Ditch Pony Promenade 2011

In 2002, Melanie Scholer who lives in Corrales and works for Dan’s Boots & Saddles, started the first Ditch Pony Promenade. It’s a free, kid’s horse show for kids up to age 18. This past Sunday the 9th Ditch Pony was held at our arena here in Corrales.

There are fun classes – Costume, Stick Pony, and Lead Line – and there are serious classes: Driving, English and Western – Hunter, Hunt Seat, Equitation, Western Pleasure, Western Equitation, etc. – that are judged by a qualified show judge.

The purpose of Ditch Pony is to encourage kids to enjoy horses in a setting similar to the more ‘professional’ shows, but still have fun and it’s all free. The number of participants and spectators has grown each year. Some of the 18 year old kids started in their first Ditch Pony when they were 9.

I’m honored to be the official photographer for Ditch Pony (Melanie is a good friend) and here are just a few of the hundreds of photos I took.

First the Costume Class.

And my favorite costume – The Prisoner and the Sheriff – the little girl has Downs Syndrome and drove a pony cart in the Driving classes (with her Dad) and rode in the Lead Line as well as the costume class. She was a joy to everyone. 

Then the Lead Line where parents led their little kids on their horses. 

This was followed by the Moldy Oldie Lead Line where the kids led the parents on the horses. 

Then my favorite – the Stick Pony Class.

Everyone got a First Place Blue Ribbon in the above classes – too hard to judge.
Here are pictures from the judged classes.

Everyone had a good time but were happy if they took home one of the ribbons.

  

A good day for all.