Painting pony parties - yay or neigh?

[Paintedponio]

I have just seen a post on Facebook, shared from a national news station, about pony painting parties and some people that are protesting them and trying to get them stopped on the grounds that they are animal cruelty.

The responses were largely agreeing that it is cruel, and should be banned, that it teaches children not to respect animals, though there were some saying the opposite. Many replies were angry, saying it's exploitation, cruel, abuse and all in the name of making money for the owners.

The organiser of one of the companies that runs these parties has stated that the children are supervised, and wear protective equipment, the ponies are not overloaded, one party a day, and the paints are not harmful to animals, and washed off afterwards, and applied with soft brushes, much like grooming the pony.

Personally, I really don't see the problem. I think it's a great way for a retired, older or unridable pony to have interaction with people, and many ponies love the attention of children fussing over them. I think it is a lovely way to introduce children to horses, without them having to ride, which they could be too scared to do, and they are supervised and wearing the right equipment. Some comments said it wasn't fair on the pony because it doesn't have a choice, and some people were furious about it, but I don't understand why, horses have no sense of self, show them a mirror and they think it's another horse, and as long as the paint doesn't irritate them then it is probably easier to get off than stable stains or mud!

The ponies feel the brushes, but much like they are being groomed, which just about anyone who's ever had anything to do with horses will tell you is an activity that is essential to a horses well being.

When I trained with horses, the college used to paint the skeletal structure on one side and the muscle structure on the other side of a grey horse and lunge him (long line so the horse goes around you in a circle while you stand in the the middle) to demonstrate how the muscles and bones work while walking/trotting/cantering and jumping, it was amazing and such a good teaching tool and the horse was happy and healthy.

So what does the MN jury think? What is your opinion of pony painting parties and do you think they should be banned?

DS went to a party where they did this, I had assumed they meant paint a picture of a pony rather than a bored looking white one . Though the pony appeared perfectly happy and stood nonchalantly munching hay throughout, the idea still doesn’t sit quite right with me: they’re not toys to be dressed up/painted for our entertainment.

Can I have a party and let the kids paint you, OP?

I wonder how much they cost?

Ok I imagine it's not hurting them, but it's not really a positive interaction for the animal or the children. When I was a little girl I'd have loved a pony party just to brush and groom them or be shown how to dress their hair.

Surely if a child likes ponies it's better to show them how to care for the animal in a beneficial way than drawing all over them (I've seen pictures, sometimes it's just scribbling and they might as well be cardboard ponies)

I think it’s daft and pointless but calling it cruel is rather hysterical and puts it on the same level as things that are actually cruel

Hysterical is a shit word only ever used to shut people up.

And it is cruel to teach children that animals are there as their playthings, instead of teaching them that animals are to be cared for and respected.

Also, the whole indulgent little princess idea that goes along with it makes me feel sick.

Well it’s a living animal so why the fuck do you climb on its back and make it go in circles carrying your heavy arse for for the sole purpose to entertain you? Why don’t you ride a bike? Or is riding them ok because that’s been done for a bunch of generations now?

Very odd and unnecessary. I think it should be banned.

Disgusted this is a thing, what's wrong with grooming the ponies. It;s a ridiculous idea and should be banned period. Bloody awful.

What if it bucks, and hurts the kids.

I would go to a circus where the animals are well cared for and looked after correctly. If I did go to one where I felt that they weren't then I would report to the right authorities. It's no different to keeping horses to ride and compete, or work, dogs to do agility or work. They are all kept in places and ways that are not natural aren't they?

I don't see how it is any more exploitation than riding a pony.

I sort of get he argument about children then going on to paint pets at home, etc, but then you could argue that about the riding, child goes to a riding party and then comes home and tried to ride Fido. It's down to the parents to make sure that the children understand that it's not acceptable.

"Animals are not toys and should be treated with respect."

This ^^

How about grooming them instead?

Paint a paper, or a canvas or stone, not a animal as if they are nothing. You stand there op for an hour butt naked so we can paint you!

I would go to a circus

Well known for animal welfare, and frankly pretty grim.

NOT well known for animal welfare.

I would go to a circus where the animals are well cared for and looked after correctly

That never happens op

Why the fuck would it ever be okay to let kids paint any animal?

Some circuses have been awful for animal welfare, totally agree, but some not. The same as just about every single established business type that has animals in some way or another.

If someone wanted to paint me and I could eat and be spoken nicely too for an hour I'd agree, not sure they would - traumatic without clothes on!

It’s absolutely disgusting! Get the kids to groom them and muck them out not learn to treat animals like play things!

I despair, I really do, at the attitude of some cretins.

This is a no whinny situation.

I would go to a circus where the animals are well cared for and looked after correctly

That never happens op

Never? That's a pretty sweeping statement to make, how could you possibly know that?

Some circuses have been awful for animal welfare, totally agree, but some not

Teaching animals to do tricks to amuse paying customers is NOT animal welfare. It’s awful.

Bloody hell! It's a horrific idea but if this is what it is why not just paint a wall or big bit of paper?!!!

Terrible idea.

I tell you what OP why not allow the kids to paint each other rather than an animal that has no say in it. Deplorable!

And those who say people's reaction is ott, you are probably the type who would poison bunnies and hedgehogs for entering your precious garden.

As for a circus why do you think so many countries are banning animal circuses! Their not known for best animal welfare practices. Poor animal is beaten within an inch of its life to ensure it entertains you on cue. Shame on you!

Rogue 'but' in there!