Throwback: The Lazy Pony - Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages

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Transcript16 lines

[00:01]
A
Hello.
[00:02]
B
Welcome to Stories Podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Weldon. Today's story is a throwback episode. Tune in to hear one of our classic stories from the archive that you might have missed the first time around. We have Stories Podcast merch, available@storiespodcast.com shop. We're also on Cameo for all of your personalized video message needs. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram Stories Podcast if you send us a drawing of your favorite scene or character, we'll share it on our feed. Now, here's a word from our sponsors.
[00:36]
A
Experience the beloved Harry Potter series like you've never heard them before on Audible Harry Potter the full cast audio editions.
[00:45]
B
Present the iconic series as a truly.
[00:47]
A
Spellbinding listening event for the whole family. The adventure will surround you. You'll hear footsteps echoing off the walls of Hogwarts and the whoosh of a golden snitch as it darts, and the production also features a rousing new musical score that heightens every magical moment. Listen as a list Stars like Hugh Laurie as Albus Dumbledore and Keira Knightley as Professor Umbridge create a spellbinding experience for not only longtime Harry Potter fans, but also those brand new to the magical world of witchcraft and wizardry. The first story, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, is available now, with new audiobooks releasing every month. Moving forward, it's Harry Potter like you've.
[01:30]
B
Never heard it before.
[01:32]
A
Listen on audible. Go to audible.com HP1 and start listening today. It's the busiest travel season of the year and I think we can all agree that traveling long distances can be rough, especially for kids. Luckily, Netflix has everything you need to keep your family entertained and during even the longest cross country trek. Download your kids favorite Netflix games, shows and movies to watch anywhere for on the go entertainment. Netflix Kids games are fun and educational and will keep your kids entertained with their favorite characters in games like Paw Patrol, Academy, Barbie Color Creations and World of Peppa Pig. The games all work without WI fi, so they're travel ready and perfect for road trips, flights and travel downtime. All games are fully unlocked with your existing Netflix membership. No extra costs or in app purchases. Visit netflixfamily.com traveltips for all your kids holiday entertainment.
[02:37]
B
Thanks. Enjoy the episode the Lazy Pony Once upon a time there was a lazy pony. His name was Webster and he spent his days running through the fields of his family's farm, munching on oats and hay and chasing the ducks by the pond. His owner was the farmer's daughter A happy young girl named Harper. She took great care of her little pony, and Webster's favorite thing of all was when Harper would sit by his side in the stables and brush his coat and mane. She was thorough and gentle and always made sure that he went to sleep happy without any burrs or dirt in his hair. Good night, Webster, she would say when she finished. Sleep tight, little pony. Webster would neigh back at her and prance his feet. He was saying, thank you. See you in the morning. Of course, Harper didn't speak pony, but she got the gist of it anyway. Webster went on living his happy life until one day the farm ran into some trouble. There had been too much rain in the spring, and many of the young plants on the farm had been washed away. They needed some extra money, and Harper wanted to help. Together with her parents, they decided they could mine the salt from a hill nearby. They had already dug it out, and while it wasn't a true mine, it had craggy walls of white gray salt rocks. They had always used it for themselves around the farm for cooking and preserving food, but they had plenty extra to sell. We can mine a little easy enough, her father said, but we'll get the best price at the farmer's market in Merrimack. They're only open a few days a week, and we need to tend the crops we have left, her mother said. Oh, I can take the salt to the market, said Harper, eager for responsibility. That way you could keep working on the farm and I can help out. It's pretty heavy, father said. Well, I'll put it on Webster, Harper said. He loves to run around and chase the ducks. He can definitely carry a couple bushels of salt if I walk next to him. Oh, that would work perfectly, Mother said, giving her a kiss on the head. The market is open tomorrow. Why don't we give it a try? So it was all agreed, and Harper couldn't wait to make the trip. Her mother helped fit Webster with panniers, which were special bags that went on his harness, and distributed the weight evenly across his back. Webster was happy for the attention and whinnied and pranced and licked Harper's face. Oh, we're gonna take a little trip, she said, laughing. Are you ready for a trip? Webster could understand English even if he couldn't speak it, and the word trip was like a dog hearing the word walk making him more excited than ever. He'd often go on little trips with Harper.
