Parade Ponies

July 9, 2020
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Jolyn Young

Posted in: Featured, Uncategorized

I LOVE small town parades, probably because I grew up participating in my hometown’s annual Christmas parade. I usually walked or rode on a float with our 4-H group. I loved wearing a costume that fit with the overall theme; hearing the announcer calling each entry’s name; seeing the other entries’ decorations; waving at spectators, many of whom I personally knew; and feeling the excitement of the event. Even as a child, I loved being part of a community celebration, and I was so excited to help my own children experience that this year when my husband and I took our three kids to our small town’s Fourth of July parade last weekend.

Horses remain an integral part of any small town parade. I was glad to see several entries in our parade that featured mounted riders, from the Grange kids to the cavalry reenactment troops. There were also several carts pulled by miniature horses, which was adorable, of course. Here are a few images of the parade ponies.

These two ladies rode big, beautiful horses and proudly waved twin American flags to lead their group’s parade entry.

parade

Here’s a close up of the garland-bedecked horses. I think it’s a good look for these two Paints.

parade

My kids were delighted to see their friend Ash riding his black pony in the parade. Hi, Ash!

parade

Here comes the cavalry! I feel so much safer now.

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I bet this guy’s horse is hoping his rider has a snaffle bit at home. Or maybe a motorcycle.

parade

It was great to see horses of all types so well represented in our local celebration. All were well behaved and made horse owners near and far look good in the public eye. And there’s just nothing better than a mounted rider carrying a great big ol’ American flag snapping in the breeze.