From Possibility To Reality

Tribune Madoc Hibernius Britannicus Maximus, commanding officer of the Emperor's personal pony girl cavalry legion

We were walking one fine sunny day, hand in hand, when He looked down at me and said, "I want to be a RomPhotography by Quinine: used with permissionan warrior next Folsom Street Fair, in my Roman chariot, being pulled by my pony girl. Make it so." A smile formed across his face, with the vision clearly in his mind.

This is what visions are made of: a dream, a possibility spoken to bring the vision into reality.

Madoc and I often talk about what it is to create, what it is to manifest your destiny. On this bright, sunny day in Denver, I was given the opportunity to serve my play partner in a unique way. I was given the challenge of taking his vision and bringing it forth into reality.

Madoc took on his part of the vision, in that he searched eBay to put together his costuming. One of the challenges of assembling a period costume is to research what was used in history verses what one sees on screen in Hollywood. For me, assembling an outfit is part of the adventure. It has to fit, work, look right, and not be cheesy-tacky.

When I assisted Madoc in dressing the morning of Folsom Fair, I was inspired. Everything--helm, tPhoto by Mercnbeth: used with permissionunic, armor, belt, sword, and sandals--were authentic. It excited me and I wanted to play, play being as necessary to a balanced life as health and work. I love playing with Madoc, as he is as enthusiastic as I am. Dressing up is a fun part of play!

For my costume as a slave pony girl of the Emperor's cavalry, I looked at historical pictures of Roman warrior horse tack and decided to re-create it as an illusion, rather than try to be authentic. I had my hair intricately braided. I used my Native American exotic head harness and tail, as it had the same shaped crest as Madoc's helmet had. I bought a chain mail necklace with red beads and sewed it into the front of my head harness. This was not authentic at all, as chain mail would not be used for another 500 years or so, but the red beads would accent the chariot color. I decided to add a strap harness with chain decoration, which was handmade by Chained Desires in Baltimore. My ensemble was completed by Renaissance Faire boots that Madoc gave me for my birthday.

Part of creation is simply speaking the words, putting out into the universe what you wish to bring forth. I had no idea how or where I was going to get a chariot, but I did share my intentions with my fellow ponies and critters in the Los Angeles in the LA Pony and Critter Club. Madoc and I tossed back and forth ideas on how to build a chariot. One day, Larry, a member of the LA Pony and Critter Club, simply emailed us and told us to pick up the chariot; he was finished working on it. There was quite a bit of work done by several people to complete the chariot. That shared effort was a joy in itself. The chariot, completed, fits nicely in the back of a mini van.

Being taken out to the Folsom Street Fair, pulling Tribune Madoc in his chariot, was awesome. I was filled with glee, high spirited delight, a joyful heart as I proudly marched around the fair. Looking at the videos and images people have sent me, Madoc's face expresses his pleasure also.

I thank Madoc from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity and experience he gave me. Every minute of being his cavalry legion pony girl was a blast. I did not want our playtime as Tribune Madoc HiberniPhoto by Charley Archer: used with permissionus Britannicus Maximus,commanding officer of the Emperor's personal ponygirl cavalry legion to end but, alas, I could only physically pull the chariot one lap of the fair. I look forward to next year's Folsom Street Fair with anticipation of complete bliss; bliss being for me the opportunity to be a Roman pony, obeying, proudly pulling my warrior wherever He wishes; bliss for Madoc, taking his pony by the reins, going out for a chariot ride until...

"...at the far end of the Fair, she is a well-lathered and spent pony girl, the sheen of sweat [glistening] and her panting is pretty sexy..."