[05:43]
A
She would either ride on his back.
[05:44]
B
Or walk along beside him with the reins I can't wait, I can't wait, he said, tossing his mane and practically dancing in his stall. He got even more excited when Harper's dad came in with two big bushel baskets of salt. A salt lick was one of Webster's favorite snacks. Oh, boy, salt, he said. Until the salt was moved past his nose and loaded into the saddlebags. Webster grumbled, feeling the weight settle onto his back. It was about as heavy as Harper, and he could easily handle it, but it upset him because he'd never had to work before and it didn't seem fair. Oh, it's just a trip to the market, harper said, seeing his mood change. Time for you to earn your oats, buddy. Earn my oats? Webster whinnied. He'd never had to earn his oats before. He was always free to run around and play all day, chasing ducks and getting brushed. Working was for the other animals. Sensing his unhappiness, Harper scratched behind his ears. Okay, you two, mother said. You know the way to the market. Just make sure you stay out of the stream. If the bags get wet, all the salt will melt away in the water. We'll be careful, harper said, picking up the reins. Won't we, Webster? The pony tossed his mane and pranced, but already he was thinking of a plan to get out of work. They walked through the fields of their farm and through the neighbors fields and onto the dirt road to the market, where they worn smooth as a street by a thousand thousand footsteps over the years. Harper chatted to her pony as they walked, but Webster wasn't listening. He was grumbling to himself as they clomped along. Making me work. Me a pony. I should be chasing ducks and eating oats and being brushed. Eventually Harper noticed his mood. Don't be a grump, Webster, she said. Part of growing up is helping around the farm. You get to play all day every day. You can carry a little salt here and there. It's not so bad. Webster snorted, but they kept on walking.
[08:15]
A
Now for a quick ad break. We'll be back with the rest of the story after this. If you'd like Stories Podcast and other.
[08:22]
B
Favorite kid podcasts ad free.
[08:24]
A
Subscribe to Wondery Kids on Apple Podcasts. When it comes to holiday gifting, I want to give things people really love. Beautiful, timeless pieces they'll wear for years. That's why I'm going with Quince. Quince has something for everyone. Soft Mongolian cashmere sweaters for $50 that look and feel like designer pieces. Silk tops and skirts for dressing up. Perfectly cut denim for everyday wear and outerwear that actually keeps you warm, like the featherless quilted long puffer coat from Quince that I've been wearing every day since it came in the mail. Best of all, every piece is made with premium materials from ethical, trusted factories and priced far below what other luxury brands charge. Plus, there are so many beautiful gift options available from Quince. I have a lot of hat people in my life, so I've got my eye on their Mongolian cashmere beanies and berets. Also, they have a children's section so I can shop for everyone on my list in one place. Perfect.
[09:21]
B
Find gifts so good you'll want to.
[09:23]
A
Keep them with quince. Go to quince.com stories for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. Now available in Canada too. That's Q-U-I-N-C-E.com stories to get free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com stories today's kids are smart and curious digital natives, but that doesn't mean they need to be exposed to everything the Internet has to offer. Pinwheel is the smarter way to introduce kids to technology with a smartwatch or phone designed for kids and managed by parents. They feature GPS tracking and notifications and allow you to remotely monitor text messages from your device without taking the phone. You can create custom schedules for apps and contacts to help kids focus at school, homework and bedtime, and include only parent approved contacts so you can block all stranger and spam communication. There are more than 1,000 vetted apps to choose from with safety ratings so parents know what to pick. Plus millions of apps in the Google Play store except social media and adult apps. Right now, Pinwheel is offering up to 50% off phones and watches when you choose a quarterly or annual subscription plus free shipping and returns. Visit www.pinwheel.com stories that's P I N W H E-E-L.com S-T O R I-E-S to learn more and shop phones for kids.
[10:47]
B
