Pony rides: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What pony rides is

A handler leads ponies in a small circuit at a party, with helmets and tack, so children can take short, supervised rides. People book pony rides for birthday parties, fairs and family events when children want a classic ride with a handler walking alongside.

Signs you need it

  • You are hosting a children's party and want a ride as a special activity
  • You have a flat, open space where a small circuit can be set up
  • Your guests are children who are ready to ride with a handler present
  • You want a ride activity that keeps a line of kids moving through a set time
  • You want a farm or a country theme for a birthday, a fair or a family event
  • You want the ponies handled by people who know how to keep them calm and safe

What the pro does

  • Asks about the number of children, their ages, the space and the length of the rides
  • Chooses ponies and a route that suit the children's ages and sizes
  • Arrives with the ponies, helmets, tack and a safe circuit plan
  • Sets up a fenced circuit or a clear route with a safe loading area
  • Handlers lead each pony and check each rider before they start
  • Packs up the ponies, tack and equipment at the end of the visit

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Length of the ride time and the number of children who ride
  • Number of ponies and handlers needed for the line
  • Size of the circuit and the space needed for the ride
  • Travel distance and arrival time at the site
  • Whether the handlers stay for a longer event or a short visit
  • Whether the provider includes a small petting or grooming activity
  • Weather plan and any shelter needed for the ponies

What a written quote should spell out

  • Ride time per child and the number of ponies and handlers
  • Circuit size and the route plan, including the fencing
  • Helmet, tack and rider rules, including the weight and age limits the provider sets
  • Shade, water and rest times for the ponies
  • Arrival, setup and departure times
  • What happens if a pony is unwell or the weather changes

Questions to ask before you hire

  • How many ponies and handlers will you bring, and how do they keep children safe?
  • What age and size range do you ride, and how do you check each rider?
  • How big is the circuit, and where will it be set up?
  • How do you care for the ponies during a long event?
  • Do you provide helmets and tack for every child?
  • What is your plan if a pony is unwell or the weather changes?
  • Do you carry liability insurance that covers the ponies and the riders?

Red flags

  • They do not provide helmets or do not check each child before the ride
  • They have no handler at the head of each pony during the ride
  • They have ponies that are not calm around children or crowds
  • They ask the host to set up a circuit that is unsafe or too close to a road
  • They will not confirm the handler count or the helmets in writing

What you can do yourself

You can choose a flat, open area for the circuit, away from roads, water and steep ground. You can also let the provider know the children's ages and sizes ahead of time. Hire a provider for the ponies, the handlers and the tack, since ponies need trained handling and careful supervision during every ride.

Licenses and permits

No state license is usually required for pony rides, but many states and localities regulate animal rides, animal health and public animal exhibits. Check state and local rules with your state or local licensing agency and your state animal health office, and ask the provider for its health and insurance documents before booking.

Pony rides questions

Does a pony ride provider need a license?

Usually not a state business license, but animal ride and exhibit rules can apply. Ask the provider for its documents and check local rules.

Are there age or weight limits for pony rides?

Yes, providers usually set them for the safety of the child and the pony. Ask the provider for its limits before you book.

Where should the circuit be set up?

On a flat, open area away from roads, water and steep ground. Ask the provider for the circuit size and confirm the space with the host.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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