JP :>    Here's what we've been talking about -- PARTIES - kids
JP :>birthday parties ..... weddings and/or receptions - any
JP :>kind of 'gala event' that might like something "different"
JP :>- aka pony/cart or horse/carriage ride or rides.
JP :>    Does anyone think this is a good idea???  We were
JP :>thinking of something like $50 a hour for pony - $125 (or
JP :>so) and hour for horse with maybe a 3 hour minimun time
JP :>limit.  Also, something like a radius of 25 miles no charge
JP :>for traveling time but anything over that so much a mile to
JP :>get to the party/ banquet/wedding etc.
Great idea!  BUT...make sure you call your insurance agent!!  When I started 
my riding program, I had to get a seperate liability policy to cover the 
program...then, since I was doing it at my house, my regular house insurance 
co. cancelled us!!! (Creeps!!)  Even though I had a separate policy, they 
still were afraid someone would get hurt walking from their car to the barn 
or something...geesh!!  Anyway, had to find another company to cover our 
general house stuff.  What a pain!  Something to talk over carefully with 
your agent.  (BTW, we were finally classified as a "farm" and got our 
houseowners insurance that way.)
Your prices actually sound very reasonable...we have a "Ponies for Parties" 
company here, and I think they charge $250. an hr. for 2 ponies to come to 
your house.  I looked into getting a horse and carriage for a friend's 
wedding, and they wanted $300. an hr.  (That included transport of the horses 
to the girl's house and a short ride to the wedding.)
I'd check out what people are charging in your area.  I'm sure you can find 
some in your local horseman's publication or even in the yellow pages.  Just 
call and ask!
One caution with X...although he's really good with you and Buddy, just 
remember that for parties, etc. there will be a lot of commotion, people 
wanting to pat him, etc.  You'll have to prepare him for all that.  As for 
Tuffy...shoot, he was made for this kind of thing (g)!!
Good luck, Jean.  This sounds like a great way to combine your love of horses 
and a business!!  Keep me posted!  Go for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Meg  
 
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