parents of kids ...Birthday parties

[LynnG]

Give me some ideas on what would work for a Birthday Party for kids at a horse farm. "pony rides"... any ideas good and bad...not to do! You can PM or email me if you'd like........
thanks
Lynn

[Pasogirlz]

What age group are we talking?

[LynnG]

how about ages 6 - 13? I have had a request for a Birthday Party....so looking at new "agri-business" venture.

Gee .....I did check Birthday Parties on my agri-tourism marketing option, so now is as good as time to do some planning to make it so! :roll:

here's a sampling of birthday party for kids at a horse farm:
http://www.cheyennearabians.com/ponyridesandtrailriding.html

[Barbwire]

I want the unicorn party! I want the unicorn party! http://bestsmileys.com/bouncing/10.gif

[Got Brio?]

I want the unicorn party! I want the unicorn party! http://bestsmileys.com/bouncing/10.gif
I can see all of your horses Lynn with horns on their heads!lol! But I think Barbara is on the right track,and maybe you could do your pony rides on Arianna or Insignia(did I spell that right?)

[LynnG]

so dress the horses up in kiddee borthday party theme clothes?! oh my! guess I need to brush myelf up on kiddee "pony" movies...so what are some of those? (have no kidees of my own) :roll:

[mgmpasos]

Ok, I think I can help with this. The farm we used to board at had lots of birthday parties...

Things they did:

1) Tour the barn - since there were multiple breeds discuss each breed.
2) Then they would bring a few horses out and demonstrate them.
3) You could show the kids what they are looking for and have them be judges.
4) They would hook up the tractor and have hay rides around the property.
5) They would bring all the school horses out and have a worker with each horse and give rides (horses were on leadline at all time).
6) They would have a pinata in the middle of the barn for the kids to use with candy in it - supplied by birthday party parents
7) They would set up tables in the inside arena and have cake and have the kids open their presents.

Hope that helps.

Matthew Marks
MGM Paso Finos
www.mgmpasofinos.com

[Blameitonbrio]

OK, here it is from the "mom planing the party" point of view. I have done a variety of parties for my kids at stables, gymnastics, roller rinks, Build-a-bear, etc. all for the purposes of giving my kids a nice party (cause I am a sucker!) and not having a bunch of kids running around my house (cause I can also be witchy!). The fun and convenience of a birthday party at some place like those mentioned above is a big draw for parents, so I think you are on to something. Agri-tourism is becoming more and more important in our state and serves the great purpose of connecting kids to farm life that is fast disappearing.

I have done parties where a range of things were provided, and probably the one most like what you will want to do is Grayson's 7-year-old party at J&H Stables. When all the kids got there, we were given a farm tour. They had several barns of horses to look at and pigs, goats and other critters (maybe David can loan you a calf -- they would LOVE that.).

Then we were given a short talk on parts of a horse, what to feed a horse, parts of a saddle, etc. You have to tailor that to your crowd, and you can let the kids ask questions to steer it in the appropriate direction for their interests. Usually, a very calm horse is used as a victim...er...model...for this part.

Next, the kids were all lined up and three or four tacked up horses were brought out by teenagers. They all took turns being led around the big farm house. We didn't have a horse then,and neither did any of the other kids, so this was a big thrill.

After several rounds of that, we retired to a room off the office where there were picnic tables. I had brought all the paper good, cupcakes, drinks, etc. We had the cake part of the party and Grayson opened her presents. Afterwards, the party was over -- took about2 hours, maybe 2.5.

If you were to do this, you could give rides in your riding ring on Insignia while the other kids play the fishing game with Smut. You could set up tables in your barn yard for them to eat (put Smut, Mickala and Flash up, cause you know what they will do!) :shock: . They could bring their own food and paper goods. You will need to have a policy for bad weather anyway, so you might as well let the kid critters eat outside. Believe me, you don't want them in your house!!

Another possibility is a hayride around your farm. That would be fun and they could see the horses and all your pastures. It would be neat if your trails were big enough for the tractor and a trailer; that would be fun.

You could put up a tire swing or something like that. As simple as it is, most kids have never been on one.

Just make sure there is plenty of activity and not too much time just listening, unless you notice that they are particularly attentive to stories. If so, some of your horses have some fun stories to tell. Just judge your crowd on that as you go.

