Dream Big Ponies
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Fall 2010 or Spring 2011 it is our Dream to open a Pony Palace in Calallen / Annaville where we can offer pony rides,
bounce houses and picnic areas. We shall keep details forthcoming.
Yes we're on
 AFFORDABLE & FLAT RATES SINCE 2007:Must have shaded area if during heat of day.
Parents please read this entire page before submitting a deposit. We want to make you comfortable with our terms
& conditions for fun, safety & liability. We also reserve the right to refuse a prospective party.
Parents are expected to have children behave in an orderly fashion when pony is present at your party.
Tipping your pony party attendants is allowed. We hire only equine knowledgeable college students working their way through college.
Maximum weight in saddle is 65 lbs so the average 5 or 7 year old.
If you notice a "Picture Date" on our calendar and would like to book your party on that same date, please don't hesitate to ask. We can re-schedule picture dates quite easily.
By submitting a deposit you agree you have read and agree to sign the host liability agreement upon the pony's arrival at your event. This document is in PDF form further down this page. After your deposit is received your name is placed on our calendar and that date is reserved for you. At this time we do not do multiple parties in one day.
If bad weather prevents us from arriving at your party your deposit is cheerfully refunded or you may reschedule.
If you need a customized invoice for a dollar amount not listed above please email us Napoleon@USAWIDE.net and we'll send you one.
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Napoleon is available for private parties in Western Saddle for lead line pony rides. We can also be booked with his surrey cart in some instances.
Napoleon is first and foremost my pet. He will not be overworked for a party.
Maximum weight in saddle is 65 lbs so the average 5 or 7 year old.
NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT REQUIRED TO CONFIRM A DATE.THIS DEPOSIT IS APPLIED TO YOUR OVERALL BILL.
BALANCE IS DUE UPON ARRIVAL IN CASH ONLY BEFORE PONY IS UNLOADED AT YOUR EVENT.
CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED VIA PAYPAL or NETSPEND ONLY.
WE ONLY ACCEPT CASH or PayPal or Netspend, SORRY NO PERSONAL CHECKS.In light of the economy we are now waiving our credit card transaction fees and hoping to pass the savings onto you.
Napoleon does NOT work 7 days a week. So book early to avoid missing your desired date. Mom & Dad might have questions regarding parties. Scroll down the page to read Frequent Questions. PLEASE READ and ask any questions you feel we may have left out. To book a party we do require a deposit, otherwise we do not take your inquiry serious because we get a lot of inquiries for parties and when people hear $125 an hour with 2 hour minimum they think that is expensive. In light of the economy we've changed our rate to flat $165 for 90 minutes (within 20 miles of our home), if you need more time, an extra half hour is $50. Well we put a lot of time & effort in training and maintaining a good, happy & healthy pony and when you meet Napoleon he's worth that and more. A lot of our earnings go to horse rescue because Napoleon knows what it is like to have been in a scary auction house and have an unknown fate. So getting back to price, google other pony parties in Texas and you will find that our rates are lower than the going rate.PARENTS NEED TO ENFORCE THESE RULES OR THE PARTY WILL BE STOPPED
UNTIL COMPLIANCE IS MET OR WE WILL LEAVE AND OFFER NO REFUND.
Rule #1 - Children are to be in an organized line, Absolutely No chasing the pony or handlers when another child is mounted in saddle!
July 2010
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3
AVAILABLE
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4
Rodriquez party
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10
Libbey party
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11
Fredrickio party
Rockport
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17
Zapata Party
Corpus
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18
AVAILABLE
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24
OUT OF TOWN- NOT AVAILABLE
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25
OUT OF TOWN- NOT AVAILABLE
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31
AVAILABLE
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Aug 2010
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1
AVAILABLE
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7
AVAILABLE
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8
AVAILABLE
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14
AVAILABLE
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15
AVAILABLE
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21
AVAILABLE
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22
AVAILABLE
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28
AVAILABLE
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29
AVAILABLE
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Next month's calendar will be posted about the 20th of each month.
PARENTS PLEASE REVIEW THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE WITH FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
READ & SEE PIX OF NAPOLEON'S REFERRALS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSQ: Where is your phone number so I can call you?
A: Due to personal safety for our animals and internet predators we do not offer our home phone number nor address on the internet. So you may first contact us via e-mail or cell phone 361~228~3525 to establish you are a real person seeking a pony party with your name & event location.
Q: Do you do parties in town or out in the country?
