Please remember that you are responsible for the safety of all persons, animals, and property which may be affected by your use of pet costumes. We want you and your pet to enjoy our costumes, so we have prepared some safety suggestions which we encourage you to consider.

All animals are different and the following are merely suggestions offered in the hope that they might be useful but without any guarantees. Please use your own judgment and knowledge of your animal's temperament and remember that it is better to err on the side of caution.

Keep in mind that while many animals accept and enjoy being dressed up, some may not be used to or have the temperament for it. Some animals may need time to become used to costumes.

Make sure that your pet or horse is properly acclimated to its clothing or costume before going out or riding. Slowly introduce new items in a safe environment and allow them to see or hear unfamiliar items such as jingle bells, shiny, fluttery, brightly-colored or bulky items, and do not ride until your horse is completely comfortable with all aspects of the costume. Be sure that eyes, feet and bits (on horse bridles) are free from interference.

Factors which the user should consider include, but are not limited, to the following:

• The maturity and temperament of animals involved
• The experience level of persons who control or have contact with the animal
• The presence of children and persons who are ignorant of safety rules while around horses and other animals
• Whether costumes will frighten or endanger other animals who are present during use or storage (e.g. spooking horses, being ingested by puppies, etc.)
• Weather conditions, treacherous terrain or crowded locations which may make the use of costumes unsafe or impractical
• Potential damage to costumes or discomfort to animal from intense activity, prolonged use, or poor fit.
• Compatibility of costumes with animal's tack, collars, harnesses, leads, and other equipment

Safety Suggestions:

• Do not allow children, handicapped and elderly persons, or any spectators to stand near horse while you are putting on a costume, in case the horse should get spooked or annoyed and suddenly move away from you. Keep in mind that a horse may jump sideways, charge forward or back, or swing his rump away from you.
• Do not leave your pet or horse unattended with any items of clothing or costumes.
• Do not cover parts of reins which the rider will grip. If necessary, push rein barding forward to shorten rein.
• Do not replace any part of your tack with a costume if doing so will compromise the safety of your equipment.
• Make sure there is no danger of items obscuring horse's eyes, interfering with the bit, or causing horse to trip.
• If riding a difficult or strong horse, keep your usual browband on when using a costume browband - especially if you choose velcro loops instead of sewn loops.
• Do not make your horse tolerate a costume if it shows signs of serious dislike or annoyance - a sudden loss of temper may occur at any time even if you suceed for a while.
• Avoid excessive straps and hardware in which a rider may be caught while falling or dismounting.
• Make sure rider's costume has no strangulation hazards such as drawstrings and capes worn around the neck. These items may get caught on parts of the horse's tack or trees and nearby objects. Anything worn around the neck (as well as around the waist or limbs) should be designed to break away under pressure.

The above are general suggestions. Again, please use your own judgment and knowledge of your animal's temperament and/or seek assistance from someone with experience.

Franga Designs/If Wishes Were Ponies is not liable for any damages or injuries resulting from or occurring simultaneously with use of our products.