Pony Swim at Chincoteague Island

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The Chincoteague Pony Swim. This is the 94th annual Pony Swim in Chincoteague, Virginia and is held on the last Wednesday in July, every year. The wild ponies, along with their foals, are rounded up for the swim, which goes from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island. The very young and very old are trailed over to the Fairgrounds, which is where their ultimate destination is. This event is held to auction some of the new foals, which helps control the population of the herd. The proceeds are used to support the ponies veterinary expenses and the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department. I was excited to be there, despite the fact that you must muck through the Tidewaters if you want to be where they land from the swim. Might I add that despite the cleansing properties of a mud bath, this feels nothing like that.

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They wait until slack tide to swim the ponies across the islands. It is the lowest the tide will ever be, about 20-30 mins before and after the high/low. The water is the calmest and most still. This will be safest for the small one crossing, The Coast Guard checks the tides and the boats in the area... The red smoke signals the all-clear sign! It's a go! And, even though you can't see it, just imagine that the crowd is cheering them on!

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The Saltwater Cowboys are on hand to keep everyone in their respective places. No ponies swimming off in their own direction and keeping the people an arm's length away from the ponies. Lest people forget, they are wild and even though they are normally well behaved, they can have behavior unbecoming.

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I don't have enough room to put all the pictures and honestly, it was so humid that I was having a hard time with the pictures, but, I have the memory of watching as both the North and South herd swam the channel, heading right towards me. There is nothing else like this. They are strong swimmers and play in the water all year round. Swimming this length, of course, is another matter.

Look! Look! Here they come!!

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First Colt/Filly to hit land. AKA: King/Queen Neptune. The pony is raffled off. The cost? $1.00 gives you a chance to own your own sweet little Chincoteague Pony. There were thousands and thousands sold! Literally. What a great moneymaker! Incidentally, it was a female, so she was Queen Neptune. Honestly, I think she should be Princess.

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Everyone is patiently waiting as the ponies make their way onto the beach. They are tired and will rest for about an hour before they are paraded to the Fairgrounds. They go through the entire downtown and the crowds cheer them on! There are picnics on the front lawns as they wait for the pony parade. It is a regular event.

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There were actually more people than ponies. This is the first year I can remember it being so crowded. I can remember coming and having only a handful of people at the Pony Swim Lane site. Now, you have to get there at the crack of dark to get a good place to stand.

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The crowd is large and enthusiastic! We all love the ponies and most people know the main ponies in the herd. Did you know they all have registered names? They became an official registered breed in 1994. About 60-70 foals are born each spring and are what drives the entire week of Pony Penning, Beach Walk, Pony Swim and finally, ends up at the auction.



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And, of course, we must have a flower, always...to color my world. I dedicate this picture to #WedensdayYellow for the #ColorChallenge by @Kalemandra. Nobody does color like she does.

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Starting to line up for the parade around town!

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There is so much love and pride for their Chincoteague ponies 💖 — in Chincoteague Island, Virginia.

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There are so many businesses that close for Pony Week or at the very least for the Swim and Auction. It is like an old home week and the entire town is involved.

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And just like that, this post is done. Today is brought to you by #WedenesdayWalk with @Tattoodjay. I can thank him for the walk through the tidewaters. You totally owe me, JJ!. I want to say much appreciation is sent to @tattoodjay for hosting the #WednesdayWalk challenge and even though the day is done, I can guarantee that there is still a little sunshine left in my heart. Don't forget! The pony auction will begin at 8 a.m. on Friday! I believe we will be shopping for a pony for #MarketFriday! Get your Steem ready!



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Thank you for visiting my post 💖 Because of you, I come back to post again and again, I am encouraged by you, for the time you take to visit, comment or even upvote. For all of these reasons, I am eternally grateful. Don't ever forget what a wonderful world we live in, people. Let's hold hands around the globe and make this earth really spin. Some days, it is not as easy to see, how wonderful it really is. Kindness counts. Wherever you go, whatever you do.


I always post this poem down at the bottom of my posts. It is one that has become so near and dear to my heart. I only post the most famous part of it, but, wanted to post it in its entirety today.

they set my aunts house on fire
i cried the way women on tv do
folding at the middle
like a five pound note.
i called the boy who use to love me
tried to ‘okay’ my voice
i said hello
he said warsan, what’s wrong, what’s happened?

i’ve been praying,
and these are what my prayers look like;
dear god
i come from two countries
one is thirsty
the other is on fire
both need water.

later that night
i held an atlas in my lap
ran my fingers across the whole world
and whispered,
"where does it hurt?"
it answered,

"everywhere"
"everywhere"
"everywhere"

warsan shire



#Steemusa is a growing community of quality-content people from the United States or those living here. Check us out on Discord!