A: We do both. For parties out in the country we ask that you have an available area where other farm animals will not be near where the pony set up will be. This helps keep the pony from getting excited to make a new friend and keeps his mind on working entertaining your children. For city parties we ask that you keep your house pets away from where the party will be and ask you to check that your neighbor's animals are also away from where the pony will be. We seek to have a safe and fun time and want you to take a few extra precautions for your safety, the safety of your guests and our pony.
Q: Do you offer a petting zoo?
A: No. A petting zoo requires USDA inspection due to bird flu etc., And besides that we only offer one pony per party because we have regular full time jobs and only do this as a recreational hobby to earn extra money.
Q: Who are the pony party attendants and is tipping allowed?
A: Dream Big Pony party attendants are college students (namely our son, Jack) and any of his personal friends with working knowledge of equines. These college kids work for Dream Big Ponies occasionally to earn extra money for their college studies etc. Naturally tipping is not expected but it is greatly appreciated.
Q: I have a pool for a back yard, where can we do pony rides?
A: We are able to perform pony rides just about anywhere as long as the surface is level, non-slippery and not comprised of loose gravel, stones or loose / vicious dogs. For pony rides we can utilize driveways, sidewalks, quiet streets, etc.
Q: We have a dog, will he bother the pony?
A: Please keep all dogs inside or put away for the duration of the event. If there is a loose dog, the pony will be stopped until the dog is put away. Excited dogs charging the pony, nipping the pony's heels, etc. ARE a SERIOUS safety hazard. This is for the safety of the children, the pony and the dog.
Q: Our yard is scheduled to be fertilized or chemically treated, is this a problem?
A: YES!!!!!! Ponies cannot work on any area that has been chemically treated (fertilizer or insecticide) within the past 7 days due to the danger of poisoning. Please be honest with us about this potential danger. Our pony is first and foremost a beloved family pet.
Q: What about fire ants?
A: Please insure the set up area for the pony is free of ant mounds, bee hives, wasp nests, etc. We will NOT set up in these dangerous areas. Please also insure the set up area is free of dangerous holes, dog or animal feces, glass, trash, etc...if we arrive and we find we have to "Clean UP" we will deduct that time from your party time. If we feel the area is unsafe for our animals or humans we will try to find an alternate location. If no suitable location we will not proceed and your deposit is forfeited.
Q: Is there a travel fee?
A: We've adjusted our rates in PayPal button to include the travel fee for areas beyond our 30 mile range. This is reflected in the Pony Event Agreement and elsewhere throughout this page.
Q: What about a deposit?
A: We do require a $30.00 non-refundable deposit. We do our best to make you happy and earn our fees. If something comes up that you need to change your event date, please notify us as soon as possible. We do not overbook so it's possible we've turned down other prospective parties to book yours; therefore if you need to reschedule please notify us as soon as possible and will book you at our next available date. YOUR BALANCE IS DUE AT OUR ARRIVAL BEFORE PONY IS UNLOADED. Rarely are we available last minute, but you can always ask. Sometimes we have open dates in our schedule. We show dogs professionally and travel quite a bit. That is why we advise you to book in advance because we plan our trips months in advance. Please review my newly posted calendar.
Q: What about bad weather?
A: Should bad weather occur on your date and we are not able to make your event, you may reschedule or have a refund. Due to the nature of our weather here in South Texas it can be raining at our house west of Robstown and not in Corpus Christi or vice versa. Should it look like rain on your event date we'll be keeping in contact with you prior to our departure. Lightning can strike from distances over 15 miles. We will in no circumstances conduct our event / rides when lightening is present.
Q: How do we cancel due to weather?
A: If we have obvious bad weather we'll have spoken with you prior to the event. If the weather is uncertain we will speak to you prior to leaving. Canceling due to weather can be done on the phone at which time we'll need to know if you wish to reschedule or have a refund of your deposit.
Q: How do I reschedule?
A: All rescheduling MUST be done within 90 days of your original event date, otherwise we will consider you no longer interested in our services and deposit is forfeited. NOTE: IF WE ARE UNABLE TO MAKE YOUR ORIGINAL EVENT BECAUSE OF LAMENESS or OTHER ISSUES DUE TO OUR SCHEDULE, WE WILL REFUND YOUR DEPOSIT or OFFER YOU AN ALTERNATE DATE.
Q: How do I pay the remaining balance?
