About Our Equine Operations
Jeffrey and Cynthia Frye started Painted Pony Pastures in 2007, moving the 501(c)(3) rescue from Palm City to 1410 NE 77th Street in Ocala. Jeffrey, a disabled Vietnam veteran, is executive director and Cynthia is assistant director and treasurer; the site says the couple, both retired and in their seventies, self-finance the operation and receive no state or federal funding. About 50 horses and donkeys have been rescued, rehomed or given sanctuary since 2007, and roughly half the current residents cannot be placed because of age or medical condition and stay permanently, among them Tonka, a retired barrel racing horse, and two mini donkeys over 30 years old. Rescues receive nutrition, veterinary and hoof care plus training, and donations can be earmarked for hay, grain, supplements, veterinary or farrier costs.