Fun Things to do THIS Fall as an Equestrian!
I hate to be THAT person, but fall is obviously a season of great change. So after a long year of training, it’s always nice to switch it up by adding or taking away from your usual routine. In this post, I’ll be talking about 5 fun things to do THIS fall as an equestrian!
Ahh yes, autumn… the season of pumpkin spice lattes and aspiring fluffy ponies. I personally love fall so much, however, it leads to my LEAST favorite season: winter. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… I would rather almost die from a heat stroke than be cold. That being said, I thoroughly believe fall weather is *chefs kiss*
I remember autumn of 2017, I was 14 years old and had recently started jumping my first horse, Legend. The sun was sinking behind the Appalachian mountains as we popped over our little 18″ jumps and I thought to myself: “What a life this is!” We were making great progress seeing that I didn’t have a trainer at the time and acknowledging said progress… I decided to do something a lil risky: raise the jump.
I’ll never forget the cool air that sunk into my lungs as I inhaled – trying to keep my breath steady and my uneasiness in check. I pushed him on towards the small vertical, eyes ahead. When we cleared it with flying colors, a smile crept over my cheeks as I gave Legend a pat-well-done. What a life, indeed.
So before it starts getting frigidly cold where you can’t feel your nose or move your fingers, here are some fun activities to do as an equestrian, while the weather is perfect!
1: Take photos!
Honestly, nothing quite lives up to photos with all of the fall colors incorporated. Put on your favorite sweater, find a nice field or woodsy area, then get to shooting! Photos are so special (especially seasonal photos) because, in a few years’ time, you’ll get to see just how far you’ve come! Make this year’s set particularly special – extra points if you use a film camera 😉
2: Make horse treats!
This is your one and only time to make pumpkin horse treats (have to keep the aesthetic, okay) or even Halloween-inspired treats! DO NOT pass up the opportunity… I repeat, DO NOT pass up the opportunity. Such a fun activity and is so rewarding when your horse gobbles them up !!
3: Have a picnic with your horse!
This is the perfect time to combine all three of the previous activities! Put on a cute outfit, make some treats (for you AND your pony), then take some fun photos of your lil get-together! I will be jealous a million times over if you do this and will probably show up uninvited too (fair warning). There’s just nothing like spending quality time with your favorite pal – the horse, I mean… but don’t worry, we can be pals too.
4: Have an costume contest!
Whether you find an official schooling show, start your own contest with your barn friends, or even by yourself for fun, this is the perfect time to get creative! You’re going to have to get a little crafty with this one to make a costume large enough for your pony… but that’s the fun of it!
5: Go for an evening trail ride!
Golden hour during the fall is SUPERIOR and you can’t tell me otherwise. To make it more relaxing while growing the connection with your horse, skip the saddle and just go for it! Some of my favorite riding memories are from spontaneous trail rides — plus I’m sure this one would be one for the books!
And there you have it, Folks! Whether you raise the jump for kicks and giggles, go off the trail for once to explore, or simply make your horse his favorite treats… this is YOUR year! You’re not guaranteed another after all.
Be sure to let me know what your favorite fun fall activity is!
All the best,
Laura
New here? Get to know me!
