How do I book? 

All booking's need to be pre-booked, please use the 'contact us' form or email info@onceuponapony.co.uk or message via our Facebook messenger app. Once a date and time has been agreed, you will be asked to register via our online registration form and an invoice will be issued.

 

Terms of Booking

Bookings will be added to the diary as provisional until you  have completed the Activity Registration form and a booking deposit has been received, this is 50% of your total cost for parties, 100% for mini sessions and events.  Until we have received your deposit your desired date is still open to be booked by other customers, only once your deposit has been received will your appointment be secure. An invoice will be issued at the time of booking.  Deposits are non-refundable unless OUP cancels your booking* - we will ALWAYS endeavour to reschedule a booking or event rather than cancel it. 

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All bookings will be referred to this page directly or via the link provided on the Registration page and we consider it the responsibility of the customer to read over these terms and conditions before confirming the booking and adhere to the terms set out regarding clothing, booking and weight limits.

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Things that may affect my booking

We always ask that you make us aware of anything that will affect your booking/arrival time with plenty of notice, a lot of work goes into getting the ponies ready for appointments, a little message to let us know if you are running late or if you have to reschedule or cancel. you can do this by messenger or calling us.

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We will do the same for you! if there is an emergency on the yard that will affect your booking we will contact you straight away or at our earliest convenience.  Sometimes there are things that happen which are out of our control - such as government policies or advisory notices, or if one of the ponies are ill or have had an accident, or any staff shortages due to COVID or other personal illness, in these circumstances we will always offer to reschedule your appointment to a more convenient or safe time.  You may be offered a new date for your appointment, a voucher to the value of your deposit, this will allow you to book at a time which suits you or you are entitled to 1 of our refund procedures whether that be a full or 50% refund*.

 

 

What ages do you cater for?

Rather than set an age limit we go more by weight, we allow for aprox 41kg (6.5st). if we had to allocate an age, 2 year - 12 years.  It will be the responsibility of the organiser to ensure each child is within the weight limit, otherwise staff may refuse a child to ride based on visual assessment.  It may be possible to accommodate those over the weight limit or older/taller children but Please make staff aware at booking.

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Do we offer Riding Lessons? 

 No, We are not a riding school.  We offer fun educational activities for children and should not be compared to a riding school.  we would be happy to recommend local establishments.

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Should my child have previous experience?

No, our activities are perfect for those trying horse riding for the first time, in a fun and relaxed way going at the child's pace.  However, if you do have experience we still offer activities that you wouldn't find on a standard riding school.  

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Are your activities dangerous?

Our ponies are super safe and well use to having children fuss over them.  They are gentle and well trained and have passed a vet assessment and all our activities are risk assessed, however, ponies are live animals and have their own mind, staff take every percussion to keep all children safe.  Children will be given a safety talk at the beginning of each session and will wear safety hats while riding the ponies.  Staff are First Aid trained and have a First Aid kit on-site at all times.  Responsible adults will be asked to read and comply/agree with a liability waiver and assumption of risk agreement upon registration.

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Does my child need their own special equipment?

No, we have a full range of safety hats, the only thing you are required to bring is a warm coat and suitable shoes (preferably with a small heel, like wellies). Please do not turn up with sandals on, this is a major safety risk and we may refuse your booking

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Do I have to pre-book?

Yes, we operate by appointment only and unfortunately, drop-ins cannot be accommodated for

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What if it is raining?

Rain never hurt anyone, we will still operate in the rain.  If it is very windy we will assess on the day and contact you in good time if we have to reschedule.  Depending on the activity it may be possible to continue in adverse weather conditions or at least complete part of the activity and we will discuss that with you at the time.  

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Are your activities suitable for boys?

We do not believe in gender stereotyping and believe that our activities interest every gender.  Lots of boys have had great fun with the bows and feathers but we completely understand if this doesn't suit you child's interests, we would be more than happy to discuss a different theme to accommodate in this circumstance. 

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Is it muddy on the farm?

