Pony Cousin October Weekend

What's next for the Pony Cousins?

The October Pony Cousin Weekend will be at the end of the month

and the Cousins are putting together another "Wild and Woolly" time!

What is a Pony Cousin Weekend?

The Pony Cousins like to include fun in whatever we do together.
And, what could be more fun than a gathering at one of our homes
for an entire weekend!

There are lots of good reasons for the gathering, as well.
But, before we look at the good reasons,
let's look at what occurs at a Pony Cousin Weekend.

Inside information about the Pony Cousin Weekend:

The Cousins eagerly gather at one of the homes,
bearing sleeping bags, snacks, and beverages,
as well as, any interesting "horse-related items"
such as magazine articles, tack, or clothing.

A special meal is planned and the cousins contribute toward it, as possible.

On the Saturday of the weekend, shopping is the highlighted activity.

The Pony Cousins are always on the hunt for a good deal.

The Pony Cousins like to bring joy to the general population wherever we go,so we like to have lunch at local restaurants,
especially those with well-stocked bars.

The Pony Cousins like to have a "designated driver"
and the "luck of the draw" determines who gets the "virgin cocktail";
a sad occurrence for a most Cousins.

After a long, tiring day of trudging, albeit happily trudging,
through feed stores, tack shops, and western apparel stores,
the Cousins head back to the lodging to "cozy down".
Jammies, sweats, or other comfortable apparel,
are donned by the 13 thirsty Cousins.

Happy to have spent the day together, the Cousins enjoy a not-so-quiet evening at home.

The featured drink of the evening is prepared in a large quantity.The drink may be one or more of the following:
-pirate punch (a secret concoction of rum, liqueurs, and fruit juices)
-sex on the beach
-Palm Springs lemonade
-the ever-popular margarita
-whatever the Cousin has in the cupboard.

The Cousins happily head into the evening, together, sharing news and stories.
Gifts are exchanged, in appreciation for being a hostess, or,
in recognition of life events.

The Pony Cousins have designated Mentor and Protege pairsand gifts may exchanged between the two of them.

After a hearty meal, the Cousins fill their cups and prepare
for the "Official Pony Cousin Meeting".

There are some serious discussions and many light hearted moments.
But through out all of the discourse, support and love is shown to each and every Cousin.

Saddle Mtn Rider wields the agenda and decisions are made with care
as determined by the needs of each Cousin.
Each Cousin is expected to contribute to the discussion and the decision.
Consensus is the goal.

At this October's meeting, the agenda will be a full one.Many thoughts are to be heard on the evaluation of this past summer's Stampede.

Much time is to be given to the decision concerning other Pony Cousin Weekends
and, obviously, to the planning of the next Pony Cousin Stampede.

This will be the first Pony Cousin Weekend where the Pony Cousin Rodeo Queen

and Princess 1 and Princess 2
may wear their crowns!

At the conclusion of the business meeting,
the conclusion being determined by how drunk the Cousins are,
a festivity of some sort is held.
We have had fashion shows,
late night calls to our deserving relatives,
and visits by interesting characters.

This year, the Cousins will have a Witch's Costume Competition!
I was pleased to find my costume right away and ordered it.
I hope the other Pony Cousins are able to top this - they usually do!

By Sunday morning, one would think that the Cousins are weary and bleary-eyed.

But, quite the opposite is true.
The Cousins bounce up to be ready for the day.
Good, strong, Cousin coffee is consumed as the Cousins begin the clean up and packing.Picture taking occurs.
Last minute details of future meetings are arranged.

But, more importantly,
Strong family bonds have been cemented.
This has become the best and the most important part
of the Pony Cousin Weekend.

What is a Pony Cousin Weekend?Why do we have a Pony Cousin Weekend?

The smiles on the beautiful faces of these amazing young women
is all the answer any of us will ever need.

Happy Trails to all of the Pony Cousins!
And to all of our friends and adopted Cousins:
May God's angels meet you at the trailhead
and guide your every step.