From: RkyMtnTrls@aol.com
Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 11:48:35 EST
Subject: Merek - Twisting w/ Ponies
To: balloon@balloonhq.com, FJORDING@aol.com

"....Hope that's the usual case, as I was certainly hoping to combine the 
friend's 
 new twisting, clowning act with my Viking ponies this Summer...."

Hi, Merek -

Yes -- is just one other pony/zoo company out here would add an affordable 
balloon twister/face painter in costume ........ they would get the same 
increase!  Seriously, I've watch soooooo many pony/zoo companies start up and 
wash out (quit the business) and on the flip side, seen & still see so many 
balloon twisters who tell me they don't have near enough income.  I found by 
combining the two --- it *REALLY* takes off.  Even if you just go the route 
of twisting & ponies it will be great.  Of course, their's extra work -- you 
don't have to feed balloons, or board balloons, or trim balloon hoofs, etc -- 
but you'll see it back really well.  By the way - there is no special 
licensing (like there is for petting zoos) required for pony rides.  In fact, 
my USDA representative told me on the phone - the only law is that for every 
4 hours worked, the pony is to have 4 hours off.

I love Fjords to peices!  Hoping in the next year or two to get one.  Right 
now, this spring I am buying a half size school bus (the special ed size) 
from a fellow who auctions them - $2,000 or less and in great shape!  So 
that's the big investment this year.  Next year - hoping for a well trained 
trail Fjord of my own.  (grin)  Have Classic American Shetland stud, Welsch 
mix mare, and a mix Shetland mare - with the last one foaling this spring.  I 
really only use one pony at a time mostly (for parties) - although streets 
festivals will order 2 sometimes.  If they want other than hand led rides 
(what I do) --- like a 8-pony carousel, then I give them the phone #s of the 
guys who do just carousel.  I like the safety of one attendant per pony over 
the profits of a carousel --- my liability coverage has never had to be 
tested (knock on wood!) because of our high standards for safety.  I feel we 
gotta have that # 1 - even if all I do is twisting - gotta have safety!

Sher

Sher