Sponsoring one of Storybook’s gentle giants is a great way to make a vital and lasting difference. An individual or business can help offset our daily equine expenses by making a contribution in the amount of $1,500. Storybook Farm will recognize your tax deductible donation with a plaque placed on the stall of the sponsored horse as well as a listing in our publications and on our web site.

Oliver Twist and Hercules … We miss you both!

After 6 years of great rides, hugs, and kisses at Storybook Farm, Oliver Twist returned to Lexington, Kentucky on March 21st. Oliver had sustained an injury to his left front knee during his racing career many years ago and that old injury began to cause him problems again. The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (trfinc.org) happily welcomed him back to his old stomping grounds with a wonderful home in the beautiful bluegrass countryside! Oliver’s riders and Storybook’s staff will truly miss his companionship and his slightly mischievous personality! Who is going to throw their halter on the floor now? Huckleberry Finn?

Hercules loved his job. He loved kids and the attention that he received from their adoring looks and tight hugs. He was a steady helper for many children during his life at Storybook Farm. Sadly, he had a bad stomach ache (colic) from which he did not recover. We said “goodbye” to Hercules at the Auburn University Large Animal Hospital on April 17th. Often times you don’t realize how great a horse truly is until he is gone. Thankfully, that is not the case with Hercules … we knew all along what a gift he was to our program. Thank you again to the Guedman Family for donating such a blessing and to the wonderful Auburn doctors who fought to save his life.

Meet our currently sponsored horses

Many thanks to all of our sponsors!

Good day ole chaps! Robin Hood, the Merry Men, Maid Marion and I have just arrived at Storybook Farm all the way from merry old England. After our unfortunate experience of being chased out of Nottingham by the Sheriff, we have settled into farm life quite nicely and look forward to meeting the children!

Tom Sawyer and his best friend Huckleberry Finn arrived at Storybook Farm on the same day in August 2001. When they are not too busy keeping our fences painted or rafting down the waterfall, they love to play with Storybook’s children.

Just recently, Tom decided to postpone all his adventures because it was time for sessions. Now takes his little friends on horseback rides around the farm. Trail rides are the most fun for Tom because he does not have to duck under the trees! Sometimes he and Huckleberry Finn play hide and seek in the woods Tom always wins because he is brown all over and Huck is not!

Shortly after my arrival at Storybook Farm from the deep dark jungles of India, I was given the job of protecting Storybook Farm from “Shere Khan” the fierce Jungle Book tiger. Gulliver, who is an experienced world traveler, explained that tigers do not live in Opelika, Alabama but Paddington Bear AND Johnny Appleseed continue to insist that we cannot be too careful! Oliver Twist also pointed out that he has not seen a tiger since I arrived so I must be doing my job well.

A lawyer’s life is full of difficult choices especially when trying to raise a young family and be the star of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, but Atticus Finch is up to the challenge. He was simply dashing in his seersucker suit when he brought justice to a small town in Alabama. Just a few months ago, he packed his suit and briefcase and moved to Storybook Farm.

His new office is just across from Oliver Twist’s stall. Except for a few cases dealing with lost horseshoes and missing apple pies from Aunt Polly’s window sill, his case load is light. You know, everyone gets along well at Storybook Farm!

He loves spending time with the kids while they groom and ride him. He is our tallest horse so the children feel as though they are climbing onto a mountain! He is lovable and has a great personality.

Gulliver's Travels
Kids, email Gulliver

MY INFORMATION:
Age: 16 years old
Birthday: April 8
Breed: Paint
Height: 13.2 hands
Sponsors: Bill & Laura Dyas
Service Years @ Storybook: 5
Favorite Treat: Sugar Cubes
Starring In: Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift

Hello! My name is Gulliver’s Travels and I am so thrilled that you’ve stopped by to see me. I was just thinking about one of my many adventures to lands far away. It was exciting traveling by boat to places unknown, but now I am happy to have settled down.

I arrived at Storybook Farm 5 years ago after all the “Little People” finally released me. There is a guy here named Stuart Little. He lives two doors down and I think he followed me from Lilliput. I am trying to avoid him at all costs. Everyone tells me that he is harmless, but I don’t trust anyone with the last name “Little”.

But enough about me ….

