Ranch owner and Head of Pony To Go Party and Entertainment
Jennifer Cossette
Jennifer was born into the entertainment and resort business. Being raised in a hotel and ski resort she developed a understanding of the hospitality business. She completed 2 years of college in psychology and then continued on to be a Mental Health Technician in the USAF for 5 years. She has 6 years experience in the travel business as a consultant and agent. Throughout her life she has owned horses and worked in the horse industry. She has studied many training programs to include the philosophies of Chris Cox, Pat Pirelli and Pony Boy. Jennifer has 6 years experience as a Veterinary Technician. In addition Jennifer has worked at several trail riding ranches throughout her lifetime as a trail guide where she developed the skill to work with horses that have trail problems, and provide educational preparation for trail issues that may arise.
"Ranch Owner and mother of 2 children Jessica 10 and Nathan 8. I grew up in the mountains of Western MD at Deep Creek Lake. Since the age of 6 I have had a deep desire to be around horses. When I was 13 I worked as a trail guide at a riding stable from sun up to sun down every summer. The Stable owner taught me how to fall off and get back on with out tears, I rode what ever they put me on and the horse taught me how respect went both ways. In college I took barrel racing classes and entered any event they had in the small college town of Vermont. After college I joined the Air Force - again that love for horses stayed with me. I bought a horse while stationed in Florida and rode that horse whenever and wherever I could along the beach or in the bay. Sometime around 20, I met my husband Dale Cossette, a strong willed, great two stepper from Oregon. He shared my dreams of horses and children and together we followed his career to Japan. In Japan again I was drawn to the horses and met a Japanese man who allowed me to ride and work with his horses at his ranch, an enriching experience. Finally at age 30 something, we bought a 5 acre farmette in Clearbrook, VA. I went to every trainers clinic to include
John Lyons, Chris Cox, Pony Boy and Pat Pirelli,
absorbed the old timers advice
and took pointers from anyone I crossed in the horse world.
As I filtered and saved I have come to believe...
Respect, Consistency, and Firmness
mixed with Love is the key to the horse.
Funny how I really learned it all along,
from the 2 best teachers I've ever had - my children!
I started Pony To Go in March of 2003. I finally found what I wanted to do -
Share my love of horses with children and give them a chance to love and ride a pony, while allowing me to still have time to be a mom.
As my business grew - I found we needed a bigger place to expand that gift to children into lessons, camps, pony timeshare programs and a club where they could meet other children with the same interest.
Everyday, I drove by the For Sale Sign in front of Lazy R Ranch and said the same thing... Impossible. How can I buy that farm with no money to start, and no money to turn it around... My field of dreams ~ But, if I didn't try I knew I'd always regret it. I've had enough people say I'm crazy to give me anxiety attacks like I've never known! I took my father, Bill Thoman, in November '04 to show him the ranch, and ask his advice. He gave me my ability to think big, and believe any thing is possible if you work hard and love what you do. As he pointed out the many places for improvement, ideas and plans - I could feel he believed in me, and I looked forward to sharing the building of my dreams with him.
Two weeks later, a week before Christmas, he passed away.
Now a ranch owner, crazy or not, I invite you to join me and my staff to create a place where children are welcome, evening bonfires are a custom, families can enjoy their love of horses together and riding is just fun. I believe with the right people we can do it. My plans for improvement include replacing existing fencing with 3 board fence (as of 2006 we have 4 board fenced the road line !!!) and to add a larger covered riding arena (not there yet...). If there is a service you don't see, suggest it and I will try to make it happen. Although my staff and I are primarily Western riders we welcome any discipline. Please email me if you would like to come visit, we'll be happy to see you! ponytogo6@yahoo.com ~"
Jennifer Cossette
2008 update - Grow we are doing!
Coatimundi and Camel may not have been in my initial plan, but... who knew!
It is because of the wonderful people I found to help me as well as the kind feedback from my parties that have made it happen!
Thank you all, I couldn't have done any of this with out
other mothers, (and fathers)
the hearts of their children and the people who have blessed
my life as we make Pony To Go a success.
Accounting, Staff Director and "Trading Post" Store Manager PLUS Truck Driver PartyTrail Boss!!!!
Dana Thoman - my mom
After 25 years of classroom experience she retired from teaching 7th and 8th grade math. She also brings to us 13 years of experience in administration and financial management in the hospitality industry. Dana - my mom - plays the role of grandmom, sounding board, advice giver, best cook in VA and not to mention... inventory of our Ranch store and all business accounting.
She also reminds me that being a boss requires being a boss...
Office Manager
Jamie Brennan
After 10 years as a manager for Staples (the office superstore) and prior experience in both purchasing & sales management, we hired Jamie as our Office manager in the spring of 2006. At a point where she felt it was more important to make time for her own 2 young children. Happy to leave the "grind" of Retail management, she has moved into our business and our lives. When you call our office - it is most likely Jamie that you will talk to . She does all the bookings and helps juggle the scheduling of our 5 trucks and Drivers
(as well as where all the animals are going to be on a given weekend).
