SB Machines galloped into Manchester two weeks ago with the brand new Twin Pony Compact, giving visitors to ARE an exclusive look at the reduced-size two-player children’s ride, which follows hot on the hooves of the popular Double Pony Express.

SB Machines clearly has a firm hand on the reins when it comes to the season’s new releases, with the Twin Pony Compact joining the company’s thoroughbred stable of Italian-made products for the first time at ARE 2025.

The two-person kiddie ride was displayed alongside last year’s top performer Peppa Pig Helicopter, with company principal Paolo Sidoli explaining how the Manchester expo proved an ideal platform to showcase the new release.

“A new show and we felt we needed to show a new product, rather than wait until ACOS in October,” said Sidoli. “We brought forward the launch of our all new Twin Pony Compact ride. The ride is based on its popular predecessor – Double Pony Express. This time it is smaller, cheaper but still packs the same punch.”

“We also presented Peppa Helicopter – a brand that needs no introduction and again, it has been astonishing how good this ride has been for operators over the past six months since its launch at ACOS 24.”

As well as allowing SB Machines to reinforce agreements with existing customers in the north east, the launch at ARE delivered several sales from new customers in the north west, with Sidoli praising the entire show as “seamless.”

“It was organised to perfection by Karen and her team. Access to the venue was brilliant, the venue itself had a wonderful atmosphere. We were delighted with the new timings and pleased with the outcome.”

“We have already confirmed our space for next year. Our sector is very much dependent on the one to one interactions and for a company like ourselves who do not see some of our more distant customers on a regular basis, this show fitted the bill.”

Despite what Sidoli described as “the general frustration” from the lack of movement on the White Paper, he added that the mood at the show was otherwise upbeat.

“AGCs have had robust trading in recent months and that has helped to keep our sector positive. Trading in general has been good in most parts of the UK since the beginning of the year and we expect this positive trading to continue based on real time data that we are receiving.”

“The business momentum generated from ARE will be carried forward to EAS Barcelona in September and then to ACOS in October. Our pipeline of rides is very strong and takings have been raised to another level especially with £2 price per play and contactless payment options considered de facto.”