Soon they came to the stream. It was wide and shallow, but a little deeper than usual because of all the spring rain they'd had long ago. Someone had built a sturdy wooden bridge across the water, and the stream lapped at its bottom. Okay buddy, careful across now, said Harper. The pony started across slow and steady, but then he saw the chance to enact his plan. He crossed one hoof in front of the other and pretended to trip and stumble. Whoops. I'm falling. Oh no, webster said dramatically and threw himself into the stream. Webster. No. Harper cried, but it was too late. By the time the pony stood up and shook himself dry, the saddlebags were empty. All the salt had washed away. Aw, man, she said. We lost all the salt. Well, I guess we better head home then. Webster, his plan having worked perfectly, pretended to be embarrassed, but he couldn't quite hide the prance in his step. Harper's mother and father were sad about the salt, but they understood that accidents happen, so they let it go. Webster spent the rest of the day running through the fields and chasing ducks and eating oats and fell asleep early as Harper brushed his coat and mane. The next day, he woke up ready for more playing and was shocked when he was once again loaded with saddlebags of salt. All right now, father said, tightening the final strap. Be extra careful on the bridge this time. No more falling in the stream. Extra careful, harper agreed. But Webster was still upset about losing his playtime. He carried the load of salt through the fields and onto the road and got himself ready for the bridge. Slow and steady now, the girl said, taking the reins in one hand and holding onto the pony's mane with the other. They stepped onto the bridge with a clip clop and slowly made it halfway across. Good, Good so far. Webster tried to stumble, but Harper had too good a grip. There was no way he could get into the water without taking her down, too. So that's exactly what he did. Oh, no. I'm tripping. The pony whinnied, and he stumbled right into his girl. She yelped and he neighed, and together they splashed into the stream. Harper came up spluttering, and Webster came up shaking and defeated. They made their way back to the farm. This time, though, Harper had her suspicions. She knew her pony was lazy and loved to play, and she realized that maybe the falls weren't so accidental. They got home, and Webster ran through the fields and chased the ducks and got a good brushing to clean his wet coat and maneuver. But the next day when he woke up, he once again had the saddlebags loaded onto his back. Aw, this again. He groaned at Harper, who rubbed his nose. Listen, I can tell you don't like it, but if you didn't fall in the stream, we'd be done already. It's just once a week to help out the family. Let's just get it done this time and come home, okay? Webster whinnied and pranced, but he was already thinking about the splash he was going to make in the stream. They crossed the fields and the road and made their way to the bridge, where Harper paused, grabbed the pony's head gently, and looked into his eyes. Careful this time, she said. You're not falling in. I'm not falling in. And we're gonna make it to the market. No more accidents, okay? If ponies could blush, Webster would have. Right then he realized Harper was onto his tricks. But even still, he just wanted to go back and play. Even a couple hours of work to earn his oats and help the family didn't seem fair to the Lazy Pony. So when they started across Harper holding his reins and his mane as tight as she could, he once again pretended to stumble. Watch out. He whinnied. I'm falling. Oh no. He splashed into the stream and stood up again, shaking out his hair. But something was wrong. This time, instead of the salt washing away, the saddlebags felt even heavier than ever. Oh, I told you not to fall in. Harper cried, grabbing his reins and leading him to the far side of the bridge, away from the farm and towards the market. We weren't carrying salt this time. Oh, not salt. Webster neighed. This time we're carrying sponges. Harper said, looking at her pony with a sly smile. For a moment, Webster was mad. He had been tricked. The sponges had soaked up the water and gotten extra heavy. But then he realized he'd been the one trying to trick his family, and he felt a little guilty. Aw, you okay, buddy? Harper asked. Webster nuzzled at his girl, licking her face from chin to hair in apology. She laughed and threw her arms around his neck. Oh, that's a good pony. She she said. Here, I'll help you out and we'll get to the market together. She pulled off the saddlebags and squeezed the water out of the sponges before loading them back in. And they got to the market and sold them all in no time. And from that day on, once a week, the girl and the formerly lazy pony would make their way to the market and sell their salt. And after he did his little chore, Webster was free to run through the fields and chase the ducks and and get his coat and mane brushed and braided. Best of all the days he had to work. He always got an extra big helping of oats, and Webster thought they tasted even better, knowing that he'd earned them. The end. Today's story, the Lazy Pony, was an adaptation of an Aesop's Fable written for your by Daniel Hines and performed for your by me, Amanda Weldon. If you would like to support Stories podcast, you can leave us a five star review on itunes. Check out all of our merch available at storiespodcast. Com, Shop commission a special video on Cameo. Follow us on Instagram at Stories Podcast or simply tell your friends about us. Thanks for listening.

