The Best Pony Parties for Hire in Carbondale, IL

Pony parties consist of pony rides and may sometimes allow for feeding, petting, and grooming as well. Handlers will be present to ensure everything runs smoothly and your little guests stay safe. Be sure to ask your party provider in advance what specific interactions are available or allowed if you book their services.

While most companies will specialize in ponies exclusively, others might offer additional farm animals and furry friends as well. Browse profiles on GigSalad for both pony parties and local petting zoos to see what might be available for your special occasion.

On average, pony rides cost $250-$350 for one hour. This price can vary depending on your location and the number of guests or riders. When discussing your event with the pony professional, pay close attention to what your quote includes. Look for information on the number of ponies provided, their cleanup policy, cancellation terms, and any associated travel costs.

If you’re booking a pony party for a public event, check your city’s policies on animals in public spaces.

While pony parties are great for all ages, most ponies do have a maximum weight limit of 75-100 pounds. And younger children are generally required to have an adult walk alongside them for their safety. But even those who can’t ride can still pet and interact with the ponies!

Pony parties are a hit with most children, making them a great entertainment option for a birthday party, festival, school fair, or any other outdoor celebration.

Generally, all you need to have to throw a great pony party is enough space for the ponies to walk around. Small yards or driveways are sufficient, and some quiet streets are often permissible as well.

Looking for planning tips? Here are 4 Essentials for a Fun Pony Party!

Some ponies are accustomed to animals like dogs or cats, but others may be uncomfortable. To be safe, discuss this with the professional in advance, and make sure you have a place to put your pets in case they interfere with the party.

In most cases, pony rental companies will have a rescheduling option available if it rains. Read over the booking agreement to ensure their cancellation policy covers your needs in the event of bad weather.

On average, pony rental businesses make between $250 and $350 an hour to provide their services at parties and private events. However, startup costs can be expensive. These include the cost and care of the animals, holding facilities, riding equipment, travel trailers, business insurance, and the appropriate permits and licenses.

We highly recommend having many years of experience with horses before starting your own pony rental business. You want to be sure you and the ponies are comfortable with each other and that you’re prepared for any situation that may arise at an event.

To have a pony party business, you will want to have a business license and liability insurance. You will also need to check with the local government for zoning laws and ordinances that may require you to get a permit to operate in that specific locale.

Pricing your services is something you will want to do after you have figured the costs of starting your business. A reasonable profit should be between 10% and 30% after expenses. It’s also good to do market research to see what your competitors are charging so you can give a comparable pricing structure.