Diane Hunsaker came home to Oregon after 17 years in California to help carve and paint Crunchy, her childhood pony, and one of the first animals adopted on the carousel. (Crunchy’s sponsorship came simultaneously with Honey Bear). Mau, the Hunsaker family cat, sleeps behind Crunchy’s saddle. The green saddle blanket with autumn leaves represents the love Morris Hunsaker, Diane’s father, had for Oregon’s natural beauty. Crunchy was a typical Shetland pony — a bit ornery. He delighted in finding new ways to rid himself of his riders. Diane’s brother suggested that the carousel install a tree branch that would fall in front of Crunchy’s passengers and sweep them out of the saddle so that they would have a more realistic experience. Potential riders will appreciate knowing this idea was rejected.
Crunchy, the Shetland Pony: sponsored by Morris & Jean Hunsaker
