A note about having ponies around children...

Screaming, barking dogs and traffic are normal day time experiences for them! Although they are very safe, they are animals, with minds of their own. It is best to have low key activities going on to keep the anxious riders busy! Each child should be able to ride for approx. 8 min - We may even get mom on!

Basic rules for being around any horse or pony:

Remind the children not to crowd the pony upon arrival,

the pony needs a few min. to adjust to its surroundings and feel comfortable.

Try to have an area specifically for the rides where the children won't be running through - its just safer.

Do not walk behind them, Do not run approaching them and watch your feet to avoid accidentally being stepped on.

Party Games and Ideas!

* Pan for Gold - bury pennies in a sand box and let the kids sift through with pie pans to find the "gold" (punch holes in pie pans to allow sand but not pennies to fall through).

* Hide small prizes in the hay for the kids to search for!

* Pin the Tail on the Pony, Pin the Hat on the Cowgirl, Pin the Mustache on the Outlaw, Pin the Kiss on the Cowboy... -Creative versions of Pin the Tail on the Donkey!

* 3 Legged Race and Sack Race

* Pass the Rattle Snake - A unique version of hot potato. Play country music as you pass a rubber/plastic snake. Whoever is left holding the snake when the music stops is bitten and is out!

* Egg Hunt - This was a creative mom... A chicken went crazy and laid eggs all over the yard. Send the kids out to find them! Use plastic eggs with candy etc... inside.

* Round-up - Set up a short trail with obstacles. Make 2 teams. Each team gets a broom and a balloon. The first team to have all team members "drive" the balloon through the course wins. Have extra balloons ready in case one pops (that person goes back to start over).

* Ask all the guests to come dressed in western theme clothing

* Make "Wanted" Posters

* Copy a coloring book horse and let the kids color and decorate their own with yarn, glitter, cotton etc... to take home.

Our Cake Idea...

http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=50134

Have our staff bake this horse-shaped cake for your little horse lover's birthday bash for an additional fee.. Everyone will neigh in delight.