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Hello dswigle!

Congratulations! This post has been randomly Resteemed! For a chance to get more of your content resteemed join the Steem Engine Team

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Omgosh... I have never seen an event like this.. How flipping cool is that?? My husband working with horses on a daily basis I just turned to him and was like "Did you know they could swim?" And of course he was like "they make pools for them" lol...

That's awesome businesses were closed for this event!!! Great post glad I got to see it!

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(Edited)

@deadgrlsuppastar

It is such a cool event, I swear to God! I love going to it and a few years back, we bout a little 3-month-old and named him Henry, although his registered name is much more snobbish than that! LOL

Look at the video on the end and just watch how awesomely they swim! I think that video covers the entire round-up, the beach walks, the swim and for #MarketFriday, I will bring you the auction! Get your steem ready!!! :)

How lucky your husband gets to work with them every day. We love our horses here in this house and they are always so special to young teenage girls. There is such a special bond.

I am proud of the businesses putting life before business. I know that is a hard call, but, they are definitely a town where everyone helps one another. Thanks for stopping by and leaving some love!!! It is always appreciated!

Have a great day!! xoxo

!tip

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Thank you for the resteem @resteemsupport and will have to look at your profile as I am not familiar with you!

Thank you for stopping by and have a great day!

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Congratz, your post has been resteemed and, who knows, will maybe appear in the next edition of the #dailyspotlights (Click on my face if you want to know more about me...)
Check the rules of the Daily Spotlights if you want to nominate someone!
Pixresteemer is also listed as promoter on The Steemians Directory

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Thank you so much for the awesome resteems @pixresteemer! Much appreciated! As always, have a great day!

!tip

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My dear how amazing pictures

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Thank you, Denisse! It is a very fun event and I look forward to it every year! I hope all is well in your world and life has gotten a little better!

!tip

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It must be wonderful to attend this event. They are still difficult days for me. But I go one day at a time, hoping everything gets better soon💜

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It is truly wonderful. Thank you.

I am sorry that things are still difficult. One day at a time is all one can do. This is true. 💕

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I have the best attitude and looking forward to everything better. When we hit bottom we can only resurface❤

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These photos are breath taking. What great fun. Just the sheer numbers amaze me.

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Thank you so much. I truly was a little disappointed in the photos as the humidity and being literally ankle-deep in the swamp water steamed up the lens. It was over 100 degrees that day and I am not that great a photographer to know how to reverse adverse conditions. :)

It was and always will be an amazing event that I am happy to participate in!! I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed it and stay tuned! Tomorrow, we will go to the auction!!! Come on down to #MarketFriday!!!

Thanks for stopping by and leaving your always kind comments! Have a wonderful day!

!tip

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Wow! This is an exciting game. I haven't heard of ponies swimming competition. Hmmm, I'm learning so much from you! Thank you, Denise! Ponies are so cute! 😍😍

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They are actually not competing but if you go to the video in the end, it ties up the entire week! They herd them together and auction some of the babies off to keep the population down as they live on a small island.

I thank you for stopping by and leaving your words behind. Always so kind! Thank you and have a great day!

!tip

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Truly speaking, first time i also seen this type horse swim race . This really very different and difficult. Thanks for represent this .

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It is actually not a race, but, if you really want to see what it is about, click on the video at the very end. It gives exact details and I think you would like it!

Thank you for stopping by!

!tip

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Thanks for sharing about the ponies. It brings back memories of about 30 years ago! You have captured some great moments there!

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The pictures were kind of bad, but, standing in the Tidewater on a 100 day, everything was humid and didn't come out like I hoped. But, I had a great time and that is all that is important. I have been coming for about 10-11 years and hope to continue coming.

Although, the event has grown so much in the last 4 years!

Thanks for stopping by! I will be doing the auction for #MarketFriday! :)

Have a great night!

!tip .20

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Thanks for the tip. That was very kind of you. My sister bought the book “Misty of Chincoteague” way back when as a souvenir. She’s a lot younger than I am, so was just a kid when she visited with our parents over 30 years ago!

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Oh, yes!

Do you know they play that movie every day during pony week in the matinee? :)

I will bet it was very cool way back then!!! It is getting a bit commercialized now, especialy in the last 4-5 years.