"This is probably the best job I've ever had. I love talking to all the parents... nervous to make their child's day special - and then making the dream come true for them. I think we provide such a great service - giving parents a worry free party, helping with fund raisers, taking our petting zoo into schools,
camps & churches.
Really... What could be better than to know that you made the day a wonderful experience for a special needs child. Or that you scheduled a furry surprise for a group of older folks that are confined to their beds.
When I add in the other side benefits - my boss (Jen) - shhhh , she gets really mad when I call her that.... makes great coffee & we've been known to sit in her (home) office on our days "off" still working -many times calling you - but, in our Pj's. .. And the Friday night bonfires on the Ranch where every one just has fun. Beware of Dale :)
he's kept many of us up talking until
well past our "bedtimes"...
It's been a great experience so far - I don't always get to see the smiles,
but it is a great feeling knowing I helped create them."
OH!!! I left out friend and sanity advisor!!!
Driver and "Trail Boss"
Elaine Maxon
My name is Elaine and I’ve been working for Jen and Pony To Go almost every weekend since the summer of 2005. I became a Trail Boss/Driver in 2006. During the week, I work full-time as a Sr. Admin/Office Manager at
Cubic Transportation's Systems, Inc.
In addition, from April to October on Friday evenings, I’m a Leesburg Ghost Tour guide. My hobbies include horseback riding and inline skating.
Originally, my plan was to take riding lessons at Full Moon Ranch, but when I found out that Jen had a pony party business for children, I decided I’d like to become a part of her group. It’s been a lot of fun and we’ve met a lot of very interesting people through the years. The best part is when we have a first time rider who discovers the fun of taking a ride on one of our wonderful ponies. So far, my youngest rider was only 6 months old and rode Nugget, one of our star ponies. She had so much fun she didn’t want to stop!
Head of Ranch Maintance, Party Trail Boss and Hay Transfer Technician
Doug Malick
You may meet Doug at your party he is dependable, hard working and fits in the family!
Animal Health Supervisor
Brenda Cunningham
Brenda works as hard as anyone I have ever had work for me!
Loves my animals and an asset to my day!
Private Contractor for PONY TO GO
(Friends and Moral Supporters)
Ree Sangaline - Wispering Winds Farm
Philipha Brunt
Ranch Farriers
Victor Henderson 540-888-3764/Tom Dukes tom@hillsborofarrier.com
NOW HIRING FOR 2009 Pony To Go STAFF!
Driver and Lead Party Staff -Starting at $9 an hour
must be 21y/o to apply
Driver must be able to drive 5 speed truck with trailer - Valid license with
good driving record
All staff must be outgoing and have good people skills - Excellent manners a must!
Understand working around and with children and animals
Trained Petting Zoo/Pony Staff -
Starting at $8 an hour Must Be 18y/o to apply
Petting Zoo Helpers/Spotters $7.00 Must Be 15 y/o to apply
ALL STAFF MUST HAVE:
The ability to work with children & animals and have excellent people skills.
Understand the job requires all staff to have the ability to create "FUN!"
Email to request a job interview - taking applications FEB-APRIL
Fri/Sat/Sun only - 8 to 12 hours daily
Ranch Boss and Head of all Husband Activities
Dale Cossette
(He gets to be first on here, although he didn't approve the turkey photo LOL)
Dale brings to Full Moon Ranch his perfection of bonfire making, filling a saddle bag for any occasion, and trail blazing where no man has gone before. If you are just along for the ride and need moral support for a horse addicted wife OR daughter - Dale is there...
Air Traffic Controller by trade - Cowboy by marriage
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OUR STAFF AND ABOUT US
Doug and Charlie Daniel's!
Senior Staff and Trail Boss
Riding Instructor
Vivian Kahl
Viv came to me at age 12y/o. She has grown into a responsible, ambitious adult with a special way with children.
I consider her part of our family and the foundation of Pony To Go
"My name is Vivian. When I came to Jens I was 12 years old looking for lessons. When my family and I visited her farm for the first time she asked me “how old are you?... You are special! Do You want a job?” I did my first pony party before I ever had a lesson. :) I only took them a few months; long enough to learn the basics after that I had free range of pretty much whatever I wanted to ride or work with. I was then appointed my first project pony Buck - a who opened up my eyes to my true passion of simply interacting with these majestic creatures. It made me realize my long term goal of being a horse trainer. Now 18 and in my first year of college Jen has appointed me to running summer camps, our lesson program, as well as testing our pony party ponies and working with our sale horses. You may also see me if you come out for a trail ride. Right now Jen is training me to do some of the vet work on the farm, making me a jack of all trades in this industry.
She later sold me my horse Rumor (a mustang off of the BLM) and gave me the opportunity to help me achieve my
lifelong dream and passion.
Scott - Brenda - Viv and REE
Drink Monavie!
The official health and energy drink for Pony To Go Staff!
and you wonder how we do it :)...
For information and orders contact
gramdt2@yahoo.com or call 540-955-1862
MonaVie features a delicious blend of the Brazilian açai berry—one of nature's top superfoods—and 18 other body-beneficial fruits. This Balance-Variety-Moderation approach to nutrition delivers powerful antioxidants and phytonutrients to help fight free radicals and maintain your body's overall health
Happy Birthday Ree !