Summary5 min read

Episode Overview

Theme/Purpose
This episode of Stories Podcast (Throwback: The Lazy Pony) presents an imaginative, child-friendly adaptation of an Aesop's Fable. The story centers on Webster, a pony who tries to avoid helping out his family with chores, and his owner, Harper. Through a series of lighthearted mishaps and gentle lessons, the episode explores the values of responsibility, problem-solving, and the rewards of helping others.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Introduction to Webster and Harper

Setting: A family farm, lively with fields, ducks, and a friendly pony.
Webster is described as:
- “Lazy”, preferring to play, eat oats, chase ducks, and be brushed rather than do chores.
- “His owner was the farmer’s daughter, a happy young girl named Harper.” (02:55)
Relationship: Harper takes loving care of Webster, brushing and spending time with him before bed.
- Notable routine: “Good night, Webster… Sleep tight, little pony.” (03:50)
Emotive moment: “Webster would neigh back at her and prance his feet. He was saying: thank you. See you in the morning.” (03:55)

2. The Family Faces Trouble

Farm adversity: Due to excessive rain, their crops are damaged. The family decides to sell excess salt from a nearby hill to help out.
- “There had been too much rain in the spring, and many of the young plants on the farm had been washed away. They needed some extra money, and Harper wanted to help.” (04:10)
Plan: Harper volunteers to bring the salt to the Merrimack farmer’s market using Webster.
- “It’s pretty heavy, father said. Well, I’ll put it on Webster… He can definitely carry a couple bushels of salt if I walk next to him.” (04:48–05:03)
Preparation: Webster is fitted with panniers (harness bags) for the journey and is excited at first, especially when he hears it’s a "trip".
- “The word trip was like a dog hearing the word walk, making him more excited than ever.” (05:34)

3. The Lazy Pony’s Scheme

Initial journey:
- Webster enjoys the excitement until the salt, not for eating, is loaded on his back.
- Reaction: “Webster grumbled, feeling the weight settle onto his back. It was about as heavy as Harper…and it didn’t seem fair.” (06:01)
- Harper reassures him: “Time for you to earn your oats, buddy.” (06:16)
Harper’s gentle lesson:
- “Part of growing up is helping around the farm. You get to play all day every day. You can carry a little salt here and there. It’s not so bad.” (07:47–07:57)

4. Crossing the Stream: Webster’s Tricks

The Stream Incident #1 (10:46)
- At the bridge, Webster pretends to trip and purposely falls into the stream; the salt dissolves.
  - “Whoops. I’m falling. Oh no, Webster said dramatically and threw himself into the stream.” (10:56)
  - Harper: “Webster. No!” The salt is lost; they return home. (11:07)
- Webster gets what he wants—playtime resumes.

