Ideas for a birthday party for DD who loves horses?

[oneplustwo]

My DD will be 5 in August, and I'm starting to think about what to do for her birthday party. Since it's in the summer, we'd like to have the party at our home -- ideally outside but we always plan an indoor alternate in case the weather gods don't cooperate. DD is obsessed with horses/ponies, and has already requested a horse cake ("a chocolate cake with palomino horses decorating the top, please, Mommy!"). If money were no option, I'd probably have pony rides for the kids but am looking for lower-cost ideas to create a horse-themed party that will keep the kids occupied and entertained. As I said, I'm just starting to plan, so any suggestions would be welcome!

Thanks,
Anne
mom to Julia, 8/01 and Samuel and Gabriel, 11/03

[deannanb]

cowboy/girl themed....

races with wooden stick horses
have everyone come dressed as a cowboy/girl -
pin the tail on the "horse"
eat apples and carrots (just like horses)
play horseshoes

[oneplustwo]

Thanks for the suggestions, Deanna. I think we will definitely do some of those. Last night I looked at birthdaypartyideas.com and found a slew of great ideas for a horse-themed party. If anyone on these boards has done such a party, I'd love to hear how it went for you.

Anne
mom to Julia, 8/01 and Gabriel and Samuel, 11/03