Waller Park’s Beloved Ponies Must Leave, Saddened Community Brainstorms How To Help

ORCUTT, Calif. (KEYT) - A Central Coast treasure is going away soon, as Waller Park’s Pony Rides have to close down.

Their owner is moving away to receive treatment for cancer, and the ponies will be moving to Oklahoma with her.

After 26 years of smiles, family memories and even personal milestones, Waller Park’s beloved 'Pony Rides In The Park' are holding their final weekend this Saturday and Sunday.

Lisa Leonard and her ponies have provided weekend pony rides at Waller Park for more than two decades years.

Parents have brought their children out for rides and interactions with the ponies that create lasting memories.

Leonard says many of those kids have grown up and they’ve been bringing their own children now.

She says that among her own favorite memories are shy kids who gain confidence after riding the ponies and learning to take care of them.

Leonard says she recently received news about her cancer that has caused her to have to relocate and take the ponies with her.

They’ll be moving to her daughter’s ranch in Oklahoma, where Leonard says they hope to find a new home for their 'Pony Rides In The Park.'

Today is the final day of Leonard’s estate sale on Rice Ranch Road, and members of the rancher community are brainstorming how to help her meet her moving expenses, considering the creation of a GoFundMe.

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