Crafty new toy product is helping youngsters prepare for real thing

Karen Clithero has six children who were the first to experience the creative mother’s ‘Crafty Ponies’ experiment.

Now the kits which even feature a working saddle and bridle are being sold and distributed around the world with the equine business venture continuing to go from strength to strength.

“I first made ‘Crafty Ponies’ for my children who really enjoyed playing with all the different pieces of tack,” said Clithero, owner of the Hebden Bridge Equestrian Centre.

“They soon learned how it all fitted on and off the pony.

“The ‘Crafty Ponies’ kits also encourage children to learn how to sew and make things, helping children learn valuable life skills and developing their creativity and manual dexterity.

“The kits have been designed to be made by adults with help from children for quality family time and they are a good way of encouraging children away from their computers.”

The ‘Crafty Ponies’ kits are designed and made in the South Pennines with the exclusive cotton fabric. The card packaging is printed in Lancashire and the cotton yarn spun in Yorkshire.

The kits are designed to be eco-friendly, using materials as natural and locally produced as possible.

Clithero added: “We have been delighted with the response from our customers all over the world and within the toy and craft industry.

“We have won two international awards for ‘Creative Play’ and parents have praised the product for long-lasting play and educational value, the quality of it, and value for money.

“We are now working hard to bring more products into the range, more colours of ponies, pony rugs and more!”

n For more information about Crafty Ponies visit www.craftyponies.co.uk.