5. Repeated Attempts and Escalation

The Next Day:
- Parents try again, reminding Webster to be careful. Harper holds on tightly.
  - “There was no way he could get into the water without taking her down, too. So that’s exactly what he did.” (11:47)
  - Both fall in. Harper begins to suspect the falls aren’t accidents.
- Webster enjoys his usual leisure after each mishap.
Third Attempt:
- Harper confronts Webster, showing she knows the truth:
  - “Listen, I can tell you don’t like it, but if you didn’t fall in the stream, we’d be done already. It’s just once a week to help out the family.” (12:43)
- Despite this, Webster plans to repeat his trick.

6. The Clever Solution

The Sponge Trick: (13:17–14:10)
- On the next market day, Harper prepares differently: “This time we’re carrying sponges.” (14:07)
- Webster falls in again, but the bags get much heavier because the sponges soak up water.
- Realization and remorse: Webster understands he’s been caught and feels guilty.
  - Harper gently: “Oh, that’s a good pony.” (14:31)
  - Apology: Webster “nuzzled at his girl, licking her face… in apology.” (14:28–14:30)
- Resolution: They squeeze out the water and complete their job together.

7. Lesson Learned & Happy Ending

Once a week, Webster and Harper deliver salt to the market, then enjoy their well-earned playtime.
- “From that day on… the girl and the formerly lazy pony would make their way to the market and sell their salt.” (14:42)
- Reward: “He always got an extra big helping of oats, and Webster thought they tasted even better, knowing that he’d earned them.” (14:49)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Webster’s Defiance:
- “Making me work. Me? A pony. I should be chasing ducks and eating oats and being brushed.” – Webster (07:25)
Harper’s Pragmatism:
- “Part of growing up is helping around the farm.” (07:47)
Comedic Moment:
- “There was no way he could get into the water without taking her down, too. So that’s exactly what he did.” (11:47)
Harper’s Slyness:
- “This time we’re carrying sponges.” – Harper (14:07)
Webster’s Growth:
- “Webster thought they tasted even better, knowing that he’d earned them.” (14:49)

Timestamps for Key Segments

Story begins: 02:37
Family’s trouble and salt plan: 04:10–05:10
Webster fitted for the trip: 05:14–06:01
Webster’s first scheme at the stream: 10:46–11:15
Second stream incident (with Harper): 11:31–12:30
Pre-emptive talk from Harper: 12:43
Sponge trick revealed: 14:07–14:28
Resolution and lesson summary: 14:42–14:55

Tone & Style

The storytelling is warm, gentle, and humorous, with playful asides giving Webster's thoughts in "pony language." Harper is patient and loving, balancing responsibility with empathy. The episode gently illustrates consequences, accountability, and the satisfaction of working together as a family.

Summary for New Listeners

If you haven’t heard this episode, you’ll find a charming, narrated fable about a lazy but lovable pony, a resourceful girl, and their journey toward understanding the importance—and the rewards—of helping out. The tale is funny, reassuring, and ideal for instilling simple lessons about work and play, cooperation, and growing up. The final message is one of teamwork, clever problem-solving, and the joy of earning a treat.

