Bramble Hollow Pony Parties, LLC  

While pony rides can be given in just about any amount of space, the carriage does require a quiet subdivision with relatively gentle grades.  If you have an acre or more, and the footing is firm and the terrain fairly level we can drive in your yard.  The carriage is 48 inches wide and holds approximately 6 small children at a time in the wagonnette seats in the back, depending upon depth of footing and the hills

Children who want a pony party are never going to be deterred by a little drizzle and we have rain gear, however, we are happy to offer face painting services in lieu of the pony party in case of inclement weather cancellations.  Transportation surcharges will still apply should you elect to have the face painting - your deposit will be applied to that service, otherwise deposits are non-refundable. Notice needed for cancellation will depend upon my location prior to the party.  This will be arranged at the time of your booking.

Please supply approximately 35 feet of parking space by blocking it off ahead of time.  For carriage parties, we require that each child come to the party with a well-fitting bicycle or other all-purpose sport helmet.  Please have your dogs crated or otherwise  enclosed for their protection.  Other than that, a bag of carrots and a few pieces of cake as the ponies depart are always appreciated!

Each child will have a different reaction to the animals.  Our goal is to provide every guest with the best possible experience as they ride the pony - at times this may take all of our attention.  We expect that, as hosts, you will assist us in our mission by keeping active ball play, loud noises and unsupervised toddlers to a minimum. 

To maximize the pleasure you have during your event, you can tell your guests that the ponies will be happier without loud noises, sudden movements and that if you put your fingers in their mouths, they can't really tell fingers are not food.

Our ponies have these jobs because of their patience and love of their work, and this is reflected in their somewhat un-ponylike behavior.  Please do not be unduly alarmed if the children walk behind the ponies despite your instructions - my ponies are not kickers and do not startle easily. 

Older children can hand-feed larger carrots, allowing the ponies to break them off from the whole. For the very small children, I have a silicone 'scoop' to use as a feeder for pieces of carrots - the child still gets the feel of the pony's lips moving through the feeder,  without the risk.  If it would amuse you, the ponies can drink from cups etc. and in fact, believe they are the guests of honor. They do not have access to pasture at home and will be very interested in trimming your lawn.

The ponies have all the standard inoculations, worming and dental care.  They are our former show ponies and are now treasured family pets.  They enjoy traveling and working.

The USDA does not have jurisdiction over pony ride businesses as they do with petting zoos.  That is why we do not offer animal alternatives.  If you wish, I have a very friendly and polite Pembroke Welsh Corgi which can be brought along to add to the fun of the day.

The whip is used for communication with the ponies.  It performs the same function your legs would do, were you riding.  It encourages them to go forward - often one pony works harder than the other and this must be corrected - and it keeps them from backing up when that would be hazardous.  It  can also, if the need arises, be used to repel dogs, automobiles and rambunctious teens.  Because of their circus training background, the ponies are sensitive to misuse of the whip  - please do not allow the children to play with the whip.  It is fragile and can cause injury.

Our ponies are trained to walk ahead while we are at their side, allowing us to grasp your child firmly at all times he or she is mounted.  You are welcome to walk alongside as the situation warrants.

For the carriage rides, we expect all participants to wear helmets that fit, just as you would riding a bicycle, scooter or skateboard.  The ponies know their job, are considered "road safe" and the uncertainties should be limited to those you would encounter on a bicycle in the same venue.

Our ponies have somewhere along the way potty-trained themselves to not 'poo' on the job, but should they resort to such we will certainly remove it - to your garden if you prefer.   They do however, often 'tinkle' after they exit the trailer...the small children, with their lower vantage points, find this fascinating.   In summertime you may want a hose handy, if it would increase your comfort level.  Both ponies are geldings, which means that they are males that are 'fixed'.  

We can outfit the carriage with twinkle lights and flashers for twilight parties.  The ponies are just as happy to entertain you under your floodlights - something to think about on those hot summer days.

The twin adrenaline pumps of a party and ponies is enough to warm the tiniest toddler.  So long as it isn't excessively windy, your children will enjoy the novelty of our two fur-balls.  A carriage ride can however be brisk - for this we have assembled a collection of vintage furs to warm those little princesses!

There is no such thing as a stupid question!  Ponies are horses and are the same species.  Strictly speaking, a pony is a horse of a certain small size, 58" or less when measured at the top of the shoulder.  People who love them know that ponies tend to have a particularly charming character that is subdued or lacking in their larger brethren.   Just as a small terrier seems to have more 'personality' than say, a Mastiff, so do the ponies act more expressively on the whole.

Our ponies are named Billy the Kid (he's the one with the blue eye) and Jesse James (he looks like a girl - but he's all boy). They are what I describe as "Mid-Atlantic Shetlands" - mostly Hackney pony, with some Shetland thrown in for size.  They are most probably full brothers, although their exact provenance remains a mystery. Like most brothers, they sometimes disagree...but are in the end, inseparable.