For her birthday last year, all Kay wanted to do was ride a pony. I didn’t know where to go, but I found a deal on Groupon for a place not far from us called A&T Equestrian. It seemed like a great deal so I bought two of them – one for each of my girls – and booked our visit. We had a fantastic time! Kay loved her birthday gift, and I was totally impressed by how amazing the staff were with the wide range of ages and experience levels at our group lesson that day.
So when it was time to think about Tee’s ninth birthday, I knew just where to go for a pony party!
Tee and Summer
Our riding instructor was Katelyn. She split our group into two and sent half the kids to the stable to spend half an hour learning about horses. They got to groom, pet, and hand feed one very patient and well-brushed horse.
The other half of our group started in the indoor arena getting some basic riding instruction. They learned how to start, stop, and steer their horses, and then they put their new skills into practice riding around the ring.
Kay learning how to steer O’Henry
After 30 minutes, the kids swapped places so everyone got to take a turn grooming and riding. Kids were closely supervised and there was no pressure to do more than they were comfortable doing.
The thing that stood out to me most was how patient the horses and the staff were with a bunch of beginners. We had several kids at our party who had never been on a horse before, and it was no problem at all.
Katelyn and her helpers reassured and encouraged the kids, making sure that that everyone felt comfortable. Two of our guests were still very nervous, so staff walked right next to them leading the horses around the ring until they felt comfortable enough to take over the reins. Every one of our guests, even the most anxious, left feeling proud of themselves and eager to ride again.
Nervous kids get extra help.
Tee had a little more experience riding than many of her guests so Katelyn asked if she wanted to try trotting. Tee loved the challenge and can’t wait to go back!
After an hour with the horses, we all came back together in the party lounge above the stable to eat pizza, sing happy birthday, have cake, and open presents.
A&T Equestrian provides the basic supplies like a tablecloth, paper plates, cups, and cutlery are provided, along with one pizza and one liter carton of juice or two liters of pop. We brought our own decorations, cake, cake knife, candles, and lighter, along with a fruit platter, chips, and a few more bottles of iced tea. We also ordered a second pizza, but for 11 kids we probably should have ordered a third as well.
What’s a party without cake? You know I love to spotlight the amazing cake talents of my friend Kristy at The Cowardly Lemon. This year, Tee requested this recreation of the final fight scene from The Force Awakens when Rey and Kylo Ren go lightsaber to lightsaber on the snow-covered Starkiller Base. Our cake was shaped from layers of vanilla and chocolate cake and cookies and cream buttercream, frosted in vanilla icing and sprinkled with shredded coconut, then decorated with hand-sculpted fondant trees.
The Force Awakens birthday cake by The Cowardly Lemon
Party Information
If you’re planning a birthday party in Surrey, BC, A&T Equestrian is the place to go! Their climate-controlled indoor riding ring is perfect for parties year-round. Pony party packages start at $295 for 8 children and include an hour with the horses, an hour in the party room, one pizza, and one liter of juice or 2 liters of pop.
If your birthday girl or boy is a unicorn lover, add a unicorn theme to their party! The horses will wear unicorn horns and special saddle pads, and staff will decorate the lounge in a unicorn theme.
A&T Equestrian also offers riding lessons and day camps for professional days, spring break, and summer for kids as young as 3.
Book your party over the phone or via email. Contact A&T Equestrian at 604-574-3211 or [email protected] for more info.
Contact Kristy at The Cowardly Lemon at 604-726-7492 to discuss what she can create for your special day. Visit The Cowardly Lemon on Facebook to see her gallery of amazing custom cakes, chocolates, cookies, and more.
Disclosure: We received a party package for the purpose of facilitating this review. All opinions expressed are completely honest and my own, based on my personal experience. Your experience may differ.
What a dream come true for your little girl! I always wanted a pony party when I was young lol. Do they have a groupon on now?
Oh wow that sounded like the perfect birthday gift, I would have loved that myself, the price wasn’t to bad either. would be great if there was something like that around my area!
Oh, thank you! My 11 yo has been begging for a pony party and I didn’t really know where to start. She’s never even been on a horse before.
I wish there was a similar opportunity on the east coast; my granddaughter would love to have this for her next birthday.
What a super idea for a birthday party. I’m sure this was a hit with all her friends.