Cola’s story begins because one young man dared to care enough to ask for help.
In November 2015, a young man on the Lower Brule Reservation walked several miles into town to speak with a local veterinarian. He had taken in several young horses to keep them safe, and even built a small barn for them by hand. After the death of his mother, the family was preparing to return to Texas, and once he left the state the horses would become property of the Tribe. His only goal was to make sure they would remain safe, so he reached out for help before he left.
When we arrived, he introduced each horse by their Lakota names and the meanings he wanted us to understand: Glešká (spotted), Tahní (explained to us as tribal slang for “skinny old man”), Mató (bear), Iná (mother), and a small mini called Čík’ala (tiny). We had not set out to bring home a mini, but the sincerity behind his request made it clear that every horse in that pen mattered. Čík’ala came home with the others.
Čík’ala soon became Cola, a natural nickname that also aligns with another Lakota word meaning “friend.” True to that meaning, Cola quickly showed us how important small horses can be in helping children feel confident and welcomed. Many of our youngest visitors met him first. His size and temperament made him a calm, approachable companion for new horse handlers, and because of that, we expanded our children’s programming, strengthened our outreach, and eventually built the pony and donkey barn that continues serving families today.
Cola is older now, missing a few teeth and showing early signs of Cushing’s, but with senior feed and Smart Pituitary he remains steady and gentle. Each December he steps into his role as Santa Cola, greeting families during our Christmas Ponies events and continuing the work he unknowingly started years ago.
For those who wonder about the rest of the horses from that day: Iná, Mató, and Tahní all found good homes where they were cared for and appreciated. Glešká, who came with knee issues that progressed to cancer, lived out his remaining time with us, short as it was, surrounded by safety and kindness.
Cola’s story began with a young man who cared enough to speak up, and his impact continues every time a child finds confidence beside a small horse who knows exactly how to meet them where they are.
You can meet Santa Cola this Saturday at Sioux Falls Fleet Farm from 1–3pm during Christmas Ponies.
Small horses can make a big impact. Minis and ponies help children feel confident, safe, and welcomed, often becoming the first trusted connection kids make with horses.
Kindness multiplies. One young man’s decision to ask for help created a legacy that continues today through our children’s programs and community outreach.
Programs grow from the horses who need us. Cola wasn’t part of our plan, but he became the reason we built an entire pony and donkey barn and expanded our educational work.
Every horse deserves a chance to find their purpose. Cola’s gentle nature has helped hundreds of children take their first step into horsemanship — proving that purpose comes in many sizes.
Your support helps horses like Cola find safety, purpose, and a new path forward — and it helps us give children transformative first experiences with horses. Every gift, no matter the size, keeps our programs strong and our doors open.
👉 Give today at https://gentlespirithorses.org/donate
Thank you for helping the next little horse who needs a place to land.