Gravesend pole fitness instructor’s party business Wish Upon A Pony featuring Channel 4 star Henny The Unicorn back on the road
A children’s party business is back on the road after a determined mum refused to give up on her dream venture following a major setback.
Claire Economou, from Gravesend, came up with the idea of Wish Upon a Pony parties during the pandemic after deciding to branch out into something more “unique.”
The party experience features Henny the Unicorn, a five-year-old rainbow-maned American miniature horse who rose to fame after appearing in the Channel 4 documentary The Pet Talent Agency: Barking Mad.
He has since become a much-loved guest at birthday parties, care homes, hospices, and schools across Kent.
But last year, 37-year-old Claire faced a major setback when her third car broke down, forcing her to sell the trailer she uses to transport her glitter-hoofed pony.
Determined to carry on, she used her savings and leaned on her dad’s help to rebuild her unicorn party business from the ground up.
“I went through three cars in five years towing that trailer, she told KentOnline. “It just wasn’t sustainable anymore – something had to change.
“But I didn’t want to ask anyone for money I worked every spare hour in my other business, saved everything I could, and used it to start over.”
Around the same time, her web designer suffered a heart attack, leaving all her business photos and key information trapped on his laptop.
Claire added: “It was another blow during an already overwhelming period”
Rather than close for good, the resilient mum-of-one, who also runs Claire’s Pole Fitness in Crayford, decided to pour all her savings into converting a transit custom van into a bespoke horse transporter.
She worked alongside her dad to get the van ready for its spring reopening, set for today (April 12).
“Some people think I’ve shut down,” she said.
“But our followers on social media have been watching every step of the transformation.
“I’ve had to be careful, but I was determined to bring Henny back.”
Claire first came up with the idea for Wish Upon a Pony during lockdown after helping a friend source a “unicorn” for a TV show.
Henny, who belongs to Claire’s daughter Sophia, stood out immediately.
“He was just perfect, like he was meant to be,” she said.
To give Henny his signature look, Claire uses equine-safe chalk from My Happy Equine to colour his mane and tail, along with hoof polish and a sprinkle of glitter.
I believe in this, and I know how much joy Henny brings
He’s even now a brand ambassador for the company.
But there’s more to it than sparkle.
Claire holds a full licence from Gravesham council to exhibit and train animals, although she’s not permitted to offer rides on Henny.
“It took a year to get there and it was really tough, but it’s important,” she explained.
“I’m working with children and animals, it has to be done right.”
After getting her dream venture back on track Claire is once again filled with optimism for the future.
“It’s been a stressful few months, but I couldn’t give up,” she added.
“I believe in this, and I know how much joy Henny brings.”