A: We DO NOT accept personal checks due to the risk of fraud in these days and times. The balance may be paid the day of the party, upon our arrival in cash. If you would like to pay by credit card, you must let us know at least 5 days before your party so we can send you an invoice via PayPal. PLEASE NOTE: Credit cards are not accepted as payment on the day of the party. If you would like to pay with a credit card it must be done at least 1 day before your event. We also now accept the Netspend Visa transfers, please let me know this is your method of payment and we'll set this up with you.The only checks that we do accept are from established businesses or churches who are referred by friends.
Q: We booked a pony for 90 minutes and paid the balance when you got here. But we're having so much fun we've gone over by 1/2 an hour, how do we take care of that?
A: First we do keep you posted with last calls prior to your booked time being up and offer 15 minutes additionally for last minute photos. When you decide to go over your paid time, CASH prior to our departure is required.
Q: When do you arrive?
A: We've never been late for a party yet. For pony rides only we allow 5 minutes for set up while parents read and sign the pony event agreement and pay the balance due. Children are naturally very excited upon the pony's arrival. We'd like to use this time to offer some basic equine safety guidelines and reminders and answer any questions the children may have.
Q: Is there a weight limit?
A: Yes, at this time we limit the weight for Napoleon to about 65 lbs. Although he can handle kids to 70 lbs but then parents start thinking well he can handle 70 so why not 85. Basically he can handle the average 5 or 6 year old child.
Q: Is there an age limit or requirement?
A: Yes. Any child under the age of 4 must have mom, dad or other responsible person walk beside them during the entire ride. We do not accept the responsibility of your child falling off.
Q: How do we book a party?
A: The best way to contact us is by email; Saturdays and Sundays book well in advance.....so please check early. There is always a chance that a date will be open, so don't hesitate to email us and inquire. However, your party is not considered booked until the deposit is received. If you call and get voice mail, please leave a message. We will return your phone call usually within 12 hours. IF we arrive at your party and you do not wish to sign the liability waiver we will not do the party and you forfeit your deposit. IF we arrive at your party and there are issues which impose a danger to our pony or staff we will not do the event and your deposit is forfeited. If children become disorderly once rides have begun or the pony becomes spooked due to any item beyond our control the rides will be stopped and no refund offered.
Q: We are having a pool party too, is that OK?
A: Wet Bathing Suits: If you are also having a water slide / pool party on the day of your event, please make sure that all of the children are dry before riding the pony. Wet bathing suits will not be allowed on the saddle.
Q: Will the pony eat my flowers, etc?
A: Yes, if the set up area is near or in an area with vegetation he might eat it. Animals love flowers, etc....Please note we are not responsible for damage to people, property, trees, branches, bushes, grass, flowers, sprinkler heads, potted plants, etc. It is up to you to find a safe, level, preferably grassy or soft dirt area for our set up. If we need to conduct rides on pavement or sidewalks, please note we will only do so if the area is free from vicious or roaming dogs. Also OAK TREE ACORNS ARE POISONOUS TO EQUINES. We ask that you rake away acorns as best as possible.
Q: Do you offer discounts?
A: We've just lowered our rates due to the sluggish economy. We hope this helps.
Q: What about liability?
A: If you feel that you disagree or dispute the following in any way, please do not bother to book an event with us. As a host you agree to be wholly and entirely responsible for every person or animal at your event regardless of being invited or not. It may be a good idea to refer to your homeowners insurance policy regarding this type of event and your liability. In Texas there is a civil remedies code that reads as follows:
WARNING: UNDER TEXAS LAW (CHAPTER 87, CIVIL PRACTICE AND REMEDIES CODE), AN EQUINE PROFESSIONAL IS NOT LIABLE FOR AN INJURY TO OR THE DEATH OF A PARTICIPANT IN EQUINE ACTIVITIES RESULTING FROM THE INHERENT RISKS OF EQUINE ACTIVITIES.
Thank you for reading this question and answer part of our webpage.
We consider it important for you to understand what we offer in the way of a service.
Also note, that Napoleon regularly donates portions of his earnings to equine rescue.
We encourage you to download this form to share with guests at your event.
Children really enjoy sending in these forms and feeling like they've made a difference in a horse's life. Some of the groups even have horses you can sponsor and receive updates about. Warning: Some links to horse abuse are difficult look at and believe humans can be so cruel. Parents should first visit the sites prior to allowing children access.
