Fall days mean cooler temperatures and brilliant foliage everywhere you look. The summer heat gives way to some of the most idyllic weather on earth. You can get ready for fall by planning some fun seasonal activities to enjoy with your horse! Check out our list below to get the ideas flowing!
Fall Horse Fun
Ah, autumn. The season of pumpkin spice lattes, cozy sweaters, and of course, plenty of horseback rides that are free from the summer’s heat and bug swarms. As the crisp fall breeze begins to swirl and the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, it’s the perfect time to bond with your favorite 4-legged friend. Whether you’re an experienced equestrian or just beginning your horse adventures, here are some of our favorite fall horse activities.
Let’s dig in! Which activities below sound fun to you?
Leaf-Peeping Trail Rides
Autumn foliage makes any trail ride extra magical. The air is crisp, the leaves crunch beneath your horse’s hooves, and the colors—oh, the colors! Make plans for a fall trail ride with friends and take in the incredible display of nature all around.
Halloween Horse Costume Parade
Why should humans have all the fun? Get creative and dress your horse up in a Halloween costume. From unicorns to ghosts, the possibilities are endless. Then, parade around the barn or a local horse show to show off your boo-tiful creations! We LOVE dressing up WITH our horses… and we put together a great list of horse and rider Halloween costumes. Another Halloween themed equestrian activity is to trick or treat on horseback!
Thanksgiving Turkey Trot
Gather your equestrian pals for a pre-feast ride on Thanksgiving. It’s a great way to make room for that second slice of pumpkin pie, and hey, you can even bring along a couple of carrots for your horse as a special treat!
Scavenger Hunts
Make a list of fall items for you and your barn buddies to find while on your trail ride or ride around the farm. This could be anything from acorns to red maple leaves. Whoever finds all the items first wins a prize. We have a printable fall farm scavenger hunt that would be perfect for this activity!
(Horse) Bobbing for Apples
Have you tried this before? It’s a lot of fun, especially if you have a playful horse! Set up a tub of water, toss in a few apples, and let the fun begin! Not only will this activity give your horse a boredom buster, it will give YOU a lot of laughs!
Obstacle Course Challenges
With less heat and humidity, fall is an ideal time to sharpen your skills. Set up a fun obstacle course and time each other going through it. Incorporate seasonal elements like pumpkins, hay bales or Halloween decorations for added flair.
Beach Rides
Many beaches that are off-limits during the summer open their sandy shores to equestrians in the fall. Plus, the cooler temps mean you won’t have to worry as much about overheating, for both you and your horse. Always check with local townships and their beach rules before heading to the sea. Some towns require a permit to ride on the beach, which you will want to get ahead of time.
End-of-Year Photo Shoot
Capture the special bond between you and your horse against the backdrop of autumn leaves. These shots will make for fabulous holiday cards or treasured keepsakes. Try to time your picture session before the majority of leaves fall off of the trees.
Pumpkin Treat Making
Spend an afternoon making pumpkin horse treats. Your horse will love the change-up from their usual snacks, and you get to enjoy the seasonal aroma filling up your kitchen!
Fall Themed Jump Course
Set up jumps in the arena or on a cross-country course and decorate them with colorful pumpkins, gourds, scarecrows, and leaf garlands. This is a fantastic way to work on your jumping skills while getting into the autumn spirit.
Don’t let autumn pass you by without trying at least a few of these FALL-tastic equestrian activities. Whether you’re trotting through a vibrant forest, costuming your horse for some Halloween fun, or simply enjoying the gorgeous weather, fall offers a unique backdrop for making unforgettable memories with your horse bestie.
If you have fall activities that you enjoy with your horses that aren’t on our list, we would love to hear about them! Please add a comment and tell us about them.