Loading summary

Transcript16 lines

[00:01]
A
Hello.
[00:02]
B
Welcome to Stories Podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Weldon. Today's story is a throwback episode. Tune in to hear one of our classic stories from the archive that you might have missed the first time around. We have Stories Podcast merch, available@storiespodcast.com shop. We're also on Cameo for all of your personalized video message needs. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram Stories Podcast if you send us a drawing of your favorite scene or character, we'll share it on our feed. Now, here's a word from our sponsors.
[00:36]
A
Experience the beloved Harry Potter series like you've never heard them before on Audible Harry Potter the full cast audio editions.
[00:45]
B
Present the iconic series as a truly.
[00:47]
A
Spellbinding listening event for the whole family. The adventure will surround you. You'll hear footsteps echoing off the walls of Hogwarts and the whoosh of a golden snitch as it darts, and the production also features a rousing new musical score that heightens every magical moment. Listen as a list Stars like Hugh Laurie as Albus Dumbledore and Keira Knightley as Professor Umbridge create a spellbinding experience for not only longtime Harry Potter fans, but also those brand new to the magical world of witchcraft and wizardry. The first story, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, is available now, with new audiobooks releasing every month. Moving forward, it's Harry Potter like you've.
[01:30]
B
Never heard it before.
[01:32]
A
Listen on audible. Go to audible.com HP1 and start listening today. It's the busiest travel season of the year and I think we can all agree that traveling long distances can be rough, especially for kids. Luckily, Netflix has everything you need to keep your family entertained and during even the longest cross country trek. Download your kids favorite Netflix games, shows and movies to watch anywhere for on the go entertainment. Netflix Kids games are fun and educational and will keep your kids entertained with their favorite characters in games like Paw Patrol, Academy, Barbie Color Creations and World of Peppa Pig. The games all work without WI fi, so they're travel ready and perfect for road trips, flights and travel downtime. All games are fully unlocked with your existing Netflix membership. No extra costs or in app purchases. Visit netflixfamily.com traveltips for all your kids holiday entertainment.
[02:37]
B
Thanks. Enjoy the episode the Lazy Pony Once upon a time there was a lazy pony. His name was Webster and he spent his days running through the fields of his family's farm, munching on oats and hay and chasing the ducks by the pond. His owner was the farmer's daughter A happy young girl named Harper. She took great care of her little pony, and Webster's favorite thing of all was when Harper would sit by his side in the stables and brush his coat and mane. She was thorough and gentle and always made sure that he went to sleep happy without any burrs or dirt in his hair. Good night, Webster, she would say when she finished. Sleep tight, little pony. Webster would neigh back at her and prance his feet. He was saying, thank you. See you in the morning. Of course, Harper didn't speak pony, but she got the gist of it anyway. Webster went on living his happy life until one day the farm ran into some trouble. There had been too much rain in the spring, and many of the young plants on the farm had been washed away. They needed some extra money, and Harper wanted to help. Together with her parents, they decided they could mine the salt from a hill nearby. They had already dug it out, and while it wasn't a true mine, it had craggy walls of white gray salt rocks. They had always used it for themselves around the farm for cooking and preserving food, but they had plenty extra to sell. We can mine a little easy enough, her father said, but we'll get the best price at the farmer's market in Merrimack. They're only open a few days a week, and we need to tend the crops we have left, her mother said. Oh, I can take the salt to the market, said Harper, eager for responsibility. That way you could keep working on the farm and I can help out. It's pretty heavy, father said. Well, I'll put it on Webster, Harper said. He loves to run around and chase the ducks. He can definitely carry a couple bushels of salt if I walk next to him. Oh, that would work perfectly, Mother said, giving her a kiss on the head. The market is open tomorrow. Why don't we give it a try? So it was all agreed, and Harper couldn't wait to make the trip. Her mother helped fit Webster with panniers, which were special bags that went on his harness, and distributed the weight evenly across his back. Webster was happy for the attention and whinnied and pranced and licked Harper's face. Oh, we're gonna take a little trip, she said, laughing. Are you ready for a trip? Webster could understand English even if he couldn't speak it, and the word trip was like a dog hearing the word walk making him more excited than ever. He'd often go on little trips with Harper.