Another thing you could do is a horse craft. Since you are an artist, this could also be part of your advertising. If you want ideas on age-appropriate activities, just let me knwo, as I am a VBS director extraordinaire! :lol:

The parties I have done for my kids range from $125 to $300, with Build-a-Bear being the most expensive, because you have to pay for the bear. It also depends on what is provided. Some provide invitations, food, a special tee-shirt or something for the birthday kid, gift certificates (for lessons maybe?), and those things cost more. I cannot remember what I paid for the J&H Stable one; that was years ago. I am sure you could call and find out. They have moved to Creedmoor Road.

Hmm...that's all I can think of now. I will let you know if I think of more.

[LynnG]

Good ideas! I have saved them. I need to return the phone call tommorrow and find out more what the parents specs are?!

Yes, Flash likes kids...better then adults..he can look at them face to face! I probably would have a number of potential "ponies" if I worked with them a bit more ....they just need to know what kiddies are, and not be emeinently due to deliver. ahhh ...many have led a sheltered life..they know dogs better then kiddies.

Jeany, you could become a professional BD party organizer!

[Blameitonbrio]

Ha! I have thought about the birthday party thing. Maybe one day.

I think that Flash would be a natural equine host and would look great in a party hat. Of course, Arianna would have to have her nose in the festivities too. I think you could have a great birthday party place with the concentration on the horses and farm activities. I am getting a little out of hand now, but if you had a pond, they could make cane poles, dig up worms and fish. Things that we grew up doing like that are now exotic.

[SQUEAKS]

Lynn here's a thought. I think you said you had some fences to paint like I do. Do what I am doing for Grace's birthday party have a painting contest and perhaps put up a saddle for 1st prize or a chance to come to your farm and ride for 1 year free. Just a thought.

Good Luck


Bob

[Fuego]

Birthday party for kids age 6-13 ? :shock:

Require that all children be handcuffed to an adult the entire time they are on your farm. I'd also have a S.W.A.T. team on standy by ... :D

Good Luck Lynn

( gee, can ya tell I'm not a parent?)

[LynnG]

I'm going to do some more research and develop a plan to have it as a farm offering. I had enough kids in that age range come and ride at my farm open house last year, so did get to see how the horses interact. I do have several good kid-friendly horses whetehr just to pet or ride. Yes supervision is a must. I can probably come up with enough fun activities surrounding the horses, and turn the electric fence off...so no little hands get zapped...

Now my nieces and nephews favorite place when they would come out was the hay loft of course with lots of hay in it! Also after Hurricane Fran blew thru a few years back, that Christmas there were still a few down large trees on the edge of the yard....now my family's kids loved to walk on the downed tree trucks and explore.

thanks for the BD tips! ;-) keep them coming or PM me. costs involved is another thing to look at.

Fuego, now how were you as a kid? :twisted:

lynn

[Fuego]

Fuego, now how were you as a kid?
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Why do you think I suggested a S.W.A.T. team ..... :oops:

[Cindy]

Lynn, you have probably already thought of this but make sure this is covered by your insurance as well.

[LynnG]

yes, and the e-coli issue with farm animals and kids, too.

[Tami Pinell]

Lynn - just wanted to mention the animal reward part....
I have seen and worked with many a horse and pony that has become "kid sour" from having to deal with kids from pony rides to petting zoos....
most become sour from being picked out, teased, and over worked.... the ones I have trained have ALWAYS had a reward system for "having to put up with kids" and they each have a command to let them know that they are in the spot light so they know it is time to work with kids... with this type of "training" the horse or pony looks forward to their job knowing they get the reward and rest following.....
Do keep this in mind for a new Agri-venture....
Good Luck!

A bounce house is always fun for the kids, too. I have some amusement ride stuff, but my insurance will not allow me to have parties on my farm, so we have to rent it to others with a signed release from the parent giving the party. I also have a trackless train where I get to play conductor and pull 3 train cars around on flat ground or pavement. There is also a small petting zoo (goats and a couple of small animals unless they feel like paying for the exotics like the camel) and pony ride. They pay for one or two ponies to be led around or if there are a lot of kids, there is a pony wheel. I also have a Hogwartz ride for those under 42 inches, which has punching bags, ball crawl, slides, ect. which is great for parties and doesn't take electricity.

Strange that insurance will cover it on someone else's property but not your own. In fact, my agent told me they would cancel me if I did parties on my own property. I would have the parents supply anything the kids consume just for the liability if someone gets sick. That or call a caterer and have the parent pay them directly.

It all depends on how much the parents are willing to spend on whether or not it's worth the risk. Of course, Florida may be different since we are a litigious state where everyone is sued for everything and insurance companies look for any excuse to drop your coverage.