I have met small people, tall people, and people who speak foreign languages. They have many differences, but one thing in common, they all love Storybook Farm and so do I!

Ahoy Mate — Where is my ship? Oh I forgot, I have been on land for so long that I do not have my ship anymore.

Two years ago, I turned over a new hoof when I moved to Storybook Farm. Thankfully, my days are no longer filled with jealousy and vengeance. I don’t even want to capture Peter Pan anymore.

Actually, I want him to come to Storybook Farm and meet my new friends. By the way, has anyone seen him? If so, please direct him to my stall….

I am Director of Transportation at the farm, so please notice and respect my Stop Sign as you exit the farm. Thank you for visiting and come back soon.

Huckleberry Finn

Kids, email Huckleberry Finn  

MY INFORMATION:
Age: 11 years old
Birthday: March 16
Breed: Paint Pony
Height: 12.2 hands
Sponsor: East Al Medical Center
Service Years @ Storybook: 7
Favorite Pastime: Stealing Pies
Starring In: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Mark Twain asked me, Huckleberry Finn, to be Tom Sawyer’s best friend. Lucky for Mr. Twain, Miss Dena decided to adopt me too! Now, I keep Tom on his “hooves” and make sure that he gets into a lot of trouble with me.

Just last week, I tried to convince Tom to go on a midnight escape. I know where the kitchen is and I am always interested in dessert. It took me quite some time to push the latch open on my stall door because I have no thumbs. But I am NOT a quitter, so at 5 am I finally succeeded. Tom had dozed off so I ventured on alone.

I couldn’t open the kitchen door so I went to what all my friends were up to… most of them were asleep. How boring. I accidentally knocked over all the trash cans and made a huge mess. When I heard Miss Dena coming to feed us breakfast, I tried to hide, but once again my white spots gave me away!

Breaking News on Channel 3 …. This is Jamie reporting that Humpty Dumpty is back together again and has promised to stay away from walls forever. Yes, it is true! I have just spoken with him and he vows to remain in one piece from now on.

Everyone knows his history …. Just four years ago, all the King’s horses and all the King’s men had to call in The Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine for assistance. After many hours of grueling and tedious work, they reassembled him. Just look at him now — He is even better than before.

Now, under Dr. Ruffin and Dr. Taintor’s close observation and guidance, the Auburn University students take excellent care of him and all his friends. They even remember to bring his glue during their “barn calls”!

Johnny Appleseed began planting apple trees throughout the United States in the 1800’s. About a billion seeds later in 2004, he brought a bushel of apples to Storybook Farm.

He fell in love with the peaceful setting and the green fields and decided to stay. Now this resident American Folk Hero spends his time whining hellos and teaching children to love and appreciate God’s beautiful earth. He truly enjoys the days when he takes children for trail rides through Sherwood Forest.

He even sings our farm blessing. “Oh, the Lord is good to me -And so I thank the Lord for giving me the things I need – The sun and the rain and the apple seeds – The Lord is good to me – Amen”

Be sure to visit “Johnny’s Orchard” at Storybook!

Paddington Bear at your service - In my travels through Darkest Africa, I never found Paddington Station, but I did find Storybook Farm. You know I can go anywhere, but I can never find my way back!

The nice people at Storybook Farm saw the note attached to my coat saying, “Please take care of this bear.”, and they were rather confused. You see, I am not a bear at all … I am a pony!

Five years ago, I took off my raincoat and settled right into life in the South. Now, my most favorite part of the day is when the children groom me and make my coat shine.

Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Anderson are my special friends who write to me and send me a quarterly allowance. I am saving up to buy train tickets for my friends in England. Oh no! Sherlock Holmes just told me I that you can’t get to Storybook by train … There is an ocean in the way!

Sherlock Holmes is working on a top secret case at Storybook Farm. He has not divulged many details. However, after reading several of his notes to Dr. Watson, we have discovered that the case involves missing volunteers. Where in the world have they gone is the question.

Hello, my name is Stuart Little. You probably think I am a mouse, but I am NOT! I just dressed up like one once for Trick or Treat. That is how the rumor got started. Then Hollywood called and the rest is history.

The life of a movie star was too demanding with all the signing of autographs and the paparazzi “tailing” me night and day. After making loads of money on my movie, I decided to retire and settle down. But where should I go? Then I heard a story about a place with lots of opportunities to help children. This was my chance to finally make a difference. And now the rest is really history.

