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All the latest news and show information for the shetland pony breeder and enthusiast.
Pony Parties
Hire a pony, and make your child's dream party come true!
Here at Almondell Shetland Pony Stud we are now providing a new service offering Shetland pony parties suitable for all riding abilities.
All our ponies are well handled and suitable for the younger child aged 2-10 approx. They are good natured characters and live together in a herd allowing them time to relax and do pony stuff when they are not working. The ponies are friendly and will arrive well turned out for your party or event. Safety is paramount, your event will be supervised by experienced handlers with first aid training and safety hats will be provided which all riders must wear.
Almondell Pony Parties offer a fabulous way to celebrate a birthday or special occasion to make it an unforgettable experience. Every parent wants to do something different to make their child’s birthday really special. Our aim is to help young children get to know the ponies, learn to respect animals and enjoy their company in a safe and fun way. All the pony sessions are a ‘hands on’ experience for mums and dads too!!
We offer a variety of packages that can be tailor-made to your specific requirements. Our ponies are well behaved and used to children. They are ideal to introduce children to ponies for the first time or to give them more confidence around animals. You have the options to choose whether to have the party in your own garden, at our premises or other venue! If the party is held on our premises, we can incorporate a visit to our ‘Fluffy Farm’ where the children can meet and feed our fluffy pets. Depending on what package is chosen, the party guests will be able to groom, plait their manes, paint their hooves and have hand-led rides. We can also include pony themed games and decorating horseshoes.
Pony Party – the experience!!
Our stables provide the ‘den’ for the party. It is decorated with fairy lights, birthday banners and balloons and the children soon make themselves at home, sitting on the straw bales with a welcome drink – then the fun begins!! The children take part in a ‘hands on’ experience with our adorable ‘shetties’. The children work together, grooming to make their pony look beautiful. They then have the choice to have a hand-led pony ride or to take the pony for a walk.
Our pony parties follow a basic format but party packages are very flexible and can be arranged to meet your specific requirements, depending on if they are held in your garden or ours.
Here are a few examples:-
This party is ideal for younger children or smaller parties.
- Two ponies & handlers for 1 hour
- Hand-led pony rides for up to 10 children
- Grooming session
- Party game or visit to 'Fluffy Farm' (if held at our premises)
- Rosette and novelty gift for all guests
- Personalised birthday card
- Gift for birthday girl or boy
We dont supply food but you are welcome to bring your own party food / picnic which can be served in the 'den' or outside, weather permitting. We are happy to add 30 minutes on at the end of any pony session for this purpose.
Fancy a party with a difference - add originality and sparkle to your child's special day
- Two ponies & handlers for 1.5 hours
- Hand- led pony rides for up to 12 children
- Grooming & mane combing
- Hoof Painting
- Party game or visit to 'Fluffy Farm' (if held at our premises)
- Pony candles for your cake
- Rosette and novelty gift for all guests
- Personalised birthday card
- Gift for birthday girl or boy
This is definately a party for pony mad children - allow us to organise your event and provide the following:-
- Two Ponies & handlers for 1.5 - 2 hours
- Hand-led pony rides for up to 12 children
- Grooming & mane plaiting
- Hoof painting with glitter
- Party game or visit to 'Fluffy Farm' (if held at our premises)
- Pony candles for your cake
- Craft activity – we provide horseshoes to decorate with beads, ribbons, glitter etc for the children to keep
- Rosette for each guest
- Pony party loot bags for all guests
- Personalised birthday card
- Special pony sash for birthday girl or boy
Pony Sessions
In addition to parties we offer pony sessions to smaller groups, where the children can have fun working closely with animals and learn to respect them at the same time. Having contact with animals can also have therapeutic benefits.
Come and meet the ponies and see where they live – an ideal present or treat for children aged 2-10 years - includes grooming, hand-led rides in the paddock and a visit to our Fluffy Farm. These are 1:1 sessions and are aimed at younger children or ‘first timers’. Afterwards enjoy complimentary teas, coffee, juice and biscuits. Please note, sessions are limited to 2 or 3 children with 2/3 ponies. Cost £12 each child.
Come and meet and feed the ponies – a special treat for any young child with an interest in ponies - includes grooming, tacking up, hand-led rides and stable duties. Children experience the fun of what it’s like looking after a pony on a daily basis. They can groom, plait manes, make up hay nets and put down straw beds in the stables plus have a hand-led ride. Afterwards complimentary teas, coffee, juice, and biscuits are available or you can bring your own picnic – served in the stable or gazebo (weather permitting). Sessions are aimed at children aged 5-10 years, with 4- 6 children and 2/3 ponies per session. Cost £12 per child.
Come and visit our pets corner where we have small animals and poultry. We have rabbits and guinea pigs which can be brought into the ‘den’ by staff for the children to see and stroke. We have peacocks, turkeys and a variety of other birds and if you are lucky, baby chicks. We have a small herd of goats including baby kids who can be taken for a walk on a lead. A visit to the farm can be incorporated into a party package or pony session.
MAKE A RESERVATION
If you wish to make a pony party booking please contact us in the first instance by email or telephone to check availability for your specific date and time. We will then send you a booking form with our terms and conditions for you to complete. Once it is received by us with a £30.00 deposit your booking will be confirmed in writing.
PAYING THE BALANCE
The full balance is payable prior to the party date.
ON ARRIVAL
If we come to a venue chosen by you we try to arrive about 15 minutes before the party begins. Please ensure we have a safe place to unload the ponies and keep everyone away from them until the party commences. If you are coming to us please do not arrive any sooner than 10 minutes before the party is due to commence.
DEPARTURE
As the parties are very popular we have a strict timetable we must adhere to. Regrettably we cannot stay any longer than the allotted time as we may have another party to attend.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Our ponies can attend gala days, church fairs, visits to Old People’s Care Homes and other special events. Our ponies are available for hire for all types of events including pantomimes and TV work. We can also attend exhibitions and shows as entertainment for children offering a range of interactive activities.
Are you planning the perfect fairytale wedding?
We offer a bespoke and unique experience for your special day that you and your guests will never forget. Our ponies can complement the theme of your wedding or even be ring- bearers!!!
Book early to avoid disappointment!
