Patrick the Pony: The Mayor of Cockington
Cockington is a small village in Devon, England, that is known for its thatched cottages, winding lanes, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. But what makes Cockington truly unique is its mayor: Patrick the pony.
Patrick is a four-year-old Shetland pony who was elected mayor of Cockington in 2022. He is known for his love of Guinness (!), his gentle demeanor, and his work as a therapy pony. His work as a therapy pony takes him to local schools, hospitals and nursing homes to provide comfort and companionship to those in need. You can read all about his community work here – https://communityponycic.org.uk/
Patrick’s story began when he was just a baby. He was born on St. Patrick’s Day, and his owners, Kirk and Hannah Petrakis, decided to name him after the patron saint of Ireland. Patrick quickly grew into a beloved member of the Petrakis family, and he soon began to make appearances at local events.
In 2022, Patrick was nominated for mayor of Cockington. He won the election by a landslide, and he was sworn in as mayor on April 1, 2022. Patrick is the first non-human mayor of Cockington, and he has quickly become a celebrity.
Despite his busy ‘working’ life, he has plenty of playtime and can often be seen playing on one of Torbay’s fabulous beaches. He loves running in and out of the waves and kicking his tiny hooves up.
He can regularly be seen connecting with the residents of Cockington and holiday makers alike in this popular Devon village and if you visit Cockington you just might bump into him. Whilst Patrick lives with his family in Torquay, his ‘brother’ Cowboy the horse has a lovely big field in Cockington village so Patrick and Cowboy have plenty of playtime together.
In addition to being the mayor of Cockington, Patrick is also a mascot of The War Horse Memorial charity and has been very active raising essential funds. The War Horse Memorial charity Honours the service of animals in war and provides a lasting legacy for animals in need. https://www.thewarhorsememorial.org/
Patrick is a powerful symbol of the bond between humans and animals, and he is a reminder of the sacrifices that animals make in times of conflict.
Patrick is a truly special pony, and he is an inspiration to us all. He is a reminder that even the smallest of creatures can make a big difference in the world. If you are ever in Devon, be sure to visit Cockington and meet Patrick the pony. You won’t be disappointed.
Why not stay in Cockington Village for your next holiday or short break? Take a look at www.cockingtoncottages.co.uk for more information and to book. After all, if you actually stay in Cockington you’re far more likely to have a Patrick encounter. Paula and Leon Butler, professional hosts of Cockington Cottages have regular contact with Kirk and Hannah Petrakis and may be able to help you meet up.
You can follow The Adventures of Patrick the Pony on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/celebrity.pony/. Give him a like and a share.
