Crafty Ponies Ltd

Please provide a brief introduction to yourself and the company you work for

I am an accomplished horsewomen, riding instructor and designer. I first made Crafty Ponies and realistic, working tack and accessories for my three daughters when they were very small. When they got their own ponies they knew how to put on the tack and care for their real ponies through playing with their soft toy ponies. After teaching in our riding school I had the idea to get Crafty Ponies made to sell to my riding school clients to help them practice tacking up at home. My husband helped me to get the first ponies and accessories manufactured and we went to horse shows with them and sold a lot. We have expanded the range of products that we offer. We have won many awards with Crafty Ponies. I write and illustrate all the booklets, every product comes with a full colour illustrated information booklet to help children to learn about the product. We sell to tack and equestrian shops all over the world as the horse people understand and love the realistic detail and educational aspect to the toys. Crafty Ponies is a family run business, my husband (ex builder!), two sons and my daughter all work in the business. Crafty Ponies was established in 2010.

What is your favourite part about working in the toy industry?

The joy and delight on children’s faces when they see the Crafty Ponies on our stand at the shows we attend.

Give us the inside scoop, what products are you launching at Toy Fair 2023?

“My New Baby Foal’ collection. rrp £25. A gorgeous soft toy foal in a sturdy and beautiful box. The lid comes off and turns over to become a field, the base of the box is a stable, included is a delightful short story written by Helen Haraldsen, a best selling author. There are three double sided story boards to help bring the story to life, whilst a parent or carer reads the story the child can role play with their baby foal. There are nine sets and each set features a native pony breed so that children also learn a little about the different breeds of ponies through the stories.

What trends do you predict for the Toy Fair industry in 2023?

I will let you know after the fair! My daughter attended the Toy Fair with Crafty Ponies in 2016 as it coincided with the British Equestrian Trade Fair which I attended.  My daughter remembers the excitement and buzz of the fair, and that it was very very colourful!

What is your favourite toy?

Crafty Ponies!

What top tip would you give to a fellow exhibitor or visitor attending their first Toy Fair?

I’ll let you know!