Our History

Established in 1977, Patch 22 has been in business for over 30 years. The family business has been passed down to the sons, Sean and Dan Kelly, the new owners. What began with a request for a pony delivery to Spring Lake, grew into a business providing entertainment for all ages to the Chicago land area for the next generation. The very first “pony job” we ever did in Spring Lake, has been done every year since, showing our commitment to gaining repeat business through a professional, healthy, safe and clean job. Originally, Patch 22 was started by Michael and Linda Kelly in Prairie View, Illinois, on Route 22. That is where the name Patch 22 was originated. Ten years later the family moved to 22 acres in Wadsworth on Kelly Rd., where it has been ever since.


Patch 22 Services

With a large selection of ponies, we provide well trained ponies for all occasions. Our minimum is 2 ponies for 1 hour. This is usually suitable for small children’s parties. For all other events such as block parties, company picnics, church picnics, school events, or any other larger events, we can provide any number of ponies for any amount of time. We pride ourselves on prompt service and friendly pony handlers to help kids off and on ponies and clean up any mess left behind. Just email or call for a quote.

We also provide a USDA approved petting farm, that includes goats and sheep with their spring babies, a friendly little pig, rabbits and ducks. We also bring a young calf or donkey available upon request. The only requirement is room enough to set up our 16’ by 16’ pen, and a close parking space for a truck and trailer. We have all permits for forest preserve picnics for those who don’t have sufficient room at their house.

Horse Drawn wagon rides are another option for a fun party. Our Percheron draft horse team, (Pete and Paul), are powerful work horses purchased from the Amish. The wagon rides are a big hit for larger functions, such as school events or fall harvest events. The wagon holds about 30-40 children and adults and is most successful doing numerous small rides around a block or parking lot. Our only requirement is that we have sufficient parking and a route mapped out for the ride. This is very popular for fall and Halloween events. During the holiday season our wagon is dressed in garland and the horses with bells for children and adult holiday parties. Call early for prices and dates because these horses get booked up fast!

We also offer tractor drawn wagon rides. Our antique, 1942 John Deere Model B is a nice accommodation if we can’t provide you with the horses for your date. Call early because this can book up fast too!

We are also open for pony rides to the public on Sundays only from 10-3 pm during the months of May through October. If you come out to the farm for pony rides the rest of the animals are there for you to see for no extra charge!

We also have a Party Barn, available for children’s parties. The Barn has tables and chairs, bathrooms and a loft for games upstairs. The parties can include pony rides and a hayride.