"One nation, under God."

Serving the Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX Metroplex and surrounding areas.

Phone Kate:

214-641-1190

Pony Rides & Petting Zoo

Pony Ride

Pony rides are hand led by qualified equine handlers. I bring one pony unless more are otherwise requested.

Cheyenne is the pony I will typically bring she is a larger beautiful paint pony with a weight limit of 115 lbs. If your event requires more than one pony that can be arranged up to four (4) ponies. We do not use a pony carousel; all ponies will be hand led. I like doing hand led rides because it makes the experience more personal and we don't just walk the pony in a small circles. If the children riding are small I like to have someone walk beside the child while riding. I realize for many children this may be their first time to be on a horse and may be a bit scary to them. They feel much more secure to have someone near by as they ride. This also provides better safety. I like to encourage parents to walk beside their child and share in the experience. I encourage parents to have a camera handy for those perfect photo opportunities.

I do NOT exceed the weight limit for any of our ponies and will have scales available if in question. Age or size is not what we go by--weight is the determining factor.

If doing a larger event we do give the pony a break at least every hour or less depending on the amount of time it is to be working.

Safety rules

I try at all times to put safety first in all we do so everyone can have a fun experience and memorable day at your event. I do expect children to follow the rules of riding: no jumping or wiggling around ON the pony (this can be very uncomfortable for the pony's back), hold on while riding (safety rule number one), no yelling or screaming while on the pony (not very pleasant for the pony's ears.) They will be removed if told twice to follow the rules and do not. I ask that children DO NOT play ball, run around being loud (where the pony is being led), swing items in the air, ride bikes or battery operated children's cars in the pony ride area while we are at the event. These guidelines are for their safety as well as the well being of the pony.

Restrictions

I go to all events where a pony may be needed. We may, under some circumstances, have some limitations or restrictions on what we may do. These are some restrictions we need to keep in mind when setting up for a pony ride area: rides near very loud settings, extremely loud music, beside a busy street, carnival type rides or activities which have a lot of motion or action that the pony may be required to walk past, and jump houses. Horses can bolt if something startles them and we must keep safety in mind on the environment we set up to give rides. The ponies I use are very good about going out in the public but they are still horses and can at anytime respond to various conditions around them. I do reserve the right at any event should I see any of these kinds of conditions are a concern to stop the pony ride at any time. We try to always keep safety in mind as a priority. Most of the time the pony does well under all situations but I like to make sure that if I see she is being nervous about any environment she is in we are aware and act accordingly for safety reasons.

Weather

In hot weather conditions we do need shade areas for the pony to at least be able to stand under while changing riders as well as for the pony handler to not get heat exhaustion. If the conditions are up in the 90's I do require they have some shade while giving rides. If the weather conditions rise near 100 degrees I reserve the option of not working the pony unless it has nearly total shade to work in. The safety and well being of the pony is the priority. If the event has more than one pony we will rotate any break time so at least one pony is always working.

In the event of rain we will still do the pony ride if there is a covered area we can get under. Otherwise we will have to cancel. Otherwise, I only cancel if the rain conditions make it near impossible to get the pony out of the ranch to the trailer to load, such as with pouring down rain or excessive mud. When we have heavy rain we also have heavy mud conditions making it very difficult to get the pony loaded and unloaded and back to the pen at the end of the day. I try to watch the weather reports and if I am in doubt I will give you a call and discuss the situation at that time with you and we can come to some sort of agreement together on what we will do.

Pets

I also ask if you have pets, PLEASE, confine them to another area while we are there with the ponies. It is best to keep animals not accustomed to each other apart for safety reasons. It is especially helpful if you have a barking dog to have it as far from the pony area as you are able. If your neighbor has a barking dog and we see it is disturbing the pony at any time we may have to try to do the ride in a different location such as rather than the back yard we go to the front, etc. Most of the time the pony does well under all situations but I like to make sure that if I see she is being bothered that we are aware and act accordingly for safety reasons.

Party Themes

Be sure to let me know if you have a specific party theme and we will try to dress the pony accordingly for your event. In some cases we may also dress to your party theme to help set the mood of the event.

Petting Zoo

The petting zoo consists of a variety of farm animals, all small child friendly. Typically I will bring 15-20 animals for average events. Animals for this would include: goats, sheep, lots of rabbits, ducks, and a turkey. For larger events you can request the Deluxe petting zoo which could include larger animals such as a llama, donkey, mini pony, and pot belly pig. We try to include as many animals as possible for larger events according to trailer space and availability of particular animals.

I do not have food available for the petting zoo animals. I do not allow feeding in my petting zoo as this can encourage animals, especially goats, to jump up on people looking for a hand out. That can be overwhelming for small children to have a goat looking for goodies and knock them over. It also helps to eliminate nipped fingers. Most children do not hold snacks properly and fingers can get nibbled on or nipped.

