You could think of it as a cross between colouring in and playing dressing-up. Pony-painting parties – where children are allowed to daub handprints over a docile pony, or decorate or colour its mane and hooves – have been highlighted this week. Sophie Tomlinson, a jewellery designer from Manchester, set up a petition to ban the practice last week and more than 60,000 people have signed it. “I realised it was a growing trend,” says Tomlinson. “It was to raise public awareness. We’re specifically against pony parties offering this new part of their package, which essentially teaches children it’s OK to paint on animals, draw your name on the horses, for entertainment value. We think it’s an irresponsible message.”
One stable owner and party organiser says they understood the concerns. “I’m sure there are people executing this in a less controlled way, but that isn’t us, or the majority of the professional centres.” They offer children the chance to do non-toxic finger painting on their ponies – which they liken to “grooming and cuddling” – for five minutes at the end of an educational experience. “I am constantly monitoring [the pony’s] behaviour to make sure she is not distressed. Only two children are around her at one time.”
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