You might not be familiar with the concept, but pony painting parties are a real thing and there's a few people who aren't happy about them.
The parties are becoming quite the trend among children's parties, however campaigners have branded them as 'unnecessary cruelty' and want them banned.
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At the parties, youngsters use special chalk-based paint to draw patterns on the ponies, writing their names or putting handprints on the animals' backs, covering them in colourful patterns.
The people behind the painting parties say they are harmless to the animals, while providing therapy and helping children at centres for disabled people.
However, PETA UK disagrees, claiming that parents need to be reminded that horses 'aren't party props.'
Sophie Tomlinson launched petition on change.org to get the parties banned, receiving more than 7,500 signatures in just three days.
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She said: "Pony painting parties are a disturbing trend popping up all over the UK. Imagine being tied up amidst shrieking laughter, unpredictable touching and having strangers smear your hair in paint. Would you trade places?
"This is happening all over the country to horses right now and we need to take a stand. How would you feel about strangers smearing paint on your pet?"
One campaigner, Joe Callister, shared the petition on Facebook with a scathing message that read: "It teaches us to objectify and use. It teaches us that if human animals are being made to feel happy, we can disregard the non-human animals. It's disgusting, disrespectful and unjust."
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Another user commented on the post: "Strikes me kids should be taught the proper place for drawing is on paper not on beautiful animals - are parents so unable to provide stimulating and exciting play and entertainment these days.
"Don't know who is worse here parents for actually encouraging children to 'paint a pony' - or even think painting a pony is OK - or the owners of said ponies who allow their animals to be treated like this in order to make money."
However, a second Facebook user disagreed arguing that the horses are in no way shape or form in danger or being abused.
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The user added: "If the horse didn't like it, it wouldn't be stood so chilled and eating its haynet. It's not bleach for god sake and easily washed off with a sponge.
"For all you know the kids could be practicing the body parts of a horse, I did as a child. I also painted a skeleton onto my horse for Halloween. There is much more to life then worrying about kids playing with ponies."
Featured Image Credit: Joe Callister