Together with our brochure and FAQs page, you should have all the information you need - if you've any questions please call or send me an email.
Where we operate
We mainly operate at our premises at Brookfield, Oscroft, Chester CH3 8NL, however occassionally we attend private parties, local fairs and corporate events etc.
We are based just outside Kelsall, 7miles east of Chester, just off the A51/A54 Chester to Manchester road in some of Cheshire's finest horsey country. Your booking confirmation will provide full address and map to our location.
Who are we
The business is owned by mother of 2 and long-term horse enthusiast Amanda Keech.
The family lives in the heart of Cheshire, near to Chester with their 2 dogs, and a gaggle of equines large and small!
Amanda also operates Cheshire Chocolate Studio providing adult and childrens' parties and workshops and educational and corporate workshops.
Contacting us
If you need to reach us, either call us on 07954 016179 or email us at [email protected].
Pony functions (eg pony afternoons, pony experiences)
Pony functions should be booked and paid for at least 12 hours before the event.
We reserve the right to cancel a pony activity up to and including the day of the activity if there are insufficient bookings or in exceptional circumstances. Where possible we aim to notify you at least 48 hours before the activity, however this is sometimes not achievable eg extremely poor and changing weather conditions. Should we cancel an activity you will be offered a full refund or transfer to another activity.
Please note that we are usually busy preparing ponies on the morning of an event and it is extremely difficult to return calls! If you have not booked in it is too late on the morning!
We provide detailed directions with confirmation of your booking. It is your responsibility to arrive in time to be ready for the start of your activity. Activities will finish at the booked time unless you have arrived early and the activity starts early.
Payments for non party activities are non refundable. If you need to change the date i can sometimes re-arrange given at least a months notice. Changes incur a £25 admin fee.
Wherever possible will use the most appropriate pony(ies) for the function generally based on the age of the children involved.
We normally use one pony to 10-12 children. (1 pony for a pony experience unless you have booked a second pony)
We expect that those children not immediately around the pony are supervised by a suitable adult whilst we focus on ensuring those around the pony are enjoying themselves safely.
Children under 5 should be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
Most of our activities are available to children with a minimum age of 2, however for some activities we recommend a minimum age of 4.
We have riding hats which the children must wear when riding.
All children MUST wear shoes with a covered toe.
For insurance purposes all children must be led at walk whilst riding.
For safety reasons no dogs, no ball/throwing games, no running & no smoking allowed on premises.
Our ponies are used to children and animals but we do expect children to behave and reserve the right to ask parents to remove children who may/may potentially upset our ponies or other visitors.
We are happy for adults to take photos of the children during their visit. Occassionally some of these photos may appear on our website. If you are unhappy with this please let us know.
Whilst we have tried to make safe all areas we cannot be held responsible for any damage or injury caused whilst on our premises.
Most activities require payment online in full or a deposit (but see note re parties below)
Pony parties
We have to restrict the number of children to a maximum of 12 when using only one pony to enable each child to have a ride in the time provided.
We can accommodate up to 16 children for a party in the Orchard when using two ponies, which will be priced accordingly.
Occassionally, on request and for slightly larger parties (up to 20 children), in our locality we may agree to bring two ponies to your home, but this obviously requires an additional handler and therefore will be priced accordingly.
For a pony party in the Orchard, if required, we may be able to supply an additional party entertainer-please ask for details.
When bringing our party ponies to you, we may visit the party location within 2 weeks of the party to check parking and turning facilities for the 4x4 and trailer, and also that the garden is suitable ie relatively flat, of a reasonable size and accessible.
Party bookings are subject to a deposit of £100, £200 for a party off-site.
Deposits are refundable up to three months before your party, subject to a £25 admin fee. If you are unable to go ahead with your party on your agreed date I will attempt to arrange a different date as long as you contact me at least a month before your party. If we can’t find a mutually convenient date I can usually swap your deposit towards a holiday activity if you so wish.
However, we are more flexible during the winter months as we understand that the children are not usually quite as hardy as the ponies!
We reserve the right to request payment of any 'extras' not provided directly by Cheshire Pony Parties, such as party teas, birthday cakes and additional party entertainers etc to be paid for in full at the time of booking.
Parties will start at the time stated so please ensure all guests have the directions and arrive on time. Our gates will be open 10 minutes before the party is due to start.
Parties will also finish at the agreed time and we do reserve the right to charge a penalty for those who extend their time here excessively (I'm afraid a handful of people do abuse our hospitality!)
Payment of the balance is due 10 days before the party. We prefer online payment but accept cash or card payment (please call) .
Pony experiences
During peak party periods we reserve the right to take provisional bookings for week-end experiences until 10 days before at which time a booking would be confirmed or re-booked.