March 1, 2021 — The wild pony herds of Robinson Creek are part of the lore of Ukiah. They’re the descendants of Shetland mares and a Welsh stallion that escaped captivity in the middle of the last century. Over the decades, a few other breeds may have gotten involved, including some pintos and appaloosas. Now the vigorous little creatures are dots in the distance, a magical visitation, or a nuisance, damaging property and just waiting to cause a car crash on the 253.
Even so, they are beloved, by those who treasure their wild bonds to one another and those who want to bring them in from the cold.