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No, I didn’t know that. I will have to see if I can find my old slides from all those years ago. It wasn’t too commercialized back then, as most people had never heard of it.

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I know folks who have traveled to see this several times. Thanks for sharing the photos. Would be great to go, but I live much farther now than I did many years ago.

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Thank you so much for stopping by! There are always people from all over Europe that come and many from out west. I have a second home not too far from there, so it makes it fun to go and be part of this tradition.

It is inconvenient if you have to come too far as the hotels are so expensive during Pony Penning Week! I actually go camping right there on the island most times!

Have a great day!

!tip

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How exciting to see these horses and ponies galloping on land and swimming on water! What a sight with lots of energy too! No wonder people are addicted to this event!

I notice the brush pony has very thick and furry coat. This must be a special breed with lots of strength and stamina!

Would love to touch one of these lively and bouncing ponies! I think this will give me lots of energy to keep me active the whole week.

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It is so fun to watch her! You're very strong swimmers and they really do have a lot of energy. It is a sight to see and even for myself it's quite addictive. It's just such a cool thing to watch. The can be very thick and furry especially since it spends a lot of time in and around the water. The water is on the cool side. There are very special breed and they are wild but they make excellent work horses. Well I would say that there mane and tail is a little bit softer than most horses but they are very much energetic and bouncy. LOL

Thank you for stopping by and for leaving such an awesome comment could you have a fabulous day.

!tip

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ok now i must say I did not know about something like pony swim. YOUR CONTENT IS SO EXOTIC AND UNIQUE.

Must be so much fun for ponnies

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To be honest, I don't know of any other pony swim! I am sure there must be, but, I am not aware of them. Ponies are so much fun! I do love mine!

Thank you so much for coming over and saying hello! I appreciate your visits!

!tip

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That's so cool! It is really such an awesome event and it fulfills so many different purposes, to include keeping the population in check. I believe that is the only Pony swim in the United States and perhaps further out. I hope that when you eventually make it back east, he will try to what does many events together that you can make it worth the journey. Thank you so much for stopping in and say hello and always sleepy and very kind and thoughtful comment. Have an awesome day!

!tip .20

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Hello,

Wow, I didn't know stuff that like happens. That looks dangerous for the ponies gald it seems they are could swim. Really good photo.

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You wouldn't know if you don't live around here. It is the only swim I know of and the ponies are not in any danger. They have boats that follow them as they make the swim and yes! These are great swimmers!

Thanks for the visit! It is always a pleasure to see you!

!tip

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OMG the baby ponies are so cute! What an amazing event to see.

$1 sounds like a bargain till you have the housing and food costs! I hope it went to an amazing home. I can only imagine a couple parents telling their kids sure you can have a pony if you win the raffle with your own chore money.

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They are so adorable, aren't they? I could take them all home! It is truly an event I always look forward to!

Well, they really are an easy keep enjar.(I have one! LOL

They don't get grained, they graze and they don't get shoed either, so that is super cheap in my book! Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a most wonderful weekend!

!tip .20

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I think it is really cool how the whole town joins in on the fun! They must know that they have something special going on there. I cannot believe all the free press the event had been getting in the media. I would bet on the crowds continuing to grow.

The breed sports so amazing colors and features. I can see why they are so popular! Great post Denise!

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This has to be one of the coolest Wednesday Walk posts ever I am glad to see more of the pony swim that’s quite a distance they have to swim and sounds like such an amazing event to experience even with trekking through the mud

Thanks for joining Wednesday Walk :)
Thanks for this great post and being an active member and fantastic guide of @steemusa !tip

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I am so tickled pink you like it!! They are great swimmers and they love the water!Oh, yes! Knee deep mud I had to go through to get to the place where they beach!

Oh, yes! I love my Wednesday walk!!

Thanks for being a great guide for #SteemUSA!

!tip .20

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Ohh the mud was only knee deep that’s not so bad I can take the blame put on me for that lol 😂
But if it had been waste deep that would have been a big deal

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Wow! I've never seen anything like it.
Very impressive event, darling Denise!

And video liked.
Thank you for sharing such wonderful photos, darling @dswigle .

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Special event to attend, ponies are gorgeous they look so healthy and free enjoying a day out.

Some lucky new owners taking new babies home @dswigle, well worth getting up early to witness this Denise thanks for sharing your lovely morning out.

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That annual event always stirs my heart and I just love that so many people buy the horses. Awesome post D.

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(Edited)

Thank you so much and happy Friday to you!! This event stirs my heart too! Not only the horses but, the way the town gets together to celebrate the heritage of the Chincoteague Ponies. And keep them healthy and living free. It is so fun to go there and be among like thinkers too.

