Hurricane Katrina was a disaster that one plucky Pony of the Americas was able to endure. Luckily, there was enough hay and water in her stall to keep her alive until a rescue group could arrive. Then, she moved to a farm where a dog mauled one of her front legs. Initially, the veterinarians were at a loss of what to do, but they decided to amputate her leg below the knee and attach a prosthetic device. Such devices have been used on ponies with some success. It is important to require the equine to walk on the device as soon as possible in order to prevent compensatory injuries of the other front leg.  

Molly learned how to walk and trot on her prosthetic, and she was enjoying life. Her artificial leg even has a smiley face on the bottom of the hoof! The other ponies were a bit curious about Molly's new leg. Molly even got a new job as a therapy pony! Residents of children's hospitals and retirement homes enjoy interacting with the pony. They realize that even animals have hardships, but they can enjoy rich lives.

Molly the Pony: a True Story by Pam Kaster, 2012

• Books about horses
• Resources on prosthetics
• Ortho Pets