What Do You Need To Think About When Planning a Pony Party?

If you’re child is pony mad then surely the only option for her special day is to host a pony party! A pony party combines outdoor fun with their love of animals and activities that everyone can enjoy. As with any celebrations the planning can be overwhelming so hopefully this guide will help you on your way a little.

Choose The Location

First of all you need to decide where the pony party will happen. Ask around and have a search online for pony parties in your local area as you want it to be at a convenient location for your guests. Keep in mind that pony parties will be in an outside space so depending on the time of year attendees need to dress appropriately. You may find there is a specific company running “pony parties” local to you or you may want to take a look at the local riding schools to see if they run a pony party package that include pony rides, grooming sessions and party fun and games on site. An alternative idea is to run a pony themed birthday party (minus the real pony!) at a village hall or similar with traditional games, pony table decorations and party bags etc. This might be a better option if it’s a winter birthday!

Don’t Forget the Cake!

Are you a keen baker yourself or are you going to pay a professional to make the perfect pony cake? There are plenty of pony themed cake baking ideas out there from a horse’s head to a set of stables. We’d love to see your creations! Perhaps a test run is worth doing if you are attempting it yourself or if you’re booking it in with a local baker make sure you plan ahead as they can get booked up. A more budget friendly idea would be to make or buy some simple cupcakes and then get some pony toppers for them.

Pony Themed Games and Crafts

Whilst the ponies / pony rides will be the real star attraction of the party you may want to put on some fun games and activities as well in case there is a bit of waiting around. One fun idea is to put on a hobby horse event where the kids can pretend to be riders going round a jumping or obstacle course. Get a couple of hobby horses, some cones and jump poles to set up your course!

If you’d like more of an arts and craft activity then perhaps you can get hold of some horseshoes from a local farrier that can be painted. Children may enjoy making pony masks or they could even work together to decorate a couple of the DIY Painting Horse Craft Kits (paints included you’ll just need some extra paint brushes).

Finish up with a game of pin the tail on the pony or a horseshoe toss event!

Plan the Party Bags

Whilst we’re sure your guests will go home smiling after the celebrations, the perfect pony party bag makes the ideal treat as they leave! Take a look at our wide collection of horse party bag fillers from stationery to hair accessories. Not sure where to start? We'd recommend the Miss Melody Mini Notebooks teamed with some pens or pencils, plus a polaroid photo of the guest at the party and a lovely slice of birthday cake to take away!

Pony Party Food Ideas

Whilst it will be difficult to theme all the party food we do have a few ideas! Add our ponies favourite snack of carrot sticks and apple segments to the table – perhaps with some dip. Place your horsey cake or pony cupcakes as the centre piece. Dip pretzel twists in melted chocolate and add sprinkles, arranging them to look like horseshoes. Use a horse-shaped cutter to turn standard finger sandwiches into pony shapes with a variety of fillings. You best make sure the real ponies don’t have access to the food table otherwise a few of these snacks may rapidly go missing! It might be a nice idea to bring a few treats for the ponies too but check with their handlers before feeding. 

What to Wear to a Pony Party

Pony parties tend to have a smaller number of guests as its important that the ponies themselves don’t become overwhelmed or anxious with too many children running around. It’s more than likely that not everyone attending the party will be a young rider so they are not going to have all the equestrian gear. Do not panic! Speak with the hosts of the pony party and make sure you have a good idea of exactly what you will be doing. If pony rides are involved they will be able to advise you. Overall recommended clothing would be closed toe shoes or boots, comfortable trousers or leggings and weather appropriate layers. Children should avoid wearing anything too loose or dangling around the ponies. If its going to be a hot day of course think about sun hats and sunscreen (I would have some on standby in case anyone forgets).

Make a Pony Party a Day to Remember

Whilst the stress of parting planning can take away the fun for parents, a pony party is a great day to have fun and enjoy with the children. For some it may be their first experience of ponies and for others the first time they can enjoy it with their friends. With the right mix of activities, decorations, food, and thoughtful planning, you can create a celebration that children and adults will be talking about long after the pony trots home.