BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. (WSBT) — The seven-year-old girl suddenly lost her horse in July and has been desperately trying to raise money to find a new one for the fair in August.
She had been raising funds to buy a new horse, but after hearing her story of losing it, a stranger came forward and donated money to buy a replacement.
After weeks of fundraising, seven-year-old Maylee Bell reached her goal.
With the help of a kind stranger, she is able to purchase a new horse, Ruby.
Just over a month ago, Maley set a goal to raise money to buy a new horse.
Her mother, Angela, said she never imagined anything like this would happen.
Mailley’s old horse died of colic, but Mailley never dwelled on the loss.
Instead, she began collecting donations of cans, cash and animals for her cause.
The stranger offered to buy her a new horse, and she no longer needed any other donations.
So Mailey auctioned off the donated animals, rabbits, turkeys and chickens.
Her mother, Angela, said she couldn’t believe how it had all worked out.
“I was bawling like a baby, jumping up and down in disbelief. She was so excited about getting a pony,” Angela Bell said.
Maylie has already ridden Ruby and says she is a great horse.
When asked what the best thing about Ruby is, Maylie replied, “Because I’m getting tired of riding my brothers and sisters’ horses.”
Now that Maylie has been blessed with Ruby, her immediate focus is on giving back to those in the community who helped her.
She plans to combine the funds raised from the auction with those she has already raised and donate them to the Buchanan Western Riding Club.
“Because she does her shows there every year and they need the money to get the arena fixed and she wants to keep doing her shows there so the arena will be fixed,” Angela said.
Angela also said the experience was beautiful to watch.
“What I liked most was her drive, but also the support from the community was amazing,” Angela said.
Maylee’s message to kind strangers: “Thank you!”