I do not allow some of the animals to be held in the petting zoo such as rabbits. I am often asked why. Rabbits are more delicate than most may realize and if held improperly as most children do it can actually damage their spine. Most children squeeze them by squeezing the middle of the rabbit and dangling them. And rabbits have a natural reaction to being held his way by kicking their feet and this can cause scratches. Rabbits have sharp nails. Then most children will just drop the rabbit abruptly and this is not pleasant for the rabbit and could injure a foot or leg. This is not fun for the rabbit and I don't want children to get scratched. If a child sits on the ground with supervision and eases a rabbit onto their lap gently and pets then this is fine. I do not allow the pot belly pig to be picked up. Most don't realize that picking up a pig by the belly, as most do, is actually painful for the pig and one reason they squeal so much. Also pigs have poor eye sight and when someone grabs them it is scary to the pig they have the instinct that a predator is grabbing them and they may be lunch. To prevent the discomfort and fear I don't allow them to be picked up so their experience with humans is not a frightening one. They love belly rubs so that is the best way to interact with a pig in a petting zoo.

I expect my animals to have good manners with human guests in the petting zoo. If any of my animals act inappropriately they will be put into "time out" (their crate).

*** Also when available, I will have joey wallabies (miniature kangaroos) during baby season which will typically be in the spring and late fall. These will be joeys which are bottle babies just out of mom's pouch. They will be in a pouch and closely supervised, No one will be allowed to take them out and hold them.

Safety Rules

I try at all times to put safety first in all we do so everyone can have a fun experience and memorable day at your event. There will always be an attendant supervising in the petting zoo at all times. I do expect those going into the petting zoo to follow the rules of the petting zoo which is posted on the side of the petting zoo fencing. Most of the rules are just good common sense suggestions and good behavior. Anyone not following the rules may be asked to leave if they ignore warnings, The attendant supervising the petting zoo has full authority to enforce these rules.

These guidelines are for everyone's safety as well as for the animals being handled. I want the experience to be a pleasant one for the animals as well as for those interacting with them. Some of the rules in the petting zoo are rules set by the USDA, Health Dept. or insurance company. They are there for a reason for everyone's well being so the activity can be safely enjoyed by everyone. Anyone going into the petting zoo will be asked to use hand sanitizer when leaving the petting zoo. Hand Sanitizer will always be made available to anyone wishing to use it.

Restrictions

I go to all events where a petting zoo may be needed. The main restrictions we may have will be due to weather conditions which is covered below under weather.

Weather

In hot weather we need shade for the petting zoo animals if at all possible. If necessary we can set up a canopy cover for shade. I prefer not doing this if the temperatures rise up into the upper 90's and above. The heat radiates much more out in the open than under a tree or covered shade. I reserve the right to not bring some animals if the temperatures rise into the mid 90's and above due to heat exhaustion. Rabbits are easily heat exhausted in weather conditions such as this. Also I reserve the right to not bring some animals if the weather conditions drop to low, colder temperatures. If I think any animal is at risk I will not bring it and will try and substitute another heartier animal in its place if possible. So in the hot summer months or the freezing cold winter months the number of animals attending may be a lower number if necessary for the safety of the animals. If it is raining, we can do the petting zoo if there is a covered area to set up where the animals will be dry. Otherwise will have to cancel. If there is rain when I am needing to pack up, I may have to limit the number of animals I bring due to the conditions they may be placed under. If the rain is coming down too hard I may not be able to pack and load up and may have to cancel. I ask for your understanding under these conditions. I do not cancel unless I feel it is for the well being of the animals or the conditions make it near impossible to load up. I will do my best to watch the weather reports and if in doubt will call and discuss the conditions with you and we will come to an agreement on what we will do.

Pets

It is helpful if you have pets to try to confine them to an area separate from where we are setting up the petting zoo. You never know how some animals may react to strange animals. This is just a safety precaution.

Parking

I ask that a spot is reserved as close to the set up location as possible. We will have a lot to carry to set up the petting zoo and some of it is quite heavy. If we are to park in front of your home or business we need about three (3) car lengths open for us to park in. If at a business we can park close to unload and I will move to a spot in the parking lot during the event. But we do need to have space to pull into for loading when ready to leave. We will be pulling a horse trailer. If your job requires that we need two vehicles to bring all that is necessary we will have two vehicles pulling horse trailers so you need to make sure there is enough parking space for both. I will try to be sure to discuss this with you when you choose to book with us. If we are to park a long distance; not reasonable easy access to the set up location, there will be an extra $50 fee. We do not park "down the street" and carry all the needed equipment and animals to the set up spot. If you are planning an event at a city park, etc., you need to be aware of where we can load and unload as far as the distance. We like to keep it no farther than 200 feet if possible. We will ask those parked close to the set up spot to move so we can get close enough to set up. We also need to be close enough to the set up spot when ready to pack up also. We do not park out in the street while unloading or loading. Please ask your guests if at a private party to not park in the designated area so we don't have to have them move their cars so we can set up. We may need to keep to our schedule of starting on time and finishing on time since there may be another job booked after yours that we may need to rush to. If we are delayed in setting up on time due to parking problems we will not extend the time.

