Ideas for horse themed birthday party activities, favors and crafts for girls.
Whether your little girl loves horses or is an aspiring cowgirl, a horse-themed birthday party can be a fun-filled event. Horses are a classic theme and are perfect for anyone who wants to avoid licensed characters. The following decorations, favors and activities are perfect for a great horse filled party.
Horses, horses everywhere
Send invitations with pictures of horses, or attach a small toy horse to the front of each invitation. If horseback riding is part of the day's activities, make sure to include instructions about proper clothing and footwear on the invitation.
Horseback riding
Consider holding the party at a local riding stable. Many of the stables that offer kids' lessons can accommodate a small to medium sized group and an afternoon on horseback is sure to be fun for your fillies. Look for a stable with picnic or party facilities so you can serve a snack and cake after the ride. If the stable is in a park or nature area, consider making a hike part of your party. Ask the stable if they have any extras they can provide for parties, such as teaching the kids to groom the horses and ponies. Others have petting zoos or allow the children to feed the horses after the ride.
Horse t-shirts
For horse-themed parties at home, plan a craft to decorate t-shirts. Provide plain cotton t-shirts along with fabric paint and an assortment of horse stencils. Also include stencils of complementary shapes like horseshoes, flowers, stables and prize ribbons. It is also useful to have letter stencils to help the girls put their names on the shirts.
Cowgirl hats
This activity is perfect for younger girls - purchase inexpensive cowboy hats and an assortment of items to decorate them including beads, feathers, small plastic horses and sequins. Use double-sided adhesive squares to attach the items for fun cowgirl hats.
Horseshoes
Set up a game of horseshoes in the backyard and let everyone pitch for prizes. Have your child try it before the party so you can set up a distance that makes the game easy enough for all the guests to play.
Food and Beverages
If you are having a full meal at the party, serve some down home barbecue. Most kids will eat grilled chicken and tater tots. Some baked beans and fresh fruit will complete an easy to make meal they are sure to love. For snacks, consider some equine favorites like apples, carrots and celery. The easiest dessert, especially if you need to transport it to the stables, is cupcakes. Top each one with a plastic horse figurine to be in keeping with the theme. Green tinted coconut can be used for grass on top of the frosting.
Horse favors
For party favors that fit the theme, make a goody bag filled with horse figurines and stickers. For younger girls include a sticker or coloring book with a horse theme; for older girls put in a copy of a classic horse book such as "Black Beauty." Include a bandana and some candy for a favor all your guests are sure to love.
