Whether it is Walt Disney's Spirit or Woody's Bullseye, ponies are loved by everyone young and old alike. There's just something special about that short, hairy, sometimes ill-tempered little animal that brings a smile to almost everyone's face. What a concept to have one or two at your child's birthday party, a family reunion, a small or large school fair, a company picnic, or any function that involves children. Arrangements can be made for these wonderful creatures to adorn your child's function. However, consider the following advice to have a perfect pony party.
When looking for a pony, select several, reliable , local companies. These are found from a variety of sources. Of course, the local phone book usually yields several in the yellow pages' entertainment section, not under ponies . Many cities have one to several publishers of children's magazines, which are supported by the advertisers, but are free to the consumer. Look for these in the fronts of local and chain retail stores where the free publications are found. One of the most reliable sources for this type of service is word of mouth.
Call the services well in advance of your scheduled function. Some services are booked for months or even years ahead of time. If you call the same week, expecting to obtain services that weekend, chances are you will not have a pony at your party unless your mother has one in her back yard.
As you are calling, write down the name of the service, their phone number, what they offer and , most importantly, their prices. Friendliness, courtesy, professionalism and prices vary widely. If you want to negotiate a special price, do so at this time. Price negotiation should not occur when the party is winding down, especially if the service has a standard price for all customers, which most do. Of course, tips are all ways welcome. It lets the pony handlers know they have done an outstanding job.
A reputable pony service usually requests a deposit to secure the time and date for the pony . If completion of the function is prohibited by the weather, the deposit is usually refundable or a reschedule is offered. Beware of services that require payment in full up front or do not offer refunds of deposits. You could have a party without the pony.
Try to be actively involved with the ponies from the onset. After all, you did initiate contact, actively seeking the ponies. When the ponies arrive, have someone available to escort or show the handlers and ponies where you want them to walk. A good location is usually away from food, where children or adults will not be running back and forth, safely away from swings, balls and bats. Safety for the ponies and children should be the highest priority when choosing an area for the ponies to walk.
Always have someone available to control the children. A designated adult should always be in charge of children at a party, especially with ponies. Do not expect the pony handlers to do double duty as baby sitters. Sometimes, especially if the party is loud, pony handlers have all they can manage to take care of the ponies. Give the children ground rules before the ponies arrive. If rules are broken, enforce them by allowing the breaker to skip a ride. The parent/adult in charge needs to be responsible for the children, not the pony handlers .
Once the ponies arrive, line the children up promptly, trying not to cause a delay. Often, the ponies are scheduled for another function after yours. Loading and trailering animals takes more time than driving a regular car. The transporter should call if the ponies will arrive late. If it is up to thirty minutes, go ahead with another part of the party, I.e. the cake or presents, so the children can concentrate on the rides once the ponies do arrive.
On this note, expect delays, interruptions and time-outs. Ponies are animals. At times, they are stubborn little animals. Delayed arrivals may hinge upon the pony getting in the trailer or not liking where he was placed in the trailer, causing the driver to stop and rearrange them. One of my ponies actually sways back and forth in the trailer, causing it to fishtail and me to slow down drastically. Interruptions may occur when ponies or handlers need to stop for a few minutes, Allow time for saddle readjustments. Especially in hot, humid weather, allow time outs for watering ponies and people. Allow time for the ponies to graze. Yes, they will eat your expensive St. Augustine grass, but it will grow back. My standard joke is that having a pony party is a way to have your lawn mowed, fertilized and watered all at the same time.
