A birthday party at Stoney Creek Saddle Club is more than just pony rides. The event starts with the birthday child having a private riding lesson 30 minutes before the guests arrive. We like to time it so that the first guests get to watch the end of the private lesson and cheer on their special birthday buddy. When there are enought guests present to begin, the staff will take the children to the barn for a quick intriduction to the ponies and the safety rules. Everyone will be fitted for a helmet and then the chores begin. The guests can groom and help tack up thier ponies; sometimes they even get to apply glitter to the ponies' hooves. When ready, we got to the ring and begin pony rides. These one-on-one rides provide an opportunity for the instructors to check body and foot position, give a very elementary riding lesson and make sure the child is comfortable riding. After everyone has had a little instruction, we do relay "races" with three teams. The games can include riding around cones, riding backwards, dropping balls in buckets, trying to eat donuts strung to jump standards without using one's hands; all very silly with lots of giggles and great photo opportunities. While children will have plenty of mounted time, they can also do horseless horse jumps, bob for apples and play around the barn. 20 minutes before th party is due to end, we move the guests to the picnic tables to enjoy any snacks or cake that you have brought. The staff will untack the ponies and help you clean up after the children. When you book your party, you can decide which activities you would like to include and how you would like your party to run.