The days with your horse are getting ever shorter as the Summer draws to a close and the temperature slowly drops. Spending quality time with your horse when you’re busy with work or school can be challenging, especially if you have family members running around needing your attention.
And I get it! Summer is great for those long rides and warm, beautiful days, but fall can be equally fun if you plan ahead. After all, even if you may have a few more distractions, Fall is a lot cooler and, best of all – fewer flies!
Here are some enjoyable activities you can do with your horse in the fall.
Have a Photo Shoot – Plan a fall picture shoot to take advantage of the beautiful autumn colors (and the cooler weather when your temper is less likely to flare due to being hot and sweaty). Remember, photos benefit greatly from the small details, such as neatly cut beards and a well-kept bridlepath, so take those extra steps as if you were heading out to a show. Clean your tack, and choose clothing that goes with the hue of your horse’s coat.
Head Out On a Fall Foliage Trail Ride – I can’t think of many more beautiful places than a forest in its full fall colors. Your favorite trail riding location can look and feel very different with all of those vivid hues. In addition, it won’t be as hot, and you won’t have to spend the entire trip swatting insects. So why not venture to a new location recognized for its stunning fall leaves if you’re up for an adventure? Depending on where you live, you might need to travel for a few hours, but it’s unquestionably a wonderful experience.
Check Out a Costume Class – There are typically a few Halloween-themed shows in September and October when the show season ends. Take advantage of the chance to ride in a costume class if you have it. These are always well-attended, enjoyable competitions with no time constraints. You can yourself and your horsey companion in countless ways, and whether you win or lose, you’ll undoubtedly have a great time.
Spend Some Time In Training – Does your horse dislike loading up or can’t stand in the trailer at all? Has your posture or the fit of your tack been bothering you? Then it might be time to think about finding a solution now when you have a little bit of downtime to dedicate to your training. If required, seek expert assistance. It’s possible that resolving this issue makes life easier for both you and your horse, especially before it gets too cold to do so during the winter!
Take the Time To Improve Your Bond – Summer tends to be super busy, and we tend to let a lot of things slide in between the constant washing and caring for our horses and taking them on trail rides or to shows. Fall might be distracting in other ways (think school and holidays), but it is also the perfect time to relax into the bond with your horse. Spend quiet downtime in their stalls or just hanging out in their pastures, allowing them to grow more comfortable with your presence and just being together.
There you have it, then! I hope you have a great time participating in all of these summer-to-fall events! You can add them to your bucket list for next year if you don’t have time to cross them off this year. Please send pictures of you, your horse, and barn mates enjoying these final few weeks of warm weather, and share your greatest summertime experiences.
As always, check out my blog for more horse-related information, or check out some recent Langley area areas of interest!
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