Faq
What kind of ponies do you have
We only have Shetland ponies as we have years of experience in working with them and very young children. We have the mini Shetland ponies suitable for children from 2 – 6 and Standard Shetland Ponies ridden by children aged 6 – 10 years old depending on their height. The maximum height for children is five feet and weight restriction is 7 stone
Please note: we reserve the right to weigh a child (discreetly) if we believe they will be to heavy for the ponies. The health and wellbeing of our ponies is our number 1 priority and baring a load that is too heavy for their back can cause all sorts of health implications. Please ensure your child is the correct height and weight before booking and arrival.
What age can I bring my children
For insurance reasons we cannot accept children under two years of age
What do I have to wear
Warm clothes in the winter months, riding boots or wellies with a small heel. Please also bring waterproofs if it looks like rain. We provide the riding hats.
What should parents wear
If parents would like to walk around the trail with their child and the pony then they can of course do that. Therefore please wear appropriate clothing as it may be muddly in places
Is riding safe
Yes, but of course we are dealing with animals , we provide the children with instructions on how to keep safe around the ponies. A full briefing will be given to parents and children before the start of each party
We are covered by public liability insurance and the surrey heath council who inspect our ponies and their living quarters. However, please be mindful that despite our ponies being well trained ponies can sometimes bite, kick and can be spooked by loud screaming and yelling. Please therefore inform your child to be conscious that they are dealing with an animal and they must take great care around them We take every care to reduce such risks and teach the children how to be safe around ponies. We are approved by the Association of British Riding Schools and follow their guidelines Our staff are also DBS checked and are trained in first aid and child safeguarding.
What happens if it is raining.
We still go ahead with the party. We are a rain or shine business! All our saddling up is done undercover and the party room has both indoor and outdoor facilities. The only time we may cancel a party is if there are high winds, floods, torrential rain or there has been issued a flood risk warning for the area and it is a hazard for both parents and children. If we need to cancel we will inform you ASAP and provide you with an alternative date and time. We will also put it on our social media.
My party is themed, can I wear a fairy outfit on the pony
No, your child must wear the correct clothing for the ride. However, your child is free to change after the riding and can have photos with the ponies in their dressing up clothes
My child has special needs can I bring them
Yes absolutely, children with special needs respond very well around animals. If you or they do not wish for your child to ride the pony but want to experience the woodland experience they can still walk the route with a Shetland pony.
They can still groom the pony and have access to the party room.
Where do I park
All parking is in Chobham village at the public carpark which is behind the Chobham Rider shop in the centre of the village. If you need to drop anything off such as party food or cakes then please contact us ahead of time so we can give you access to our farm.
Can I bring my dog?
Sadly not, we are not insured to have dogs around the Shetland ponies.
Can I lead the pony that my child is on.
For insurance reasons, our staff will need to lead your pony, but you are more than welcome to walk right next to them!
What food will be served at the party?
We are now a vegan business! We believe that all animals deserve love and respect and exploiting them for food is not inline with our ethos. Lunch will therefore be a delicious and colour pic-nic style share board of jam sandwiches, tomato pasta, veg and crisps ! You are welcome to bring extra things if you like! Please note that we do not offer any discounts on any of the parties or pony days if you want to bring your own food or if you send your child in with a packed lunch for the pony day
other things
As we work with animals and small children it is at the discretion of the manager to change things that may be more suitable on the day . Things such as the weather, very hot, very cold, windy, down pours, small children, inexperienced children , frightened children, will all have an impact on the day . Please be patient and respect the manager , she will have a lot of experience with our ponies and she will know the ponies and their behaviours.