How to Rent a Pony for a Child's Birthday Party

Young children seem to relate well to ponies.

Kids and animals are a great mix for creating a joyful and memorable birthday party. Professional pony handlers offer ponies for petting and riding. It's not difficult to locate one of these handlers. Contact a party expert to find the ideal pony for your child's celebration. Make sure the ponies are treated with love and respect and have your camera ready when the festivities begin.

Instructions

1. Check out websites such as Critter Places and Party Pop online. You can typically enter your home state to see any listings for pony rentals in your area. Call the company or organization listed and have specific questions prepared. Common questions to ask are about rates, duration of time the pony can be ridden, the number of children allowed to ride and age limitations. Ask how long the company is in business, request references and inquire about cancellation policies, refunds and what happens in case of inclement weather.

2. Look up "pony rentals" in your local phone book. You can also check under "Birthday party themes" and similar headings. If you don't find something obvious, consult a local party planner for recommendations and suggestions.

3. Contact your local zoo, petting zoo, wild animal safari or park and inquire about pony rentals. Sometimes, people who hire ponies have good leads about well-cared for ponies and names of trainers and farms that offer rides for parties.

4. Ask other parents in your neighborhood or at your child's school for recommendations. Inquire whether anyone has had a good experience with a particular company; if so, ask for the name and contact information. Some parents will have flyers or brochures to share.

5. Call references provided by the company. Ask questions. If you're satisfied with the answers, contact the company to book its services.

6. Decide on the location for the party if you're not planning to have it at your home. Pony parties are often held at local farms, clubs, parks, youth centers and similar places where children and ponies can coexist safely. Book the venue in advance and coordinate with the pony rental company to arrange final plans.

Tips & Warnings

• Add decorations such as western themed items and have at least a few cowboy hats on hand for the kids to wear.

• Some pony rental companies offer packages that include fun extras such as party favors, invitations, music and other items. Ask the companies for specific details and about the types of packages they offer.

• Get your party and rental agreement in writing at the time you hire the company, in case any discrepancies come up later. Hold to your end of the agreement, too, such as limiting the party to 10 children rather than adding more at the last minute.

• Ask the pony handlers about the appropriateness of feeding the pony carrots or other treats and make sure the children are supervised when around the pony.

• Teach the children to be gentle and mindful around the pony and not to scream and shout or harm it in any way. Although the pony may be used to children, this is a basic consideration on your part to ensure happy outcomes all around.

References

• Critter Places Home Page
• Party Pop: Pony Rides
• A Child's Joy: Pony Rides Arizona
• Pony-Up Fun: Pony Party