Victor, Margot and I on Mother's Day this spring, driving through the neighborhood behind our street.

The Peppermint Pony is all about family and fun.  My children and I love to entertain and now we are happy to share our passion for ponies and parties with you.

 

Qualifications

I first learned to ride and entered my first horse show at age eight and was quickly hooked on the adrenaline of competition, though my Grandmother's farm was 1 1/2 hours away from me.  My most important childhood memory was of sitting on the basement steps, mooning over Volume H of the World Book Encyclopedia. 

Nicknamed "Princess Daisy" by my teammates' mothers, I had always purchased and provided for my pony - tack, fencing and feed - entirely with my own funds and earnings, the first one at age 10, the second at age 14.   I was largely self-taught, stumbling along with well-thumbed volumes from the local library until I joined the United States Pony Club and rapidly advanced with weekly lessons. I participated in the 1980 National Games Rally, and ended my career with a C-3 Rating. Teaching the younger Pony Clubbers was a requirement to move up ranks, and I heartily enjoyed the "Bad News Bears" squadron I was allotted as the low girl on the totem pole at the time.  A variety of equines, all of them priced low for a reason, each taught me invaluable lessons on doing the best you can, with what you have.  

I continued that quest as an adult when I took up carriage driving with the help and guidance of my aunt, Susan Hill, who was one of the founding members of the My Lady's Manor Driving Club as well as a Welsh Pony breeder of note.  

My driving pony  was a keen competitor and we enjoyed a happy following and success in the ring until childbearing forced me to give that up for several years. My favorite event remains

The Laurels, where I competed fifteen years ago.  I don't know if I will ever play at that level again, but in the meantime I have started a new pair, and take an occasional day off to revisit scenes of glory, like the Upperville Colt & Horse Show in VA in June.

 

Our Story

Like many women with horses, I came upon hard times post divorce.  I ended my marriage abruptly over an episode of physical contact and was very unprepared to support myself financially.  My showing days were (obviously) over, and I was left with a tow vehicle but no gas with which to tow!  The poor ponies were bored, and had to either make their way, or be sold.  The children would have been devastated.

I had no idea that the outcome would be so delightful - this is surely  the most silvery of linings to a very, very dark cloud.  We are now entering our fifth  year of business with so many wonderful experiences, new friends and renewed sense of living. This business has legitmized the use of all my talents, whether it be artistic, animal or entertainment.  You can't spend more quality time with your kids, then out in the real world doing something of value.

 As a tribute to our trials and to benefit those who are not so fortunate to have the kind of support I had to carry me through my domestic violence situation, we contribute to House of Ruth Maryland

 My kids, Victor and Margot Deppe

Who We Are

No business operates without its quiet champions behind the scenes. 

Mom has been known to lose her fingerprints cleaning the brass on the harness.  Dad loses sleep over the possibility their water tank has sprung a leak.   They allow me the use of their land (and their peace of mind!) so that I can live independently with my children, despite our hardships.

Here is to all the parents everywhere, who stand by and think on their feet, accepting that being a mom and a dad is a job with no retirement plan.  I will meet many of you and I salute you all, for your commitment and the love that you show by indulging your children's dreams, if for just a day.  

It is our privilege to share that dream with you.                               

                                           Angela Cichetti Deppe  

My Kids

                I will often have my children, Victor (age 13) and Margot (age 10) along with me.  Nothing becomes a child like a good work ethic.  Victor has grown in his work and has gone from running away from the car into the house when we got home, to being gainfully employed as our balloon twister and my chief 'reminder' on safety issues. Margot is a champion pony groomer, and can always be counted on to know where I put what down when I'm frazzled and having a 'senior moment'.  She is looking forward to starting her career as a clown, and doing glitter tattoos at the summer parties.

I feel truly blessed on my drive to your home, to have all my loved ones in tow.  My work is my pleasure and your parties make it all possible - thank you from the bottom of all our hearts for allowing us to serve you.

Victor, making one of his signature balloon ponies.  He is the darling of his internet ballooning community, and can be found scouring Youtube at all hours for the latest and fastest techniques.