PONY_RESCUE_DONATION_FORM.pdf
NAPOLEON'S REFERRALS
is a great place to see updated pictures of Napoleon's & other Dream Big ponies at their parties. Feel free to upload your own photos as time permits.03/06/2010
We had the BEST time! Thank ya'll for making the party a HIT!
Christina Garza
02/27/2010
Napoleon was invited back to the Gonzalez family ranch for their annual party. He & Jackson were a big hit yet again in 2010. Thank you Carlos & family~
Thursday, March 05, 2009 5:21 PM
Falfurrias, TX party - Feb 21, 2009
Penny,
We really appreciate the fact that you all showed up on such a short notice and under the weather conditions you faced that morning. The kids really seemed to have enjoyed riding Napoleon and he is such a well behaved and beautiful pony.
Penny I want to thank you and your son for your time and effort and for being part of our party this year. We look forward to having Napoleon next year, God willing we will all be able and healthy.
Thank You and Have A Great Year,
Carlos Gonzalez and Family
Dear Penny,
Hi! Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to respond quickly. 
I took a look at the pictures you had posted on the website and my daughters picture was not one of them. I do understand it was quite a long day and I think I can speak on behalf of all parents, Thank you and Napoleon for making our children so happy. I was so excited, Thalia is 30 months old and is getting braver to try new things. First we got there around 1:30pm. When she saw you all she told me " Mom I want to get on the pony. " I couldn't believe it. Thalia waited patiently for ten kids were still in front of her. You guys made my day!! She was wearing a green and blue spaghetti strap shirt with bluejean shorts and brown sandles. If you come across it, I would really appreciate it if you would post it so i can see it.
Thank you,
Josie Juarez( Thalia's mom )
Dear Penny,
You sure may use my comments on your website. I have really enjoyed reading your stories. I look forward to see my daughters picture with Napoleon. Thanks again for your wonderful service. To know this was once your dream and now to share your wonderful " Napoleon " with all the children around the world. Thank You for making my daughter's day a fun day!! To this day she asks " Where's the pretty pony ". Thanks again Penny and Napoleon !!!
HAVE A BLESSED FUTURE!!
JOSIE AND THALIA
To our readers: Family Fun Day was free pony rides & pictures for the kids who attended. We had no idea the response for was going to be so huge. It goes without saying that the line almost never stopped. We had to take regular breaks, not so much that Napoleon was tired, but my handsome assistant & son Jackson & I needed the breaks. Well we are were just thrilled to do the family day event in Alice, TX. Little Thalia was one of the last group of kids that got to ride Napoleon for the day. As you can read above, she waited patiently while 10 other kids were in front of her. We are so glad she had patience. We're posting her cute little candid photo here. She is a doll and I'm sure a great future horsewoman.
I JUST WANT TO TELL YOU THAT PENNY AND NAPOLEON ARE THE GREATEST. THEY CAME FOR MY GRANDSON JUSTIN'S 4th BIRTHDAY PARTY LAST SUMMER. THE KIDS ALL HAD A BALL . THEY ALL LOVED NAPOLEON. HE WAS SO GENTLE WITH THE KIDS. THEY ALL GOT TO PET HIM AND RIDE THE CART. IT WAS THE TALK OF THE NEIGHBOR HOOD. MS. PENNY WAS SO MUCH FUN. OF COURSE AFTER SUCH A WONDERFUL TIME EVERY CHILD HAS WANTED THEIR OWN PONY. MY GRANDKIDS HAD SO MUCH FUN WE HAD TO SCHEDULE ANOTHER FUN RIDE AROUND CHRISTMAS. AGAIN FUN WAS HAD BY ALL. I'M NOT SURE WHICH IS MORE FUN, WATCHING YOUR CHILDREN LAUGHING SO HARD OR JUST BEING AROUND NAPOLEON AND MS. PENNY. WE LOOK FORWARD TO MANY MORE SPECIAL RIDES IN THE FUTURE.
AGAIN THANK YOU MRS. PENNY AND THE WONDERFUL NAPOLEON FOR MAKING MY GRANDKIDS DAY SO SPECIAL.
SINCERELY
CAROLYN ASHCRAFT, JEFFERY ASHCRAFT, MEGAN, JONATHAN, JUSTIN, DEREK AND ALL THE OTHER KIDS THAT WERE AT THE PARTY
Napoleon also recommends donating time or money to
these Equine Rescue Groups:
Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society
P O Box 15
Rosharon, TX 77583-0015
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Meadow Haven Horse Rescue
PO Box 258
Medina, TX 78055
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