[05:43]
A
She would either ride on his back.
[05:44]
B
Or walk along beside him with the reins I can't wait, I can't wait, he said, tossing his mane and practically dancing in his stall. He got even more excited when Harper's dad came in with two big bushel baskets of salt. A salt lick was one of Webster's favorite snacks. Oh, boy, salt, he said. Until the salt was moved past his nose and loaded into the saddlebags. Webster grumbled, feeling the weight settle onto his back. It was about as heavy as Harper, and he could easily handle it, but it upset him because he'd never had to work before and it didn't seem fair. Oh, it's just a trip to the market, harper said, seeing his mood change. Time for you to earn your oats, buddy. Earn my oats? Webster whinnied. He'd never had to earn his oats before. He was always free to run around and play all day, chasing ducks and getting brushed. Working was for the other animals. Sensing his unhappiness, Harper scratched behind his ears. Okay, you two, mother said. You know the way to the market. Just make sure you stay out of the stream. If the bags get wet, all the salt will melt away in the water. We'll be careful, harper said, picking up the reins. Won't we, Webster? The pony tossed his mane and pranced, but already he was thinking of a plan to get out of work. They walked through the fields of their farm and through the neighbors fields and onto the dirt road to the market, where they worn smooth as a street by a thousand thousand footsteps over the years. Harper chatted to her pony as they walked, but Webster wasn't listening. He was grumbling to himself as they clomped along. Making me work. Me a pony. I should be chasing ducks and eating oats and being brushed. Eventually Harper noticed his mood. Don't be a grump, Webster, she said. Part of growing up is helping around the farm. You get to play all day every day. You can carry a little salt here and there. It's not so bad. Webster snorted, but they kept on walking.
[08:15]
A
Now for a quick ad break. We'll be back with the rest of the story after this. If you'd like Stories Podcast and other.
[08:22]
B
Favorite kid podcasts ad free.
[08:24]
A
Subscribe to Wondery Kids on Apple Podcasts. When it comes to holiday gifting, I want to give things people really love. Beautiful, timeless pieces they'll wear for years. That's why I'm going with Quince. Quince has something for everyone. Soft Mongolian cashmere sweaters for $50 that look and feel like designer pieces. Silk tops and skirts for dressing up. Perfectly cut denim for everyday wear and outerwear that actually keeps you warm, like the featherless quilted long puffer coat from Quince that I've been wearing every day since it came in the mail. Best of all, every piece is made with premium materials from ethical, trusted factories and priced far below what other luxury brands charge. Plus, there are so many beautiful gift options available from Quince. I have a lot of hat people in my life, so I've got my eye on their Mongolian cashmere beanies and berets. Also, they have a children's section so I can shop for everyone on my list in one place. Perfect.
[09:21]
B
Find gifts so good you'll want to.
[09:23]
A
Keep them with quince. Go to quince.com stories for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. Now available in Canada too. That's Q-U-I-N-C-E.com stories to get free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com stories today's kids are smart and curious digital natives, but that doesn't mean they need to be exposed to everything the Internet has to offer. Pinwheel is the smarter way to introduce kids to technology with a smartwatch or phone designed for kids and managed by parents. They feature GPS tracking and notifications and allow you to remotely monitor text messages from your device without taking the phone. You can create custom schedules for apps and contacts to help kids focus at school, homework and bedtime, and include only parent approved contacts so you can block all stranger and spam communication. There are more than 1,000 vetted apps to choose from with safety ratings so parents know what to pick. Plus millions of apps in the Google Play store except social media and adult apps. Right now, Pinwheel is offering up to 50% off phones and watches when you choose a quarterly or annual subscription plus free shipping and returns. Visit www.pinwheel.com stories that's P I N W H E-E-L.com S-T O R I-E-S to learn more and shop phones for kids.
[10:47]
B
