Firlefanz at the Pony Farm
Today, Firlefanz wants to ride for the first time! At the most beautiful pony farm in the world, he meets the kind-hearted guardian Haferl and his very own little pony Wölkchen.
Firlefanz woke up and blinked into the morning. Outside, the birds were chirping, and a gentle breeze brushed through the meadow in front of his window. "Today I want to experience something very special," thought Firlefanz and yawned. Something he had never done before. Then it came to him: He wanted to ride a pony for the first time! At the most beautiful pony farm in the whole world.
For breakfast, Firlefanz nibbled on a piece of apple and a warm roll. He drank a sip of fresh milk. While he chewed, he daydreamed. What would a pony feel like? Soft and warm? And would it like him too? From all the excitement, he felt a tickle in his tummy.
Firlefanz ran over to Papalapapp. He was sitting comfortably in front of his house, drinking his morning coffee. "Papalapapp, do you know where the most beautiful pony farm in the world is? I want to learn to ride today." Papalapapp smiled. "I know it well. It is far away — behind seven green hills." He set his cup aside. "Come, I will accompany you."
Firlefanz got ready for the big journey. He put on his riding hat and slipped into sturdy little boots. He put on his warm jacket and took his walking stick. In his pocket, he tucked a crunchy apple — as a gift for the pony. "Now we can go!" he called cheerfully.
Together they set off on the long way. They wandered over seven blue seas and through seven wide deserts. They climbed over seven high mountains, waded through seven rivers, and walked through seven rustling forests. The further they went, the more the air smelled of fresh grass and warm hay.
And then it lay before them: the most beautiful pony farm in the world. On green meadows, many ponies grazed, their manes blowing in the wind. A red stable stood in the warm sun, and colorful flowers bloomed everywhere. Firlefanz stopped and marveled. "How beautiful!" he whispered happily.
"Welcome to the pony farm!" called a friendly voice. It was Haferl, the kind-hearted guardian of the ponies, with an apron full of apples. "Come, I will show you your pony." He led Firlefanz to Wölkchen, a small white pony with a soft, fluffy mane and gentle eyes. Wölkchen snorted softly and nudged Firlefanz kindly on the nose. The two liked each other right away.
Carefully, Firlefanz gave the pony the crunchy apple. Wölkchen munched it happily and wagged its tail. Haferl gently helped Firlefanz onto the soft saddle. "Hold on tight to the mane," he said softly. "Wölkchen will take good care of you." Slowly, very slowly, the pony started to move. Firlefanz held his breath — and then he beamed from ear to ear.
Step by step, Wölkchen carried him over the green meadow, past blooming flowers and a babbling brook. The wind tickled Firlefanz's ears, and the pony trotted gently in the sunshine. It felt almost like flying! "You are the best pony in the world," whispered Firlefanz and patted Wölkchen's warm neck.
After the ride, they took a break under a big, shady tree. Firlefanz brushed Wölkchen's soft mane until it shone and gave him fresh hay. The other ponies came closer curiously and sniffed. Full and happy, Firlefanz leaned against the warm pony and watched the clouds.
Slowly, the sun turned golden and sank lower. The sky above the pony farm glowed pink and orange. "It was wonderful with you," said Firlefanz and hugged Wölkchen gently. "Will you come back?" asked Haferl. "Definitely," promised Firlefanz. Wölkchen whinnied softly to say goodbye until Firlefanz and Papalapapp disappeared behind the hill.
The way home felt short and light because Firlefanz was happy and tired. At home, he cuddled into his soft bed. The first stars were shining outside the window. Firlefanz smiled. He dreamed of soft manes, green meadows, and his pony Wölkchen. Good night, Firlefanz.