugh. “He is really funny! He’s definitely a barn favorite -- everyone loves him. He’s the sweetest pony with the biggest heart, and he always tries his best. But, he also has a little spunk to him, which is awesome.”
Samantha has had Crush, a 16-year-old Welsh Pony Cross gelding, for about two years, and their time together has been full of growth and trust. Building a strong connection hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been rewarding.
“In the beginning, we struggled a lot with contact, but as we’ve gotten to trust each other more, it’s really come a long way,” she explained. “Spending the time to bond made a huge difference. Now he trusts my hand, and I trust him. It’s just been incredible to see how far we’ve come.”
What makes Crush truly unforgettable, though, is his disposition.
“My favorite thing about him is definitely his personality,” Samantha shared. “He’s like no other horse I’ve ever met before. He is very kind, and he’s so cuddly. I love him so much.”
Ask Samantha to describe Crush in celebrity terms, and she doesn’t hesitate. “Beyoncé,” she declared. “He has a lot of pizzazz and attitude. He knows he’s handsome, he knows he’s cute, and he absolutely owns it.”
Like his superstar comparison, Crush thrives on attention and adoration. Whether he’s dazzling in the ring or charming at the barn, he carries himself with the flair of someone who knows he’s destined to be admired.
Of course, no pony profile would be complete without a mention of treats. Crush’s favorites? Apples and bananas, though Samantha says he’s not picky at all. “He’ll eat anything,” she said with a smile.
As for what lies ahead, Samantha is keeping her goals grounded in joy and partnership. “I’m just looking forward to having a good time, having a good experience, and having fun,” she said. “We’ve worked so hard, and now that we’ve made it here at Festival, it’s about putting everything we’ve worked towards into our tests, giving it all we’ve got, and just seeing what happens.”
With his big heart, dazzling personality, and Beyoncé-level flair, Crush is more than just a pony -- he’s a star in his own right.
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