LEHI, Utah -- When their dad's friend needed a new home for his 15-year-old miniature horse -- "Chip" -- Emily and Kaylyn Webb jumped at the chance to keep him.

Their mom said they could do that if they could find a way to pay for his keep.

So the two young Mormon 4-H-ers are hosting birthday parties with a pony for ages 10 and under.

For $50, a crowd of young celebrators can come to the Webbs' home (or they'll bring Chip to the party) and groom the horse, ride the horse and even paint the horse.



In exchange, Emily and Kaylyn get the money they need to pay for Chip's hay and care as well as some money for school clothes and girls camp.

"We're not sure we're keeping him," said Douglas Webb as the party for his daughter Jennifer got underway.

"Oh, yes, we are. We are!" Emily Webb said with determination.

Emily is a Mia Maid in the Ninth Lake 1st Ward in the Lehi Utah South Stake and takes the lead when they have a party booked. She handles Chip and makes sure the saddle is cinched tightly and no one walks behind him.

Kaylyn is a Beehive and runs the party games, which include pin the tail on the pony (they don't really pin one on Chip) and painting the pony (they really do paint Chip with pink, green and purple handprints and their initials). Both girls take pictures of their guests they can have as keepsakes. They provide cake and ice cream for the party guests.

Judging from the smiles and chatter, the party fare seems to be a hit, but riding Chip is the highlight.

Fortunately, Chip is a very mild-tempered miniature horse who doesn't seem to mind being painted in ridiculous colors and ridden around the yard by novices.

The small, soft brown and white horse is OK with having his tail braided and his mane combed by all kinds of youngsters with wire brushes.

He doesn't mind everyone talking about how he only has one eye.

He calmly nibbles on the grass under the trampoline while he waits for his turn to shine.

Once the paint from the handprints is dry and he's saddled up, he starts walking around with one child at a time on his back. That may mean up to 20 trips around the property.
He only stands 26 inches high so even the most timid child is not too far up off the ground.

"We like doing this. It's fun," Kaylyn said.

"Yeah, I think we'll do it again next summer," Emily said.

To reach the girls, call 801-768-1597.

E-mail: haddoc@desnews.com