This story is about a talented young horse trainer named Kyley DiLuigi, 3 Chincoteague ponies and a little Dachshund named Ammo who joined together to form “ Painting Pony”. Their accomplishments have earned them much notoriety in the Press, as well as Newspaper articles in the Chincoteague Beachcomber and many Equestrian publications. Chesapeake Boomerang even had a feature story in the book, “Out of the Sea: Today’s Chincoteague Pony”.
Despite Ammo the Dachshund’s busy schedule he still finds time to write articles for Paisley Pony Magazine, as well as having earned himself a feature spot on Animal Planet (with Chincoteague Minnow), as one of America’s Cutest Dogs in 2010. Ammo has also been featured in the People section of the Local News highlighting his many talents as an artist and Trick Pony performer.
Chincoteague Minnow was born on Assateague Island in 1993, and was a participant in the annual swim. He came to live at Kendy Allen’s Chincoteague Pony Center for training and breaking, so he would be rideable. Minnow learned quickly and soon became a favorite in parades and shows at the Center. He was sold several times then eventually was taken in by a new family, the Nelson’s.
Kyley did not meet Chincoteague Minnow until 2002. The Nelson’s felt he needed a job and perhaps Kyley could work with him. Kyley gladly accepted the challenge, although she didn’t realize what a challenge it would be. Minnow had a serious trust issues and the first 2 years with Minnow were very frustrating for Kyley. A trainer helped and suggested ‘The Parelli Method’. Kyley also discovered a book called Trickonometry by Carole Fletcher. She worked slowly and methodically to bond a relationship with Minnow.
Slowly, but surely Minnow was learning tricks, simple at first, like a kiss using a food-reward based training method. He was now performing simple tricks like, kiss me, shake hands, say no, play fetch. He was learning! Kyley watched other trainers and learned about the clicker method. Kyley realized that she could use this clicker method to teach Minnow to obey commands while being ridden. She had big plans for Minnow and he seemed to like it.
The clicker became the trigger and food became the reward. Minnow and Kyley worked hard together, using repetition until Minnow had learned the routine. Kyley now felt a close bonded relationship with Minnow, as if they spoke the same language. As time passed Minnow developed more skills and confidence and in 2006, Minnow placed top 6 in the Nation at the USPC National mounted games competition.
Kyley, an Art Student often took Minnow to school with her. She had a love of Animals and Art. Kyley decided it was time to teach Minnow to paint. In 2007 Minnow, holding his first paintbrush in his mouth became the world’s first Painting Chincoteague Pony. Kyley set Minnow up with his own easel, paint and brushes. Minnow had to learn to curb his enthusiasm a bit or the brush and easel would go flying. Minnow enjoyed painting and never tired of creating new art. Well, the artwork started to pile up so Kyley started a website for Minnow so she could sell his work. Minnow still competed in mounted games, as well as being an artist.
Unfortunately, in 2008 Minnow was diagnosed with ringbone, a form of Equine arthritis. Kyley made sure Minnow got the best Veterinary care, in the hope that he could be pain free and she could ride him one day again, but it was not to be. Kyley kept Minnow busy with painting and learning tricks, but he seemed a bit down. At the age of 15 Minnow officially went into retirement, although continued to paint and perform tricks. Minnow officially became part of Kyley’s family when the Nelson’s gave Minnow to Kyley as a wedding gift in 2008.
In 2008 Minnow was invited to attend the annual Pony Penning tradition at his once home (The Chincoteague Pony Center). He performed beautifully and was a crowd favorite. Kyley realized that Minnow was a very special horse and she wanted another Chincoteague as a mounted games pony. That summer she purchased Chesapeake Lightning (Blitz) and Chesapeake Boomerang (Boomer). With Minnow as their teacher the two new ponies were on their way to success.
Chesapeake Blitz was born in 2002 in North Carolina, whose parents were Chincoteague Island bred ponies. At the age of 3 Blitz was bought and moved to Quiet Creek Farm in Maryland. When Kyley met Blitz it was love at first sight and she knew he was to be part of the family. He was soon on his way to his new home in Pennsylvania and on his way to learning to be a trick pony and artist. Blitz, with his wonderful personality, plus an incredible willingness to learn make him an invaluable addition to the family.
Chesapeake Boomer, like Blitz was born in North Carolina, also having island born parents. Boomer is Blitz’s half brother. Boomer was a successful hunter show pony; he is excellent at mounted games and is born to run. Boomer has very unique coloring with a white patch on his side which bares a resemblance to a map of the United States. Misty of Chincoteague had the same marking. Boomer is a magnificent games pony as well as a talented artist.
Ammo, the Dachshund was born in October 2008. Although Ammo is not a pony, he is a very important part of “Painting Pony”, as a sidekick, and a cute one at that! Misty of Chincoteague also had a Dachshund sidekick named Alex of Jandelo. Ammo is an official member of the Chincoteague Trick Ponies; performing tricks, creating Artwork, as well as making public appearances with Minnow. When Ammo is not working he can probably be found at the farm helping Kyley with the ponies. His animal friends at the farm include, his canine buddy Trooper, Spider Kitty and Cricket the cat. I think his favorite hobbies are napping and chasing groundhogs. Ammo is quite a little character.
Kyley owns her own shop where she sells and takes orders for these wonderful works of art. Using acrylic paints, and holding a paintbrush in their mouths, the Painting Ponies go to work, although Ammo uses his paws to paint his artwork. The ponies choose the colors and seem to have their favorites. Kyley also has an online website that will give you more information about the ponies work. She donates 5% of sales on paintings to non-profit groups such as, The Chincoteague Pony Association, Main Line Animal Rescue, SPCA, LAPS and several other organizations.
You can visit The Painting Pony Shop online at http://www.paintingpony.com or check out Kyley’s Facebook page,” Painting Pony”. Ammo also has a website http://www.ammothedachshund.com and a Facebook page, “Ammo the Dachshund”. Every morning I look forward to stopping by his page, he always puts a smile on my face with his antics and cuteness.
In closing, Kyley says,” I have found that anything is possible as long as you are able to build a connection between you and your animal”. When asked, “How do you teach your horse that?” Kyley just says, “ He taught me”.
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