Picnic with Ponies: A Celebration of Community and a State Park

The Fourth of July is a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends outdoors. And what better way to do that than to have a picnic? To kick off the long weekend, the Bridle Trails Park Foundation invited the community for a picnic with ponies at Bridle Trails State Park!

Bridle Trails State Park welcomed a lot of families (nearly a thousand visitors) to enjoy pony rides by Seattle Pony Party, kids crafts, an ice cream truck and even educational tables set up by King Conservation District and Abby Crickmore of Stable Ground Therapy, LLC specializing in Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy.

A Free Horse Show

In the main arena or what is known as the "big arena", there was a ten minute demonstration of Liberty by Heather Andreini's Black Horse Farm Friesians with Juliette Cimetiere, a Polo exhibition and a lively performance by the Island County drill team.

Then came the "Parade of Horses" showcasing sixteen different breeds with announcer, Stephen Cole, describing the history of each breed and what they are used for today. Most of the horses in the parade were also neighbors. Residents volunteering rode them from their homes to the arena versus having to haul them in by horse trailer.

Bridle Trails resident, Barbara Gordon, brought mini horses and donkeys. Barbara helped establish H.O.M.E., a haven for miniature equines and donkeys that need new homes.

This community event was planned 100% by volunteers. This event not only celebrates the 4th of July, it celebrates Bridle Trails State Park and the community that loves it.

If you would like to get involved, contact: bridletrails.org