My Pony Party

I have used «My Pony Party» over the past decade ++ for many events I have produced. I will have to say that the industry of «animal management» has to be so difficult and tiresome. So many rules, regulations, sick animals, drought, leads to so many challenges that it is a business of passion for those who merely must love animals so much.
Donna, has been an ambassador of first class efforts to bring joy to thousands of people by providing petting zoo and pony ride services. As purchasers we demand 1^st class services. Donna delivers just that service at my events. I can guarantee you that Donna and her associates are not getting rich off making you, your clients and your kids smile. A big thank you goes out to Donna and her crew for all their efforts over the years!

I should have read the other reviews. When the male handler showed up with his pregnant helper, the parents had to help him with the set up and moving the animals. Then the handler completely ignored the little animals and handled the pony –only– during the three hours. It was a ‘zoo’ inside the little pen with too many kids and the animals running around unattended, so my guest’s had to help keep an order.

This lady Donna didn’t even show up to my sons party with her animals! I’m so appalled and she won’t even return my call!!! So upset and plan to report her to the Bbb!!! Do not hire this company!!!

ANIMAL ABUSE: I came across this company today at the Santa Clara County Fair. Aside from the usual lethargic, chained up ponies you typically see I was struck by the one poor little pig in their «petting zoo». This poor pig had lacerations and wounds all over it’s body. It looked to me like it had been abused. When I asked the attendant why it was so rashy-​looking, she told me he just had a «sunburn».
Hmm… if you’re running an animal handling business and don’t know how to take proper care of them like giving them shade or mud for the pig’s skin– I still consider that animal abuse. Not only did the pig look physically not well, but he was also TERRIFIED of the children. He was running away and cowering from the children. In one corner by where we were sitting we could see he was shaking/​shivering uncontrollably– who knows if this was from the fear of the kids or his sunburn.
I understand the concept of a petting zoo, but I would think you would choose better-​adjusted, more domesticated animals to be handled all day (in the beating sun). Or maybe just an older pig as this one was perhaps a baby and wasn’t accustomed to this treatment. The pig was frantic and looked like he would bite the kids who came too close! Maybe not a good choice for your «petting zoo».
Also, I must say that as a parent I would be concerned letting my children in a pen to touch animal that had such a severe skin condition and wounds (sunburn or not). Additionally, a child gets bit by that poor, scared animal and I imagine you’d have a lawsuit on your hands. This seems like a lose-​lose situation for everyone. It was so disturbing to see that pig that my son actually said he wanted to leave the fair because it made him so sad to see an animal that way.

The woman who runs this, Donna, is rude, and spoke with me in a condescending manner from the beginning. We had the petting zoo at my daughter’s birthday party, which was supposed to include a host of small animals plus a pot-​belly pig, which is what we were most looking forward to. They came and set it up but had no pot-​belly pig. Apparently the pig needs to go home to it’s mother every few weeks and Donna neglected to tell me this was one of those weeks. We were very disappointed. If you are booking this, be sure to get clarification about what will and won’t be at your party. In addition, the children, who are 9 – 10 years old, were not allowed to pick up any of the animals and only allowed to pet them with one finger. We didn’t know this until the day of the party and it made the whole experience disappointing. The kids did their one-​finger pet and were pretty much done after 15 minutes. For $ 250 for one hour, it wasn’t worth it.

I’ll have to agree with Janai’s review (every word she said). Sorry but I’m taking my business elsewhere and for cheaper.

The woman who works here, Donna is the most incompetent, unprofessional, and downright rude person I’ve ever come across when talking to a «party planner» –as their tag line states. The first time I called she was pleasant and helpful, it was on the 3 other occasions (I left a voice mail– she called me back) that led me to believe that she may not be the best to work with.
She failed to recognize me after calling and leaving my information on four different occasions, and insisted on speaking to me like an idiot, or a child (I’d elaborate but this is already going to a long review). When we first spoke, she said there was a possibility she could waive the traveling fee of $ 75 because she’d be in the area, which was nice even though I was fine with paying it either way. Around the third time of speaking with her she said the charge would be a nonnegotiable $ 200 and that she won’t be in the area at all. I don’t know if she’s forgetful or just disorganized. She told me she’d write down my information as a side note and sounded like I was crazy for saying «we’ve spoken before on several occasions.»
I wish good luck to anyone who wants to hire this organization for their party, seems like if you’re not planning on paying thousands of dollars on her your business isn’t wanted.
I was so appalled at the way this woman did business that THIS is why I got a Unilocal account.