Thumbelina

Starring In: Thumbelina by Has Christian Andersen
Sponsor: Being so little Thumbelina could use a hand.

Thumbelina is indeed tiny but a mighty force on the farm. You can always hear her high-pitched voice alerting us to visitors. She loves when new guests arrive because they might just be her prince. She will wait as long as it takes for her dream to come true so be on the lookout – you could be her prince!

Grace

Starring In: Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman and Caroline Binch
Sponsor: I need someone to keep me from falling.

Dear Grace loves with all her heart. When she gets to know you she will gladly ask for a tummy scratch! And she is not above begging for a snack or two. Although she is a white dog with brown spots, she is always dirty and has a tinge of orange throughout her coat.

Jill

Starring In: The Nursery Rhyme Jack and Jill
Sponsor: I need someone to help me fix Jack’s crown.

Jill is most often seen in the library resting after her big fall. For now she has given up mountain climbing as she prefers level ground. She is the oldest dog on the farm (12 years old) and loves to nap! She also enjoys chewing on a good stick although; it sometimes gets stuck in her mouth. She has a beautiful soft coat that requires a lot of brushing!

Violet

Starring In: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Sponsor: Help me … I am turning VIOLET!

Although she is no longer “violet” in color, Willy Wonka still has not been able to shrink her back down to normal size. Violet is one of the wiser animals on the farm. She always sleeps right by our back door to protect us through the night. Her favorite horse friend is Tom Sawyer. You can visit her and her friends in Storybook’s Doggy Day Care located next to the Secret Garden pasture.

Big Dan & Little Ann

Co-Starring In: Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
Sponsor: The Irvin Family

Little Ann and Old Dan know all about love and loyalty. They are always on watch for predators and they are willing to risk their lives for their friends. Fortunately, no wild animals have been seen at Storybook so they are able to relax and enjoy their surroundings. They really love being around people – of all shapes and sizes! Some say their big ears are so they can hear you better – WAIT that is a different story altogether about a wolf and a grandmother!

Thumper

Starring In: Bambi by Felix Salten
Sponsor: I am hopping to meet you!

Thumper is so cheery and is quick to make friends. He and Violet get along the best, although he likes to call her Flower. You can find Thumper hanging around the library reading about all his other Storybook friends.

Jessie

Starring In: Toy Story 2 by RH Disney
Sponsor: I need someone who can rope with the best of them!

Jessie loves to be the first to say HOWDY to visitors. She is always on the move and you’ll have to run to keep up with her. She is quite a cowgirl and her best horse friend at Storybook is Hercules. He reminds her of Bullseye and they both love to watch Disney movies together!

Prissy

Starring In: Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Sponsor: Christopher & Tami Giles

My life used to be hard trying to please Miss Scarlett all the time. She can really yell and she always wants me to do something. I really like to just sing and walk slowly along the street looking at all the flowers. Now at Storybook, I can not only look at all the flowers, a lot of time I eat them. My favorite horse is Gulliver’s Travels.

Lucy

Starring In: Charlie Brown by Charles Swartz
Sponsor: The Hudson/ Medley Family

Our Lucy is not bossy like her comic strip counterpart. She is instead a gentle and meek soul who appreciates hugs and kisses. She always looks like she is smiling and her best friend is Jessie. They are never far apart and often seen “horsing around” in Doggy Day Care.

Melanie

Sponsor: I need someone to lend me some reading glasses so I can read Ashley’s letters from the war.

Melanie spends her time trying to keep the peace in Tara.

We are also lucky to have at Storybook a few stars from the book, The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. These cats can be found lounging around in the tack room or napping in the hay lofts.

Tin Man

Sponsor: Beta Alpha Psi Accounting Fraternity

Tinman an "old timer" having joined the farm in the Auburn location. He doesn't quite know what to do with all the new young whippersnappers.

Twister

Sponsor: I need someone to help me get back to Kansas.

Twister loves the lounging in the tack room. He knows were the cat food is kept!

Dorothy

Sponsor: I need someone to help me get back to Kansas.

Auntie Em

Sponsor: Can you help me find Dorothy and Toto?

Munchkin

Sponsor: Beth Dixon