Party Themes

Be sure to let me know if you have a specific party theme. In some cases we may also dress to your party theme to help set the mood of the event.

Nativity / Easter events

We can accommodate your holiday events with nativity animals and for your Easter event with "Onie" the mini donkey. Inquire on what is available at that time and pricing. We can come to your event dressed in Bible attire to fit the theme of the event.

Balloon Animals

Balloon animals may be available upon request for smaller parties of up to 12 children.
It is an additional fee of $25.

I do the balloons at the end of the party before leaving. Usually about the last 15 minutes.

I will have a simple selection so I do not take too long and run late leaving. Typically swords or dog.

One balloon per child!

If a balloon breaks, and they will, I do not make another one. The reason being if I remake a balloon for one child then I have to do it for all of them and there is simply not enough time to do this. I have to be fair. Kids would have me there for two hours making balloons every time one pops. So once a balloon pops I will not make a second one. The only exception is if I am at the event for the whole hour doing balloons only, then that policy would change .

If you would like a balloonist available all during the party I can schedule one for you, providing she is available at the time of booking.

Fee is $100 per hour.

I can be available, schedule permitting, for balloon animals only for your event.

Fee is $100 per hour.

Face Painting

I can schedule a face painter for your event upon request.
Fee is $100 per hour.

Characters available upon request.

Christmas - Elf (elf is available along with the pony ride)
Fall events - scarecrow
Spring - Easter Bunny
50's bopper

Or let me know if you need a special character I may be able to create what is needed for your event.

Educational programs

I can have available a variety of programs for your school or church group.
Please inquire about what may be offered.

Coming Soon!

Themed Characters for your event:

Parties, Schools, church groups, etc. If your event has a theme or your school is studying a particular character, topic, or country we can help!

If we do not have the character you may be looking for ask and we may be able to create it.

Some characters coming soon:

Fantasy

Fairies and Elves

Have mystical fairies come to your event and bring their special Fairy Pony! Enjoy an hour of make believe fun with Sprite and Kanga.

The fairies and fairy pony are complete with wings and sparkle, sure to please any imagination. We can set up where you can have your photo taken with the fairy pony. Ask for details. Photos coming soon !!

Tooth Fairy

The Tooth Fairy can make a special visit to the party and bring the birthday child a special tooth fairy tooth pillow!

*Pillows may be included for party gifts for your guests for an additional $6 fee per child.

The Tooth fairy can be available for Dental Week at schools or dental offices for special educational programs.

Holiday Characters

Easter Bunny, Christmas Elves, Pilgrims (thanksgiving), Leprechaun (St. Patrick's day), Fall Scarecrow, Bible (nativity/Christmas)

Let us make your holiday event fun with a costumed character to liven things up! In some cases we may bring along a four legged friend for the children to meet, such as a rabbit with the Easter Bunny or turkey with the Pilgrim.

In most cases our characters can do activities such as face painting or balloon animals or tell a story. Inquire as to what each character may do.

Princess Party

Little girls love a princess party. Have a princess come to your party and bring her princess pony for a pony ride. Inquire as to what activities may be available. Photos coming soon !

Educational Programs

If your classroom is studying a particular topic or person feel free to contact us to see if we have a program or can create a program to fit your needs.

We can do programs with a particular country theme such as:

Australia When available I bring a joey wallaby for the children to meet and they learn some interesting things about Australia; see some items from Australia, hear dreamtime story, learn some Aussie slang words, etc.

South America We can share some interesting facts about South America and as a special treat, bring along our delightful llamas for the children to meet!

Africa Have fun learning about Africa and make music with some authentic African instruments and learn some African tribal dance.

Photos coming soon!

Down on the Farm

Let us bring some of our farm animals to share with the children. Many children see petting zoos but seldom are taught about the animals who live on the farm. Let them learn about each of the farm animals as they get to pet it. Animals may include: goat, rabbit, turkey, chicken, mini pony, and pot belly pig.

Photos coming soon!

Historical characters

We can also do historical characters for your classroom, such as:

Buffalo Soldiers Mr. Badger has a wonderful program set to educate on the historical buffalo soldiers of the civil war. He will totally delight the classroom with the information he can share with them.

Pilgrims Two pilgrim ladies can teach your students about the first Thanksgiving and about the founding of this country as the pilgrims established themselves here. Students will get to meet, Mr. Turk the turkey.

Pioneers Let two pioneer ladies share life on the plains or the wild west.

If you are studying a particular historical character you would like have brought to life please let us know and we will see if we can work up a special program just for you!

Email with any questions.

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