Thank you so much for coming and saying hello and leaving the kindest, gentlest words behind. I appreciate it so much.

!tip .20

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You are so welcome, I love how they care for them. It says a lot about the town's compassion.

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Wonderful post, I loved it. Thank you for brightening my day, I am glad I came across your post early in the morning, it put me in a good mood, as I have a train trip ahead. 😉😍😊

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Ohhhhh. How incredibly cool. One of the neatest things I've heard of involving wild horses.

We have a few wild horses out here in the west. I have several friends that have finished out Mustangs that were bought at auction.

We also have Burros. There are two of them just down the street. The guy actually bought the mare and she surprised him with a colt. A two-fer.

There is a herd south of Tucson that a friend of mine 'tends to'. She's on the 'civilian committee' that helps decide how many they need to pen for auction and such. I get to see photos of them from time to time. But NEVER in water like this.

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That's a lot of ponies! I can only imagine the crowd to see them. I wonder what the ponies think of all of us watching them. "Look at those nuts standing out there in the heat; they should be swimming too! Silly humans."

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Hehehe! I bet you are right about that! LOL It was hot and the only cool ones were the ones frolicking in the surf, which of course was not me. I slugged through the mucky Tidewaters to get there.

Because that is what we do to have fun. Ha! Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have an awesome day!

!tip

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I love every bit of this series. My granddaughter is coming this weekend. I can't wait to show her your post. Thank you for getting up early and sweating it out for all of us to see.

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Great and interesting post with a lot of nice info / history!!

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Thank you! I just love going to the pony swim! I never knew they could swim this good! Thank you for stopping in and saying hello!!

!tip

!tip

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Impressive! You have achieved remarkable photographs and a true documentary about this annual event. Feeling the passion ...

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It is such a fun event and although the pictures didn't come out great like I wanted, the humidity and me standing in the swamp played a small part! But, as I always think, there will be another year and it will be another opportunity to get some more pictures!!

Thanks for stopping by and for saying hello and leaving your awesome comments behind!

!tip

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You see, I have to say again ... the photos are great and can make any photographer envious. Including me (I'm not even a photographer, but I'm passionate ...)
The pleasure of reading your blogs is much greater than my power to read them all. I apologize for the ones I lost!
You always inspires me, in my last blog in the challenge of @tattoodjay I put a little part of a poem, as you do everyday...

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How very cool!! I wish I could read more posts. Where do you get the time?? I am sitting here, still putting #MarketFriday together on my lunch break at work. It is 3:30am and I still have to get it out before morning.

Yikes.

Thank you so much. You are way too kind.

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Oh, 3:30 am !!! When you sleep? This is fun?
Little by little you are willing to say more about your life ... and I did the stupid thing to give up SAM (joke!).

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How beautiful, at first I love horses, and to see a whole herd of this magnitude is something magical really.

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Thank you so much prayer kind words! It says there are beautiful animals and I do love the horses but the whole her together is absolutely amazing. I'm so glad you stopped in to see the pictures. I wish you a most pleasant day!

!tip

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when a pony goes swimming in the ocean is it called a 'sea horse'?

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there's a huge possibility! LOL now that was really funny

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Congratulations @dswigle!
Your post was mentioned in the Steem Hit Parade in the following category:

  • Comments - Ranked 3 with 81 comments
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Thank you so much for the mention in the #hit-parade @arcange! It is always an honor to be on the list!

Thank you for all of your hard work on the platform! You are part of what makes its success!

!tip

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Congratulations! Your high-quality travel content was selected by @travelfeed curator @smeralda and earned you a partial upvote. We love your hard work and hope to encourage you to continue to publish strong travel-related content.
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Thank you so much for the upvote! It is much appreciated! Have a most awesome day!

!tip

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Happy Monday to you ... the entire team wishes you an incredible week!!!

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Wow i've never heard of a pony swim before. Good way for them to cool off in the summer.

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I think most people say that exact same thing and to be honest with you I have never heard of another one around.

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Thank you for stopping by! Just beginning to figure out that a pony swim is something of the unusual as most people have never heard of it. I don't know of any other around the United States but they have this one here every July. It's a fun event in the whole entire town is included in some way. As always, have a great day!

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Howdy dswigle! what a wonderful wonderful post! I love that they do this every year, I've never heard of it before but it's brilliant. Great job!

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Oh, wow, Denise, what an amazing experience. Those ponies are just gorgeous.

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