Team #2

Summer and Tinsel began their team driving pulling the wagon for the first time, one week before the first Christmas parade. That first drive was not without it’s difficulties, but most major issues (harness, hitching points, rein adjustment) were resolved by drive number two. By our fourth drive Summer and Tinsel were behaving like an experienced pair, and I decided that despite their relative greenness, they would be my pair to complete the Belton Christmas parade. The parade route itself is not that long, but the line up starts on a steep hill, and the return route takes you on back streets to the interstate frontage access road, with cars flying past at 50mph. I needed animals with longer strides that would still be fresh enough to high tail it back to the trailer.

Tinsel and Summer had their moments during parade line-up. Tinsel, who is the slower/calmer animal at home, was frustrated waiting in line-up. He reared up a few times when asked to stand. Summer who is usually dragging Tinsel, thankfully stood still during his shenanigans. She may have been shell shocked from the loud noises and activity. There were issues among the group of horses we rode with that made the situation all the more frustrating for me and my ponies. A huge 18 hand Percheron spooked and dumped his rider pre-line up.

A trail rider joining the group declared himself the group leader since the group organizer had not arrived yet, and was constantly running by everyone, trying to round them up, then telling everyone to move in conflicting directions. I’m fairly certain this jack wagon contributed to the draft horse’s spook. He was screaming at me while I hitched, that I only had 15 minutes, when we didn’t even line up for another hour. He was clearly oblivious to the fact that wagons and driven animals are not as maneuverable as riding horses. Tinsel may have been feeding off my irritation with the man, because I was about to tell him where he and the horse he rode in on could go. However, once we started moving and our self-appointed leader moved to the front where I didn’t have to deal with him anymore, everyone settled in.

Here’s a tip: if you’re joining a parade, be prepared to hurry up and then wait. No amount of running back and forth yelling at the other participants will make the line-up move faster. Parades are not speed events, they are about presentation. Also, if you are joining a parade, no one is impressed you can stay on a horse, that’s the minimum expectation. No one remembers the car dealerships driving vehicles they see everyday on the highway. Likewise no one wants to see you in jeans and a plain t-shirt riding your ungroomed trail horse. Put in a little effort in or stay home.

Both Tinsel and Summer startled a bit at their first exposure to air brakes releasing, when the large truck behind us started and stopped which would prove beneficial during the next Christmas parade. By the Troy parade, Tinsel and Summer were working machines. Tinsel remained calm even when a kid came zooming up to us on a loud ATV. They pulled well together, and Summer did not need encouragement despite the crowds. We were lucky enough to follow band throughout the route. These ponies, like Tater and Fairy pulled in rhythm to the percussion.

Despite frequently calling my ponies little devils, which to be fair they are, my ponies possess a work ethic unlike any full size horse I’ve ever ridden.  They adapt much faster to scary situations than their larger counterparts and never cease to amaze me.  Now we’re looking forward to the Fort Worth Stock Show parade, a bucket list item for me!