Pony and Party

I've been getting questions on everything from what kids should wear... to how to have the pony at the party.  Hopefully this can be of some help to make your party go smoothly.

Spring/Summer Parties

As the weather warms up and more outside fun can be organized, precautions still need to be taken for everyone to be safe and have a great time.

1. Pool Parties-Wet suits are not allowed on saddle/pony, so have pony ride at beginning of party.
2. Bug Spray-Pony will be bathed and clean, but bugs are still a possibility
3. Sunscreen and Hats.
4. Tennis shoes-To protect little toes
5. Earlier morning and later afternoon are the best times to have pony party, to avoid the heat of the day.

Fall/Winter Parties

When the weather gets cooler, it is harder to find things to do outside.  As a mom myself, I know that kids get oblivious to the cold.  I get a lot of questions of how to have a pony ride party in February.  Hopefully, these are some tips to help out.

1. Dress in layers-You don't want overheating
2. Chapstix and sunscreen
3. Have warm drinks and snacks available
4. Have another activity where kids can be active and change between that and the pony ride.
5. Rotate kids from in to out for less exposure to keep from getting too cold.
6. Have pony ride during the middle of day, the warmest time.

 Questions:

Are the animals clean?

Absolutely!  Most people will grab an animal out of the pasture and put it on the trailer.  Not me.  The ponies are bathed and clipped for your party.  Saddle and pads are cleaned and polished.  The truck and trailer are even washed and swept out.

Are the animals healthy?

Completely!  An unhealthy pony is an unhappy pony.  These animals are very much a part of our family and I care for them as such.  As a LVT, I am always looking over the animals for even the littlest cuts and scrapes.  Ponies are rotated so one animal is not used too often. Vaccinations, hoof care, nutrition and having happy ponies are some my top priorities.

Will the handler be professional?

Yes!  Professional and fun.  As a mom myself, I want kids to have a great experience with the ponies but I'm also mindful that the party location is your home or business.  I'm very respectful to that fact.  Also safety is very important to me.  Safety for the kids, for the pony and for me and you.

How early will you be arriving?

Pony and Party will arrive at location approximately 20 minutes early to confirmed time.  I want to arrive with a little time to spare to talk to you and to set up area for pony ride.  That way no one feels rushed and everyone can have a wonderfully relaxed time. 

Do I have to pick a theme to have 'Pony & Party' to come out?

Absolutely not.  My goal is to bring wonderful memories of having a pony at your little one's special day.  As a mom, I'm always looking for more options so that's why I started the 'theme decorated pony' portion of the pony rides.  My daughter's excitement at 'dressing up' our ponies was the definite decision for me to do this.  The no theme or regular pony ride will have a clean saddle pad and saddle and well-groomed pony.

Weather

Rain, Rain, Ice, Snow, Rain... In the event, like we're having recently, that there is a lot of weather I usually ask parents to give me a call the morning of so we both can decide on what the best plan might be for both parties.  Sometimes it could storming at your party location and clear at mine.  There have been many times that the sun did come out for the party time and started to rain as soon as we were finished and others that it never let up,  you just don't know what it will do.  Communication is the key.  In the event that there's is a cancellation due to weather, you have the choice of rescheduling or completely cancelling.  Your deposit will be applied to a new date if you choose to reschedule at that time.

*In extreme cases of 'flood type' weather and due to limited parking whether at the barn or at your location.  Cancellations might be required due to soft ground.* 

General Party Info.

• Have activies during the pony ride to keep kids occupied.
• A 'pony area' is preferred to have.  Pony can pretty much walk anywhere but I do request an area free of traffic (cars and people for the safety of all). I have posts and rope to set up ring if needed.
• Pets do need to be put up, just in case the herding instinct kicks in.
• Hands need to be washed after ride and before eating and drinking.
• Adult supervision is greatly appreciated to help with helmets and lines.
• I would advise not wearing your best outfit during a Pet the Pony party, 'cause although pony will be clean, hairs will get on clothing.
• Safety rules-A safety rules sheet will be sent with the forms to let client know how to act around a pony and to let party participants know also.  I will go over safety rules before pony ride/pet party.
• I do bring 'steps' with me to help with the mounting and dismounting.
• I need easy and safe parking for truck and trailer, close to party location, free of busy traffic.  No Back-ups.  Cul-de-sacs are wonderful!
• I will remove all 'fertilizer' before we leave.  The client is welcome (some have) to keep the 'fertilizer' for their compost piles and /or their gardens.
• If there is time, I do have 'pony games'  (games on horseback) that kids love!

How far in advance do I need to book a pony ride?

I'm starting to notice most 'moms'  (& dads) are booking about 4 wks. ahead of the party day.  That's ideal and it betters your chances of getting the date you want.  2-4 wks. will be enough time to reserve your party date.  But there really isn't a set cut off .  Even if you need us to come out that afternoon, the 'girls' (ponies) & I would love to be a part of your special event. 

Are the ponies well-behaved?

Yes.  In the years I've taught lessons, I have been surprised at how many folks have had 'bad' experiences.  My riding programs are geared toward the beginner and/or timid rider.  In order to do that I have been blessed with animals that naturally have the patience of saints, are people loving and are given lots of positive reinforcements in their training.

 Can adults ride?

Yes.  Because the ponies are larger size, I do allow adults to ride, I even encourage it.  It is my absolute honor to have adults (& children) ride one of the ponies/horses for their first ride. 

What happens when you first arrive?

Once I've arrived at the party location, I like to get all paperwork and payment taken care of.  After finding out where the pony ride will be, pony/horse will be unloaded.  Tacking up and last bit of decorating will occur.  I'll walk pony around to get use to surroundings.  I do and will ask for a 'safety zone' (no swarming) until pony ride is ready to begin, for everybody's safety.  The safety rules will be explained.  Then the fun can begin!

 Can we feed treats?

As a rule, for the safety of everyone, no.  But...I do carry buckets with me and if the party participants  want to give some 'treats' (cut up apples, carrots), I will allow those to be fed in a bucket after the pony ride.  But absolutely no hand feeding (feeding of fingers) to ponies.

Cancellation

Due to the popularity of our pony ride programs, for which I'm extremely gratefully and blessed for it, I've had to change the cancellation policy.  The new policy is now the deposit will be non-refundable.  I apologize for any inconvenience.