pony

The pony is a small, shaggy moor pony named Jump, belonging to Dickon Sowerby. It embodies the wild, hardy nature of the moor and serves as a symbol of the natural, untamed life that contrasts with the confined existence of the manor's inhabitants. Its presence in the story marks the connection between the children and the living landscape beyond the garden walls.

Identity and Description

The pony is described as a "tiny little shaggy moor pony with thick locks hanging over his eyes and with a pretty face and a nuzzling velvet nose." It is rather thin from living on moor grass, but as tough and wiry as if the muscle in its little legs had been made of steel springs. This description emphasizes its adaptation to the harsh, open moorland environment, where it survives on sparse grazing. The pony is not a domesticated pet in the conventional sense but a creature of the wild, befriended and tamed by Dickon through patience and kindness.

Relationship with Dickon

Dickon has a deep, communicative bond with the pony. When Dickon appears, the pony lifts his head and whinnies softly, trotting up to put his head across Dickon's shoulder. Dickon then talks into the pony's ear, and the pony responds with "odd little whinnies and puffs and snorts." This mutual understanding reflects Dickon's unique ability to charm animals, treating them as equals and friends. Dickon demonstrates this trust by making the pony give Mary his small front hoof and kiss her on the cheek with his velvet muzzle, showing the pony's gentle and responsive nature under Dickon's care.

Role in the Story

The pony serves as a practical means of transport for Dickon, who rides it across the moor to reach Misselthwaite Manor and the secret garden. It is mentioned that Dickon came over on the pony one morning, bringing two tame squirrels in his pockets. The pony thus facilitates Dickon's regular visits, which are crucial for the restoration of the garden and for Colin's recovery. Beyond its practical function, the pony represents the freedom and vitality of the moor, a world of open spaces and wild creatures that stands in stark contrast to the locked rooms and oppressive silence of the manor. Its presence reinforces the theme of nature as a healing, life-giving force.

Narrative Significance

The pony, like Dickon's other animal companions, is part of the "Magic" that transforms the lives of Mary and Colin. It is a living example of the interconnectedness and mutual trust that can exist between humans and the natural world. The pony's hardiness and freedom inspire Colin, who is confined to his room and wheelchair, to imagine a life of strength and movement. The pony thus contributes to the novel's central message that health, joy, and life itself are found in connection with the earth and its creatures.