Founded and directed by Ron Eason in 2009, the "pony ride" originated from Ron's love and admiration of the Ford Mustang. The Mustang is America's car, and of course that is where the "Pony" comes into play in America's Pony Ride. The ride is an event held in December of each year to collect toys and donations for the Toys For Tots charity operated by the United States Marine Corps. What separates
America's Pony Ride from other charity events is that it is dedicated not only to children and making their holidays brighter with toys, but the fact that the participants are Ford Mustang enthusiasts and owners. The "ride" gives Ford Mustang owners and admirers a chance to "show off" their cars as the ride courses through a predetermined route through Gastonia and some of the surrounding areas. The ride is escorted by local authorities and officially permitted by the City of Gastonia as an official parade. The participants bring an unwrapped toy for a girl or boy and pay a small entry fee which includes the cost of a complimentary t-shirt for the driver of the Mustang to commemorate their participation in the event. Others who may desire to purchase a t-shirt may do so from the website and receive their t-shirt on the day of the ride as well. The event begins at a location (TBD) that is large enough to get everyone lined up and ready for the route. Drivers and participants in the event bring their unwrapped toy on the day of the event. However, prior to the day of the event, drop off locations are available at various locations throughout the area as well as most of the sponsors for the event. The route for the event lasts about 30 minutes and ends like it begins in a location large enough to handle all the riders and their passengers. Many people hang out before and after the event to take pictures and enjoy the gathering of so many Ford Mustangs in the same location. Mustang clubs are welcome to include the Pony Ride in their holiday festivities and participate in the ride! In 2009, we had 62 Ford Mustangs participating and collected almost 200 toys for the kids! In addition, we raised $800 that was donated to Toys For Tots!
