What is the deal with the pony in Python community?

Question

Pony references are in several places:

• http://www.mail-archive.com/python-dev@python.org/msg44751.html
• http://pypi.python.org/pypi/django-pony/
• http://djangopony.com/

Is there a cultural reference that I am missing? What is the deal with ponies?

Answer 1

See also Bryan Veloso's post about the pony mascot image.

Answer 2

When you start listing what you want, "I want a fast HTTP parser", "I want ORM that just works", "I want higher order functions", the idea is that while you're wishing for things, you might as well wish for a pony too. This is probably a reference to a Calvin and Hobbes strip from "Someone under the bed is drooling", in which Susie Derkins says that as long as she's dreaming, she might as well wish for a pony.

Answer 3

Its a Django unofficial mascot. See this blog post for an explanation.

Python generally uses Monty Python references (and sometimes snake references, for the misguided).

Answer 4

Look at what the pony does!  

• http://code.djangoproject.com/ticket/10668
• http://www.flickr.com/photos/bastispicks/3400633546/

Answer 5

It's the Django mascot.