Help in times of crisis

Superpony now cheers up children and families

Director of the Regenbogental therapy center Margarethe Weiss-Beck (left), pony Murphy with a young animal lover and author Jesse Schwarz(Bild: Imre Antal)

The little pied super pony Murphy - known from the children's books of the same name by author Jesse Schwarz - is now helping children and families in crisis and bereavement situations. Murphy now has a very special task at the Regenbogental therapy center in Leobersdorf. 

The story of the now 16-year-old Tinker gelding from the Vienna Woods touches not only children but also their parents: a little fat pony called Murphy learns to believe in himself through his friends and is transformed into a super pony as a result. Almost exactly five years ago, author and owner of Murphy Jesse Schwarz wrote down the story of her animal companion in order to use the proceeds to pay a high vet bill for the clumsy pony: "I tried my luck and it actually worked," the Lower Austrian is still pleased to this day. "At the time, I just wanted to get the badly injured pony back to normal and I needed money for that because the vet's prognosis simply didn't look good for him. I knew that it would take years to nurse Murphy back to health."  

The wish finally came true, and a second volume was even launched. The proceeds were used to cover part of the vet costs. An encouraging story: "Today, Murphy's injury has healed and he can be ridden again," says the 38-year-old author happily. 

It was a tough time, but it showed us both that giving up is simply not an option and that fighting really does pay off, even when the doctors give a poor prognosis.

Autorin Jesse Schwarz

Now the pony has a new, particularly important task: as a therapy pony, Murphy supports children and families in crisis and bereavement situations. Margarethe Weiss-Beck, head of the Regenbogental therapy center in Leobersdorf in the district of Baden, was immediately impressed by the little pinto: "Murphy's story makes him a perfect fit for our team because he knows what it means to go through a crisis and has learned how to deal with it. That's exactly what the children can learn from him."

Author Jesse Schwarz is delighted with her super pony's new role(Bild: Imre Antal)

Magician Tricky Niki has also taken Murphy to his heart(Bild: zVg)

Pony enchanted real magician
Pony Murphy not only enchants the children in the Regenbogen Valley, but also a real magician: magician and ventriloquist Tricky Niki has given his heart to the clumsy Murphy. "He has such a lovingly relaxed yet curious and playful character," says the magician, praising the therapy pony. He even placed him at the Regenbogental himself. In the meantime, a real male friendship has developed between them, smiles Tricky Niki: "We go for walks, practise tricks like sit and down and maybe there will be a real magic trick in the future." 

Whether Murphy really turns out to be a super pony will be revealed at the 15th anniversary celebration of the Rainbow Valley on June 21. In any case, author Jesse Schwarz will be reading the stories of the Superpony from her books.

All information about the Rainbow Valley: www.regenbogental.at
Donation options: Raiffeisen Bank Baden - IBAN: AT26 3204 5000 0199 3419 ; BIC RLNWATWWBAD