Questions!
"How do I book a party?
Because we are a farm it isn't easy to be available on call. I check our email perodicaly throughout the day. Please email us your name, phone number, address, date and time of you event. Also, what you are hoping to have at your event or party. There is a form here on our site you are welcome to fill out and send to us
CONTACT US
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We will then answer as quickly as possible, most of the time with in 2 business days and also give you a call to talk about the details. I love being a part of making your party or event a memory!
"Party Prices" I keep our prices as low as possible. To provide excellent service that involves care and maintance of our animals, vehicals and property. Also, Insurance, staffing, marketing and of course fuel and tolls. It isn't easy, and very
stressful at times. Parties are as important to you, as clients, as weddings! I understand that. And because of that,
it involves picking staff, animals and keeping our overall appearace up to high standards.
I have been doing this for 20 years. The stories I could tell... I have been told many times I should have a television show!
This is a service you have to love to do. I do. I am also blessed to have a supportive husband!
"What type of events do you service?"
Birthdays ~ Reunions ~ Celebrations ~ Senior Citizen Homes ~ Corporate Outings ~ Weddings - School Functions
Classroom Programs ~ Festivals ~ Stage Productions ~ Camp Programs ~ Fund Raisers
Private * Film * Promotional Showings by "Aladdin" the Camel
Safari Theme Parties!
If you can imagine it we can make it happen!
We will arrive for single special birthday child, or set up for crowds of people.
"What if it rains or the weather is bad?" I am a mother too - so I understand, and leave that up to you, the parent.
Our staff and animals are prepared for all types of weather. If you feel the weather is too bad to have the party,
we require that you call 24 hours before your party time for a refundable deposit. At any time, after 24 hours, you are welcome to reschedule and the $50 will be applied to your new booking.
I
make every effort to be there, even in bad weather. We can always substitute the Petting Zoo for ponies and set it up in a garage. We've even done living rooms!
In the winter there are times when we are unable to drive the truck and trailer safely. At these times we would need to reschedule and do apologize. Safety is very important to us both for your guest, family and our animals.
"How long does it take to set up? Is it included in my hour?"
The ponies are ready to go when we arrive. Depending on how far we have to carry zoo animals, affects the set up time. It usually takes us 15min. to set up for a small zoo. Your party starts when the first ride starts or the first animal is being cuddled and loved. If we are late due to traffic or other uncontrollable reasons, you will still get an entire hour of entertainment.
"Can we feed the animals treats?" We do not allow feeding of our ponies or donkey unless supervized by staff. Often parties have carrots at the end to feed the pony. Carrots are also permitted for the other animals. We do suggest large carrots for the petting zoo animals to keep hands a safe distance away.
"How many children do you recommend per pony?" For the children to have at least 2 rides each, I have found up to 10 children per pony works best. The petting zoo, face painting or one of the party ideas work well to keep eager riders entertained.
"Do you carry insurance?" Yes we do. If you would like to have the party in a park you may need to fill out the proper paperwork ahead of time. You also may then request a copy of our policy for park pre-approval.
If necessary, customers may become additionally insured for the day of their event. This service is available for a $100.00 fee, charged to us by our Insurance company. For copies of our insurance there is a $75.00 charge our insurance company charges. We voluntarily comply with USDA Federal requirements and standards for animal health, care and safety.
"What about party rules?" We ask that none of the petting zoo animals are picked up. If you have towels or blankets for the children's laps that is a great addition. Our horses are very use to children, toys and decorations involved in parties, however preparation is best.
"Hand Washing?" We recommend a small hand washing station with wet wipes and a Purell bottle. We do provide purell hand sanitizers.
"What time will you arrive?' We plan to allow 20 extra min's for travel based on mapquest. Please when you send your booking form include any land marks or details that may help us find your location.
We strive to arrive on time.
Our set up time is approx.. 5 min for pony rides only and 15 min's. for parties with petting zoo.
We stay for the full hour of booked party time.
I do need to note - sometimes things unexpected happen... a flat trailer tire, a mapquest detour... and as we all know DC traffic. Have a back up plan if for any reason we are delayed. Don't panic, we will be there, very very sorry for any delays. In the 10 years of business this is the one problem we do our best to avoid and often can't control (I have to say the most stressful part is being delayed when we know you have guests waiting!).
If for some reason we are running late we will call to give you notice of our arrival time.
I like to suggest IF lateness happens,have a change in schedule if needed - CAKE as a back up plan :)
NO STRESS!
"What is the best age to have a pony party?" Any age from 2 to 9 but we do offer larger ponies for children over 9.
We have horses for the "big kids" no age limit here!
Please, Just make sure to let us know the largest child's age so we bring a pony that fits and they don't get left out.
Where can we find places pony to go will be open to the public? I do my best to keep up with places we will be on facebook. You can check the different sites to see what is the latest activity we are doing or place we will be.
We love to see customers we have shared a birthday with!
What is the cost for travel? We charge $1.00 a mile round trip. Just enter your address in the from field on Mapquest or google maps and ours to find milage. 1691 Swimley Road, Berryville VA 22611
What is the policy on tipping? We strive to provide professional, top quality service and memories that will forever be part
of your family.
If you feel our staff went above your expectations tips are appreciated.
"Tipping is appreciated but never expected..."
Our business survives and grows from your referrals and feedback.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your celebration!
Credit Card Policy
We do accept all major credit cards with a 4% convenience fee for amounts over $100.
A Deposit of $100 at time of booking secures your requested event date.
(When paid by Credit Card a $5.00 C.F. is applied)
I'm sure there are a million other questions, don't hesitate to email me if I haven't covered something!
WE ARE A FAMILY OWNED AND RUN BUSINESS!
A note about phone calls... Please email and I will return your message and also call
within the next 3 to 4 business days. Email us for prompt answers
***It is recommended you book your party 6 to 8 weeks in advance to secure a specific date***
The earlier you contact us the better!
Do not run up to or around the ponies
Please no throwing or swinging objects around the animals
Keep loud noises to a minimum (no balloon popping games)
Keep pets inside when possible (many pets have never experienced this environment before)
Again I want to say - don't worry!
Being safe is best and thinking ahead can avoid any accidents.