Soon they came to the stream. It was wide and shallow, but a little deeper than usual because of all the spring rain they'd had long ago. Someone had built a sturdy wooden bridge across the water, and the stream lapped at its bottom. Okay buddy, careful across now, said Harper. The pony started across slow and steady, but then he saw the chance to enact his plan. He crossed one hoof in front of the other and pretended to trip and stumble. Whoops. I'm falling. Oh no, webster said dramatically and threw himself into the stream. Webster. No. Harper cried, but it was too late. By the time the pony stood up and shook himself dry, the saddlebags were empty. All the salt had washed away. Aw, man, she said. We lost all the salt. Well, I guess we better head home then. Webster, his plan having worked perfectly, pretended to be embarrassed, but he couldn't quite hide the prance in his step. Harper's mother and father were sad about the salt, but they understood that accidents happen, so they let it go. Webster spent the rest of the day running through the fields and chasing ducks and eating oats and fell asleep early as Harper brushed his coat and mane. The next day, he woke up ready for more playing and was shocked when he was once again loaded with saddlebags of salt. All right now, father said, tightening the final strap. Be extra careful on the bridge this time. No more falling in the stream. Extra careful, harper agreed. But Webster was still upset about losing his playtime. He carried the load of salt through the fields and onto the road and got himself ready for the bridge. Slow and steady now, the girl said, taking the reins in one hand and holding onto the pony's mane with the other. They stepped onto the bridge with a clip clop and slowly made it halfway across. Good, Good so far. Webster tried to stumble, but Harper had too good a grip. There was no way he could get into the water without taking her down, too. So that's exactly what he did. Oh, no. I'm tripping. The pony whinnied, and he stumbled right into his girl. She yelped and he neighed, and together they splashed into the stream. Harper came up spluttering, and Webster came up shaking and defeated. They made their way back to the farm. This time, though, Harper had her suspicions. She knew her pony was lazy and loved to play, and she realized that maybe the falls weren't so accidental. They got home, and Webster ran through the fields and chased the ducks and got a good brushing to clean his wet coat and maneuver. But the next day when he woke up, he once again had the saddlebags loaded onto his back. Aw, this again. He groaned at Harper, who rubbed his nose. Listen, I can tell you don't like it, but if you didn't fall in the stream, we'd be done already. It's just once a week to help out the family. Let's just get it done this time and come home, okay? Webster whinnied and pranced, but he was already thinking about the splash he was going to make in the stream. They crossed the fields and the road and made their way to the bridge, where Harper paused, grabbed the pony's head gently, and looked into his eyes. Careful this time, she said. You're not falling in. I'm not falling in. And we're gonna make it to the market. No more accidents, okay? If ponies could blush, Webster would have. Right then he realized Harper was onto his tricks. But even still, he just wanted to go back and play. Even a couple hours of work to earn his oats and help the family didn't seem fair to the Lazy Pony. So when they started across Harper holding his reins and his mane as tight as she could, he once again pretended to stumble. Watch out. He whinnied. I'm falling. Oh no. He splashed into the stream and stood up again, shaking out his hair. But something was wrong. This time, instead of the salt washing away, the saddlebags felt even heavier than ever. Oh, I told you not to fall in. Harper cried, grabbing his reins and leading him to the far side of the bridge, away from the farm and towards the market. We weren't carrying salt this time. Oh, not salt. Webster neighed. This time we're carrying sponges. Harper said, looking at her pony with a sly smile. For a moment, Webster was mad. He had been tricked. The sponges had soaked up the water and gotten extra heavy. But then he realized he'd been the one trying to trick his family, and he felt a little guilty. Aw, you okay, buddy? Harper asked. Webster nuzzled at his girl, licking her face from chin to hair in apology. She laughed and threw her arms around his neck. Oh, that's a good pony. She she said. Here, I'll help you out and we'll get to the market together. She pulled off the saddlebags and squeezed the water out of the sponges before loading them back in. And they got to the market and sold them all in no time. And from that day on, once a week, the girl and the formerly lazy pony would make their way to the market and sell their salt. And after he did his little chore, Webster was free to run through the fields and chase the ducks and and get his coat and mane brushed and braided. Best of all the days he had to work. He always got an extra big helping of oats, and Webster thought they tasted even better, knowing that he'd earned them. The end. Today's story, the Lazy Pony, was an adaptation of an Aesop's Fable written for your by Daniel Hines and performed for your by me, Amanda Weldon. If you would like to support Stories podcast, you can leave us a five star review on itunes. Check out all of our merch available at storiespodcast. Com, Shop commission a special video on Cameo. Follow us on Instagram at Stories Podcast or simply tell your friends about us. Thanks for listening.