The "Talk"

The part no one wants to talk about… our rates.

 

Beth West

Event Manager, Staff Writer

June 5, 2015

 

 

 

When a prospective client calls or emails about a pony party or petting zoo, more than once  we’ve heard “Wow, that it too expensive!”  or “You make a lot of money, I should own a pony business.” 

 

Now to the nitty gritty.

 

When you look at our rates page, we provide a detailed listing of our rates.  Keep in mind a few things, for example:

 

For a one hour pony party, the day begins about 6am with caring for the animals.  

 

5 hours before your party, the animals are cleaned and possibly bathed.  The tack is inspected, the truck & trailer are hooked up and a pre-trip inspection of the vehicles are taken.

 

4 hours before your party, all the equipment is loaded as well as any feed and water the animals might need while we are away from the farm.  All licenses are double checked, permits on hand and touching up/grooming the animals to make sure they didn’t decide to roll in dirt after their bath.

 

3 hours before your event, the animals are brushed, hair done and tacked up at our farm.  Ribbons are checked and applied and any last minute grooming completed. 

 

2.5 hours before your event the animals are loaded into the trailer, safety checked for the ride and given hay for the trip. (Everyone likes a snack for the road).

 

1.5 hours before your party we are on the road heading to you.  We always allow extra time hauling the animals because of traffic delays and to ensure the animals have an enjoyable trailer ride.  We want to have plenty of time in the event of unforeseen circumstances on the roadway.

 

15 minutes-30 minutes before your event, we have arrived!  Allowing set up time and time for the animals to get to know your neighborhood.  This allows the animal’s time to feel comfortable in their surroundings.

 

Then~~your party!  Lots of excited children (and adults) and everyone has had a blast!

 

NOW.. More hard work for the Ponyland Staff.  Consider everything in reverse.  For a one hour pony party it can take approximately 6-8 hours of time put into it.  

 

All this comes into consideration when setting our rates.  Also, we have to consider:

 

•Cost of feed and hay for the animals

•Staffing costs

•Daily care & maintenance costs of caring for the animals

•Veterinary costs

•Blacksmith charges

•Fuel for the truck

•Cost of the trailer

•Fees for permits and licensing for pony rides & petting zoo

•Licensing for all vehicles

•Insurance for the vehicles

•Insurance for the business of pony rides, which is very costly.

 

When you add all this up, it may help to make some sense as to why pony rides are not cheap.  We really do make every effort to make then as reasonably cost effective as we can, but in reality, life is expensive.

 

If our packages are too much for you, call us and let us know what your budget is and let’s see if we can’t work something out for you.  We make every effort to work within a budget because as you see by all that is involved, we do this business for the love of the animals and to bring a smile to children’s faces. 

 

We hope that helps!

 

Until next month!  Happy summer!