Yes!! we are a working farm, we are busy all through the year with tractors and livestock, not only this but we are on the airfield and we have traffic through our carpark all day long so please come in suitable clothing and shoes. sometimes the carpark gets a little flooded so prepare for puddles too! wellies are best.

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Are there toilet facilities on-site?

Yes, we have a serviced portoloo available for use for guests and staff.  There is no disabled toilet or baby changing area, please keep this in mind (we're working on it!)

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Do you have baby change facilities on-site?

No, unfortunately, we don't have baby change facilities, were working on it! However, you are more than welcome to use the Thera-Hut and office as needed.

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Is there parking on-site?

Yes, we have ample parking right on the farm.

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Finding us - it's easy

Pop 'Once Upon a Pony' into google maps  (no other maps) and it will take you right too us!

 

when on the estate, continue on through the metal gates and park at the side (left, in front of the hedge or Right, in front of the fence) be sure to leave the middle clear and please do not go any further than the parking cones and restriction signs.

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Directions From the A9 take the Errol flyover exit, straight over the circles and follow the straight road over the crossing and on towards the junction, at the junction turn left and follow the road along and into Grange. after the signs for Grange turn right (following signs for Once Upon a Pony), turn left at the shipping containers (as you pass Robert Workman) and follow the road through the metal gates (look out for our sign's guiding you to the carpark from the main road).

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How do I stay safe on the farm?

We operate from a busy working farm and share our space with other activity-based businesses such as Paragon Skydiving & The Scottish Assult Course, there is a moderate amount of traffic coming and going from the farm.  including the sky diving bus which passes regularly through our carpark on its way to the airfield (every few minutes) They have priority over cars.  Please do not allow children or animals to run loose or be unattended at any time. A member of staff will meet you in the car park and it is your responsibility to adhere to the rules and keep yourself and those in your care safe at all times.

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We have electric fencing all around the yard for the safety of our animals.  These fences are clearly labelled as electric and we ask you do not allow children to touch any fencing. At no time should anyone enter the fields without the staff's permission or staff being present. We do not take any responsibility for injuries resulting in non-adherance to the rules of safety outlined here. We do not recommend feeding the horses while leaning over the electric fence, some of our horses are on special diets and their food is closely monitored, leaning over the fence can be a hazard and may result in injury to you or the horses.

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There will always be an appointed first aider on-site and first aid equipment available.

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Can I bring my Dog?

No, unfortunately, as this is a working farm with live animals and traffic we do not advise any customers to bring their dogs to the activities.  We ask that any dog's brought to the farm be kept in the car park on a lead at all times, they will not be allowed into the activities areas.

 

If you or your child have a service or therapy dog we would ask you advise us of this at the time of booking to ensure we can make a plan of action to accommodate this.  This is never a problem but some times it requires a bit more planning such as making sure our farm dogs are away for the duration of your visit and that any customers with fears or allergies do not cross paths.

 

Farm Dogs

We have 2 resident farm dogs (Blu & Archie) which are usually on-site with us, especially during full-day activities, we ask you if you or a child or participant has a fear of dogs please let us know and we will put the dogs away for your visit.  they are well trained and super friendly.  If you are attending for a full day session (Day Camp) and you do not let us know with prior warning there is nothing we can do with the dogs. Please tell us at the time of booking so we can plan ahead. 

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Event's

These are different from activity bookings.  They will require ticket purchase and will have terms attached.  If you purchase a ticket to one of our events and can no longer attend it's important you let us know as soon as possible. Tickets are non-refundable however, you are welcome to offer your ticket for resale as long as you let us know so we can change over the booking details, such as name and emergency contact details as necessary. 

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* In the event that cancellations happen the following will be procedure: (1) Staff shortage/illness/operational delays or Equine illness/emergency: customers will receive 100% of their booking fee or any monies paid to date. (2) In the vent of government guidance for closure due to COVID-19 or any other pandemic/warfare/guiadance or in the case of natural events such as extreme weather/weather warnings: customers will be entitled to 50% of their booking fee or monies paid to date.